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1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Geo/Chevrolet Metro. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Geo/Chevrolet Metro.
1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro Review
Redesigned for 1995, the Metro got a new body style, standard dual airbags, and an optional 4-cylinder engine. The front-drive Metro was built from the same design as the Suzuki Swift. A 2-door hatchback body style returned, now on a longer (93.1-inch) wheelbase. The prior 4-door hatchback was replaced by a 4-door notchback that's more than a foot longer. Both body styles came in base and upscale LSi trim. A 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine returned in the 2-door. A 70-horsepower 1.3-liter 4-cylinder was standard in the sedan and optional in the LSi hatchback. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard with both engines; 3-speed automatic optional only with the 4 cylinder. Antilock brakes were optional on all Metros.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Geo/Chevrolet Metro: Even the entry-level model could get the larger Metro engine in 1996. Otherwise, only detail revisions were evident.
1997 Geo/Chevrolet Metro: Metro's 4-cylinder engine now was standard in the LSi hatchback and 4-door, but the base 4-door model was dropped. A new option package for the LSi sedan added a split folding rear seat.
1998 Geo/Chevrolet Metro: Metro moved from now-defunct Geo to Chevrolet. It also got a more-powerful 4-cylinder engine, the requisite Chevy bow tie, and new headlamps.
1999 Geo/Chevrolet Metro: Metro saw no change for '99.
2000 Geo/Chevrolet Metro: No change was evident, except for a remote cargo-lid release added to the uplevel LSi model.
2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro: Metro was only sold in rental outlets for 2001. Some of these vehicles are now on the market as used vehicles.
1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro Road Test
Pros Cons
Optional antilock brakes Passenger room
Fuel economy Ride
Maneuverability Noise
Visibility
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Metro's light weight remains evident in the way it drives. Bumps jar the suspension and create kickback through the steering wheel. On the plus side, the Metro is more composed on the road than before. A switch to 13-inch tires (from the former 12-inchers) helps, but cornering grip remains modest, and the Metro suffers plenty of body lean. Only the 4-cylinder/manual-shift combination provides suitable acceleration for both city and highway driving--lively. Step on the gas and the Metro delivers considerable noise, but not so much progress. With an automatic transmission or the 3-cylinder engine, a Metro moves out slowly and requires plenty of room for safe passing. An LSi 4-door with automatic averaged 25.8 miles per gallon, with nearly all city and suburban commuting. That's good, but not really great. Leg room is adequate in front, but getting four adults aboard requires pushing the front seats forward. Head and leg room in the rear are adequate for two. Getting in or out of the back is difficult, on either body style. The rear seat is firm and flat. Controls are easy to see and reach. The dashboard layout is convenient, but the steering wheel sits uncomfortably high and does not adjust. Tall windows and slim roof pillars combine to produce a great view in all directions. Cargo space is generous for the car's size, and the interior offers an airy feeling. Though quieter now, a Metro is still noisy compared to most cars.
Value for the Money
All told, we rank Metro ahead of Ford's Aspire in the minicar field. It's worth a look if price is your top priority.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Geo Metro LSi auto Rating
Performance 2
Fuel Economy 8
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 2
Quietness 2
Controls/Materials 4
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 2
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 4
Total: 34
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brakes: Vehicle is susceptible to brake-pedal vibrations from warped rotor caused by uneven lug nut torque. (1995)
Brakes: Antilock Brake System (ABS) light comes on, especially in hot or humid weather, due to binding in the ABS motor pack. (1995-97)
Doors: The rear doors may not open from the outside due to a problem with the latch. (1995)
Engine misfire: Intermittent drivability problems are often due to faulty fuel-injectors electrical connectors. (1997)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $780
Alternator $470
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $480
Brakes $230
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $580
Constant Velocity Joints $640
Exhaust System $310
Radiator $420
Shocks and/or Struts $905
Timing Chain or Belt $105
NHTSA Recall History
1995 hatchback w/o ABS: On some cars, rear brake drums were incorrectly machined, causing fatigue failure of wheel studs; wheel could then separate from vehicle.
1997 w/automatic: Shift lever might appear to be in "Park," but could easily be moved to another position without use of the key, transaxle lever-detent button, or depressing the brake pedal.
1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1995
Metro $1,000-1,400 $600-800 $100
1996
Metro $1,100-1,500 $700-900 $100-200
1997
Metro $1,200-1,700 $700-1,000 $100-200
1998
Metro $1,400-1,900 $900-1,200 $200
1999
Metro $1,700-2,300 $1,100-1,500 $300
2000
Metro $2,000-2,700 $1,400-1,900 $300-500
2001
Metro $2,600-3,300 $1,900-2,400 $500-700
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 2-door hatchback 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 93.1 93.1
Overall Length, in. 149.4 164.0
Overall Width, in. 62.6 62.6
Overall Height, in. 54.7 55.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 1808 1940
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 21.9 10.3
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 10.6 10.6
Seating Capacity 4 4
Front Head Room, in. 39.1 39.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.5 42.5
Rear Head Room, in. 36.0 37.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 32.8 32.8
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Metros now came with either a 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder engine, depending on model. The 1.0-liter 3-cylinder went into 2-door models. Sedans got a standard 1.3-liter 4-cylinder, which was optional in the LSi hatchback (and later, in the LSi sedan). Either a 5-speed manual transmission or 3-speed automatic might be installed (the latter with 4-cylinder models only). For 1997, the 4-cylinder engine was standard in the LSi hatchback and 4-door.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohc I3 1.0 / 61 55 58 5-speed manual: 44/49 5-speed manual: --
ohc I4 1.3 / 79 70-79 74-75 5-speed manual: 39/43
3-speed automatic: 30/34
5-speed manual: 32.8
3-speed automatic: 25.8
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 1999 Metro 1999 Metro
Front Impact, Driver 4 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4 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%. Side-impact 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%.
Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
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