1990-1994 Geo Metro: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Fuel economy
- Maneuverability
- Price
Cons
- Refinement/size/weight
- Noise
Vehicle Highlights
Marketed as a Geo by Chevrolet dealers, the Metro was built for General Motors by Suzuki. Both 2-door and longer 4-door hatchbacks were available. Metros carried a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder engine that developed a modest 55 horsepower. Base models first came only with a 5-speed manual gearbox. A 3-speed automatic was available on the upscale LSi. For 1990, the economy-leading model got an XFi designation. The XFi was the only model not available as a 4-door, and could not be equipped with an automatic transmission. Its engine developed less power. Also, A 2-seat convertible with a driver-side airbag and manual folding top appeared.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Geo Metro 2-door 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 1 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 1 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 26 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Geo Metro includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Geo Metro and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Geo Metro is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
While the Metro might be worth considering if you need a gas-miserly budget-mobile, we recommend that you shop for a more substantial car. Convertibles are fun, but they share demerits with other Metros.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Geo Metro 2-door 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 1 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 1 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 26 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $780 |
| Alternator | $540 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $790 |
| Brakes | $240 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $580 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $615 |
| Exhaust System | $280 |
| Radiator | $320 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $890 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $190 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1994 | |||
| Metro | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1993 | |||
| Convertible | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Metro | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1992 | |||
| Convertible | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Metro | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1991 | |||
| Convertible | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Metro | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1990 | |||
| Convertible | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Metro | $0 | $0 | $0 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door hatchback | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 89.2 | 89.2 | 93.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 147.4 | 147.4 | 151.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 62.7 | 62.0 | 62.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.0 | 52.4 | 53.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 1753 | 1650 | 1694 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 6.4 | 29.1 | 31.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 10.6 | 10.6 | 10.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.6 | 37.8 | 38.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | 36.5 | 38.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | 29.8 | 32.6 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I3 | 1.0 / 61 | 49 | NA | 5-speed manual: 53/58 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| ohc I3 | 1.0 / 61 | 52-55 | 56-58 | 5-speed manual: 46/49 3-speed automatic: 36/39 |
5-speed manual: 39.5 3-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 Metro |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








