1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro
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1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro ▼
- Price Range: $600 - $2,200
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Maneuverability
- Optional antilock brakes
- Visibility
Cons
- Passenger room
- Noise
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 34 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro.
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.
Our road test for the 1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro is right for you.
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
Our reliability study for this generation Geo/Chevrolet Metro includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Geo/Chevrolet Metro .
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 |
Our price chart for this generation Geo/Chevrolet Metro details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2001 | |||
| Metro | $2,300-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $400-600 |
| 2000 | |||
| Metro | $1,800-2,500 | $1,200-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1999 | |||
| Metro | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1998 | |||
| Metro | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1997 | |||
| Metro | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1996 | |||
| Metro | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1995 | |||
| Metro | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Geo/Chevrolet Metro include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| 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 |
| ohc I3 | 1.0 / 61 | 55 | 58 | 5-speed manual: 44/49 | 5-speed manual: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Geo/Chevrolet Metro include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Metro |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1995-2001 Geo/Chevrolet Metro directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
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.
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