1996 Geo Metro

Summary:

Simple, Fun, Efficient Transportation

Faults:

Headlight Switch Failed: The Metro is equipped with Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) which turn on when the E-Brake is retracted. My headlight switch has never functioned, but the DRL's do provide adequate light at any speed, so this hasn't been an issue.

Fan Switch Failed: The 5-position fan speed control switch only activates the fan in the last two settings. No biggie... these settings are fine for me.

CV Joints: My CV joints have recently started making some clicking noise (165,000 miles) and will need to be replaced soon.

Headliner: The fabric headliner separated from it's foam backing over the last year and began sagging into the cabin headspace. I simply removed all the fabric and left the backing foam sheet in place... looks fine to my eyes!

General Comments:

It's funny, reading through my list of "what has gone wrong" you might think this is a poor choice in cars. However, my opinion is quite the opposite.

The car has been mechanically reliable and dependable, only requiring oil changes and the occasional fuel-up. In a mix of in-town and freeway driving I average 50MPG!

Even better, the car provides surprisingly good room (driver and passenger) for such a small car. The seats are comfortable, controls easy to find and intuitive to use, visibility good in all directions.

My passengers are always surprised to find that a 3-cylinder car can be so "spunky". The Metro does handle well!

Overall, I'm pleased to own such an efficient, easy to work on, well-designed and cheap-to-own little car.

I think of this vehicle as a two-seater motorcycle with the added bonus of plenty of storage, lockable doors, air bags, a windshield and a heater. From that perspective, this GEO rocks!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th June, 2006

1996 Geo Metro Sedan LSi 1.3

Summary:

Geo's are good little cars

Faults:

Headliner is falling down everywhere

Dash has faded horribly

Fan switch only works on 3 of the 4 settings

Paint faded on trunk lid

Auto transmission does not want to go when steering wheel is turned sharp to the left??

General Comments:

This is a great little car. I have not had to replace one part under the hood the entire time I have owned the car. I have changed the timing belt and had the oil changed every 5000 miles or so that's it. Brakes on the other hand I have went through quickly, but that's my fault for riding the brakes and always getting the 99 dollar cheap skate brake service. The air on this car still works very well, if I can get the broken vents to point at me that is. Besides the whole transmission thing I still love the car even though cosmetically its falling apart. I forgot to mention the wheel covers... I think they are just dissolving over time all the color is gone and its seems to be getting worse each year. The engine is very loud and coarse in this little car the harder you press the gas the louder it gets, but you aren't going any faster. Speeds about 50mph and the engine is very loud, going on the interstate requires the radio turned way up to drown out the engines roaring. I'm sure if it had a tachometer it would be reeving at least 5 or 6000 rpm. I think everything on the road is faster than my little Metro. I can't imagine having the 3-cylinder engine with automatic that must be horrific. Anyway I would recommend this car to someone who just needs something for going to point a to point b. Luckily the car is very cute and that makes up for some of its downfalls.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th March, 2006

24th Apr 2009, 14:18

Hi, just informing you that the 3 cylinder metro was not offered in automatic. The 3 cyl. only had the 5 speed, which was a good idea, I can't imagine what that would sound like with the auto trans. I currently own a 96 metro with a 4 cyl. auto and I love it.

15th Nov 2015, 22:45

In the early 90s Geo had a 3 cylinder automatic. I was about to buy a new Geo, but decided to get the Ford Festiva. It was a better car.