1997 Geo Metro LSi review from North America

Fuel sending unit in gas tank.

Window mechanism.

Heater/ac switch failure.

Complete ac failure.

I drive a 1997 Metro LSI, four door, with 76,000 miles on it. It is that weird purple-blue color. It has AC, power steering and an AM/FM radio as equipment.

I bought it as an "airport car" as I work at the airport. I paid $3000 for the little beast. While I had a really nice car that I drove on my days off, I increasingly drove the Metro for the fun of it. The Metro ended up being my regular car after I sold my nice car to a relative who needed a newer car quick and cheap. I realized that I drove Metroliner (that's its name) everywhere I went anyway. I have had mine for almost four years now, I have driven it on two trips that were over 350 miles each way. For work, I drove it 125 miles, each way, once or twice a week for two and a half years.

I have exactly the same problems everybody else has. My window tanked last year (thanks to everyone's advice, I am just going to live with it). The AC/heater switch has been slowly failing for the past year as well and only works intermittently (I am going to tear it apart and see if some of the other advice works). The A/C does not blow cold at all. There is a rattling noise coming from the front wheels - most likely the wheel bearings.

I get over 40 MPG on the highway, 25-30 in town. It has started every time I asked it to. I have only done oil changes on the car (every 5000 miles). It has never had a tune up.

I must say, I have owned dozens of car in my life. I grew up on big GMs and Mercedes, I have owned/driven all manner of sports cars, sedans, trucks and SUVs. Cars are my second biggest hobby. I still love my little Metro. I love the jokes people make about it. I like the odd looks people give it. I keep thinking I will buy a new car, but have found nothing I can afford that offers the same balance of practicality, reliability, charm, personality and fun. All of my friends think I am nuts.

I think all us Metro owners should start flashing our lights to each other (like other odd ball car owners do) as a sign of solidarity!