Geo Metro: Price, Mileage, Features, Specs, Variants, Engine, Interior, History & More

Brief Introduction of Geo Metro

The Geo Metro was a subcompact car renowned for its exceptional fuel economy and affordable price point. A result of a joint venture between General Motors (GM) and Suzuki, the Metro was essentially a rebadged Suzuki Cultus. It was marketed under GM’s Geo brand, which specialized in small, foreign-sourced vehicles. Available in various body styles including hatchback, sedan, and convertible, the Metro appealed to budget-conscious consumers and commuters. Throughout its production, the car spanned multiple generations and received several updates, offering different variants that prioritized either maximum fuel efficiency or slightly more comfort and features. Its simple mechanics and lightweight design made it a noteworthy vehicle in the economy car segment of its era.

Geo Metro Overview

Generations and History of Geo Metro

The Geo Metro was produced as a joint effort between General Motors and Suzuki, based on the Suzuki Cultus. It was sold under the Geo brand from 1989 to 1997. Following the discontinuation of the Geo brand, the model was absorbed into Chevrolet’s lineup and sold as the Chevrolet Metro from 1998 to 2001.

First Generation (1989-1994)

The first-generation Geo Metro was introduced for the 1989 model year, replacing the Chevrolet Sprint. Initially, the vehicles were produced in Japan, but starting in 1990, most North American models were built at CAMI Automotive in Canada. This generation was available as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback and, from 1990, a 2-door convertible. The primary engine was a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine. Several trims were offered, including a base model, an upscale LSi, and the highly efficient XFi, which was stripped of certain features to maximize fuel economy. The XFi model was known for achieving nearly 60 MPG on the highway.

Second Generation (1995-2001)

The second generation debuted for the 1995 model year with a significant redesign, featuring more modern, rounded, and aerodynamic styling. This new generation included standard dual airbags and optional anti-lock brakes to improve safety. The 5-door hatchback was replaced by a 4-door sedan, which joined the 3-door hatchback in the lineup. While the 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine remained for the base hatchback, a more powerful 70-horsepower, 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine became standard in sedans and optional in LSi hatchbacks. In 1998, the Geo brand was dissolved, and the car was renamed the Chevrolet Metro. The Chevrolet version received a facelift with new front and rear fascias and an upgraded 1.3L 4-cylinder engine that produced 79 hp.

Third Generation

There was no official third generation of the Geo Metro. The model line ended with the second generation’s lifecycle. After being rebranded as a Chevrolet, it continued with minor updates until its final year of production in 2001. The successor in the General Motors lineup was the Chevrolet Aveo, a vehicle based on the Daewoo Kalos.

Latest Generation

The Geo Metro is a discontinued model and is not currently in production. The last model was produced in 2001 under the Chevrolet brand. There are no currently available versions.

Geo Metro Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Geo Metro Variants and Features

The Geo Metro was offered in several variants catering to different priorities:

• XFi: This was the most fuel-efficient variant, available only as a 3-door hatchback with a manual transmission. It used a slightly detuned 49-horsepower version of the 1.0L 3-cylinder engine with a higher gear ratio and other modifications to achieve its remarkable MPG ratings. It was very basic, often lacking features like a passenger-side mirror.
• Base/Metro: The standard model was available in hatchback and sedan forms. It came with the standard 1.0L 3-cylinder engine (in hatchbacks) or the 1.3L 4-cylinder (in sedans). Features were minimal, in line with its role as a budget-friendly vehicle.
• LSi: This was the top-tier trim level, offering more comfort and convenience features. LSi models often included body-colored bumpers, a trip odometer, intermittent wipers, and an available automatic transmission. The convertible model was only offered in the LSi trim. The LSi sedan and later LSi hatchbacks came standard with the more powerful 1.3L 4-cylinder engine.

Interior features across all generations were basic, with cloth seats and manual controls for windows and locks being the standard. Higher trims offered features like a remote trunk/hatch release. The second generation brought a more modern interior design and the significant addition of dual airbags as standard equipment. Infotainment was limited to a basic AM/FM radio, with some models offering a cassette player.

Geo Metro Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The Geo Metro was never designed for high performance, but for efficiency. The driving experience was defined by its light weight and small engines.

• 1.0L 3-Cylinder (G10): This was the hallmark engine for the Metro, especially the first generation. It produced between 49 and 55 horsepower. Paired with the 5-speed manual transmission, it provided adequate acceleration for city driving but could feel underpowered on the highway, especially with the 3-speed automatic. The engine was known for its distinctive three-cylinder sound.
• 1.3L 4-Cylinder (G13): Introduced with the second generation, this engine offered 70 horsepower, which was a noticeable improvement. It made the sedan and LSi hatchback more capable of keeping up with highway traffic. In 1998, as the Chevrolet Metro, this engine was updated with a 16-valve SOHC design, boosting power to 79 hp.

The Metro’s lightweight and compact dimensions made it very maneuverable and easy to park. The ride quality was firm, and due to a lack of sound insulation, road and engine noise were prominent in the cabin. Handling was predictable for an economy car, but it was not intended for spirited driving.

Geo Metro Pricing and Mileage

The Geo Metro’s primary selling points were its low price and high mileage. The original MSRP for the 1989 model year started as low as $5,995. By 1995, the redesigned base model started at around $8,395, with the top-tier LSi sedan reaching close to $9,800. This pricing made it one of the most affordable new cars in the United States.

Fuel efficiency was the Metro’s standout feature. The XFi variant was a champion of its time, with EPA ratings of 53 MPG in the city and 58 MPG on the highway. Standard 1.0L models with a manual transmission could regularly achieve mileage in the mid-40s. The 1.3L 4-cylinder was slightly less efficient but still offered excellent fuel economy for its class, typically in the high 30s to low 40s MPG. Real-world mileage often met or exceeded these figures, making running costs exceptionally low.

Geo Metro Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The design of the first-generation Metro was simple and boxy, typical of late 1980s economy cars. The second-generation brought a more aerodynamic and rounded look that was contemporary for the mid-1990s. The 1998 refresh for the Chevrolet Metro further updated the front and rear aesthetics.

A variety of colors were offered over the years, including:

• Bright Red
• White
• Silver Metallic
• Bright Blue Metallic
• Azurite Blue Metallic
• Woodland Green Metallic
• Super Grape Metallic

Dimensions varied slightly between body styles. The 3-door hatchback had a wheelbase of 89.2 inches, while the second-generation hatchback and sedan used a longer 93.1-inch wheelbase. Overall length ranged from about 147 inches for the hatchback to 164 inches for the sedan. The car’s small footprint and light curb weight (often under 1,800 lbs) were key to its efficiency and nimble handling.

Geo Metro Safety Features

Safety features on the Geo Metro were minimal, especially in the first generation, reflecting the standards of its time for economy cars. The second generation, starting in 1995, marked a significant improvement in safety.

• Airbags: Dual frontal airbags became standard on all models starting in 1995.
• ABS / EBD: An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was an optional feature on second-generation models.
• Electronic Stability Control: This technology was not available on the Geo Metro.
• Crash Test Ratings: NHTSA ratings for the second-generation Metro were respectable for its class. The 1995 model, for example, earned a 4-star rating for both driver and front passenger in frontal crash tests. However, due to its small size and light weight, its performance in real-world collisions with larger vehicles was a concern.
• Other advanced safety systems: Second-generation models featured safety cage construction with deformable crush zones and steel side-impact door beams. Daytime running lights also became a standard feature.

Geo Metro Infotainment and Connectivity

As a budget-focused economy car, the Geo Metro’s infotainment and connectivity options were very basic. The standard system was a simple AM/FM radio. Some higher trim levels or optional packages included a cassette player. There were no advanced features like CD players in early models, touchscreen displays, navigation, or Bluetooth, as these technologies were not common in economy cars during the Metro’s production run. The audio system typically consisted of two or four basic speakers. For modern users, the standard single-DIN radio slot makes upgrading to a newer head unit with Bluetooth and USB capabilities a relatively straightforward process.

Geo Metro Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owners of the Geo Metro have consistently praised its incredible fuel efficiency, low purchase price, and simple, low-cost maintenance. Many owners reported achieving over 40 or even 50 MPG consistently, leading to significant savings on fuel. Its mechanical simplicity meant that many repairs could be done by the owner, and parts were generally inexpensive. Common praises often highlight its surprising reliability and longevity, with many Metros lasting for over 200,000 miles with regular maintenance.

Common complaints typically center on its lack of power, especially the 3-cylinder models, which could struggle on hills or during highway merging. The interior was often described as noisy and made of cheap plastics. Another significant issue, particularly for cars in colder climates, was a propensity for rust. The car’s small size and light weight, while great for efficiency, were also a source of concern regarding safety in an accident. Despite these drawbacks, a high percentage of owners recommend the vehicle, especially for those prioritizing economy above all else.

Geo Metro Comparison with Similar Cars

The Geo Metro competed in the subcompact economy class against other affordable small cars of its era.

• Ford Festiva/Aspire: Like the Metro, the Ford Festiva (and its successor, the Aspire) was a small, fuel-efficient hatchback. The Metro often held an advantage in ultimate fuel economy, particularly with the XFi model. Both cars were comparable in terms of basic features and performance, though some reviews found the Metro to be a slightly better-built vehicle than the Aspire.
• Hyundai Excel/Accent: The Hyundai Excel (and later, the Accent) was another key competitor, often offering a slightly lower price or more standard features. However, early Hyundais suffered from a reputation for poor reliability, which often made the mechanically simpler and Suzuki-engineered Metro a more dependable choice.
• Toyota Tercel: The Tercel was often considered a step up in quality and reliability from the Metro, but it also came with a higher price tag. The Metro offered better fuel economy, but the Tercel provided a more refined driving experience and better interior materials.

Overall, the Geo Metro’s primary advantage was always its class-leading mileage and low cost of ownership, which often outweighed its shortcomings in performance, refinement, and features when compared to its rivals.

Geo Metro Awards and Recognition

• American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE): The second-generation Chevrolet Metro and its sibling, the Suzuki Swift, were named the top two gasoline-fueled vehicles in the ACEEE’s “Top 12 Greenest Vehicles” list for 1998 and 1999.

Interesting Facts about Geo Metro

• The Geo brand itself was a GM creation to market small, imported cars from Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki, Toyota, and Isuzu.
• The high-efficiency XFi model achieved its incredible mileage through several tricks, including a leaner fuel map, a higher final drive ratio, and one fewer compression ring on its pistons compared to the standard 1.0L engine.
• Due to its extremely light weight, the Geo Metro became a popular candidate for electric vehicle (EV) conversion projects.
• In a 2009 Car and Driver test, a 1998 Chevrolet Metro tied a contemporary Toyota Prius for the best overall fuel economy at 42 MPG.

Geo Metro Legacy and Influence

The Geo Metro’s legacy is defined by its unwavering focus on fuel economy. During its time, and especially during periods of high gas prices, it was a symbol of frugal, practical transportation. It demonstrated that a simple, lightweight design paired with a small, efficient engine could deliver mileage figures that even modern hybrids struggled to match for many years. While often the subject of jokes for its slow speed and basic nature, the Metro built a loyal following among hypermilers and budget-conscious drivers. Its sales peaked in the early 90s, but waned as consumer preference in North America shifted towards larger vehicles. The decline in sales and the dissolution of the Geo brand ultimately led to its discontinuation. However, it remains a cult classic and a benchmark for gasoline-powered vehicle efficiency.

Geo Metro Global Availability

The Geo Metro was primarily a North American product, sold in the United States and Canada. However, the platform it was based on, the Suzuki Cultus, was a global car. This means that versions of the Metro were available worldwide under different names and brands.

• Canada: In Canada, the car was also sold as the Pontiac Firefly and Chevrolet Sprint, which were mechanically identical to the Metro.
• Global Markets: As the Suzuki Cultus, the car was sold in Japan, Europe, Asia, and other markets. In India, it was famously known as the Maruti 1000. Production of the platform continued for many years in countries like Pakistan.

Models sold in North America were primarily left-hand drive. The 1989 models were manufactured in Japan, but from 1990 onward, the majority of Metros for the U.S. and Canada were built at the CAMI Automotive plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, a joint venture between GM and Suzuki.

Geo Metro Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Ownership costs for the Geo Metro were among the lowest of any car. Its excellent fuel economy resulted in minimal spending at the pump. Maintenance was also very affordable due to its simple engineering. Basic service intervals were typically recommended every 7,500 miles, consisting of an oil change and inspections. Major services, including potential timing belt changes, were required at higher mileage intervals. Because of its straightforward design, many owners could perform routine maintenance themselves. Spare parts were once plentiful and cheap, though now, due to the car’s age, some specific components can be harder to find. The original bumper-to-bumper warranty was typically for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Due to its age, the resale value of a Geo Metro is now primarily dependent on its condition rather than mileage, with well-preserved examples becoming collector’s items for enthusiasts of economy cars.

Final Words about Geo Metro

The Geo Metro was an unapologetically simple and economical car that perfectly fulfilled its mission: to provide reliable, high-mileage transportation at an extremely low cost. It was never designed to be fast, luxurious, or stylish, but it excelled in efficiency. For a generation of students, commuters, and budget-conscious families, the Metro was the right car at the right time. Its combination of a lightweight frame and a tiny 3-cylinder engine created a formula for fuel savings that remains impressive to this day. While it has been out of production for decades, the Geo Metro’s legacy as a hyper-efficient, no-frills vehicle endures. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the most innovative engineering is that which achieves the most with the least.