1990 Chevrolet Metro XFI unleaded from North America

Summary:

The little engine that could... and still does

Faults:

Timing belt broke in first couple years.

Passenger inside door handle broke.

Dash and anything plastic has cracked and/or faded.

Hit an antelope in 2001 and had to replace hood and driver's side front fender.

The interior hood release broke, now takes two people to open.

Headlight button on dash popped off and have to shove finger onto contacts to turn lights on.

The hatch back latch only shuts after slamming repeatedly.

General Comments:

The car is just basic transportation: no air conditioning, no radio, no left-side mirror, no cigarette lighter (no cell phone adapter).

Has never been good on steep hills or passing.

Brand new we got 65 mpg and still average 45 to 50 mpg.

Never been garaged -- we live where summer reaches 115 degrees and winter drops to -50 below zero, usually -20 to -30.

Unless the snow is way above the front bumper, this little car will plow through with front wheel drive.

When our four boys were much younger (and child restraint laws non-existent where we live) we would all pile into the car (mom + dad + 4 = 6) throw sleeping bags and suitcases in the hatch and go a hundred miles to visit Grandma for the weekend.

This was the first car we bought as a couple and my husband still drives it to work 35 miles round trip, weather (i.e.: snow drifts, black ice, blizzards, etc.) permitting.

When we first had this car we would get a Geo Metro newsletter in the mail. Everyone loved the little car that had great mpg. Why can't the car manufacturers even come close to what these little warriors are still capable of getting? 50 mpg!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th January, 2008

19th Jan 2008, 15:42

It's amazing how well Suzuki built the Metro... try getting all that out of a piece of junk Chevy Aveo. ;)

1990 Chevrolet Metro 3 Cylinder from North America

Summary:

Reliable car

Faults:

I purchased the car at around 45,000 miles and drove it for about 103,000 miles. I had to have the timing belt and clutch replaced when the vehicle hit around 100,000 on the odometer (normal maintenance). The drivers seat also became very uncomfortable and needed to be replaced at around 100,000 miles. At around 148,000 miles the catalytic converter went and that is when I decided the car was just too old and needed to go. Water pump blew up for the next owner not too long after that (good thing I gave him the car).

General Comments:

I drove this vehicle for about eight years without having to put a lot of money into it. I got around 45 miles per gallon highway mileage. I liked it a lot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th May, 2006

1st Jan 2007, 08:25

I am making a commentary on my own review of the 1990 Geo Metro. One thing I also didn't mention that I should have is since it did have a three cylinder engine the car didn't have a lot of power. Obviously how much power are you going to get out of a three cylinder engine anyway? But the miles per gallon were unbeatable on this car.

11th Jan 2008, 22:52

If you want power, buy a bigger car! Chevy screwed the Geo when they gave it more power. A 4 cylinder automatic has poor mileage, and it is difficult to work on it when your hand can't fit (because of the extra cylinder).