1997 Geo Metro LSi review from North America

The air conditioning/heating system in the car has been a minor annoyance. While it has not yet quit entirely, it appears that a contact in the switch is going bad, because I have to jiggle the switch to make the blower come on.

The only other money I have spent on the car has been regular maintenance--tires, exhaust, brakes, etc. I think the rotors may be on the weak side, because mine always seem to be a little warped (pulsing is felt in the brake pedal).

My previous car was a modified 1977 Chevy Camaro that was powered by a 350 horsepower V8. The Metro quite a change, but I have not regretted purchasing the car. It has been incredibly reliable--I have been stranded only once in three years of ownership, and it was my own fault. The battery was going bad and I ignored the problem until it was too late.

The car is not powerful, but the four cylinder model makes sufficient power to merge with traffic safely (I suspect that the smaller three cylinder engine would not make adequate power to safely merge in interstate traffic).

The cabin is almost entirely windows (mine is a hatchback model), and there is no discernable blind spot.

The Metro handles surprisingly well, and it's roadholding ability in winter driving conditions has pleasantly surprised me.

Creature comforts are lacking, although what do you expect in a Metro? There are no power locks, windows, or power steering. My only complaint here is that the seats are not comfortable for longer drives. I wouldn't recommend planning to take it on a five hour trip; I did this once and could barely walk when I arrived at my destination.

With a tailwind the car once gave me 40mpg on the highway, although I seem to average between 33 and 37 miles per gallon on the highway and 29-33 in town.