1993 Geo Metro 1.0L from North America

Summary:

One word: MILEAGE!

Faults:

Timing belt went @ 143000.

TBI flooded cylinders @ 149000, re-rung, replaced TBI, also valve job from timing belt slap.

2nd set of tires @ 159000 (upped to 13" wheels, 175 70 13's)

General Comments:

Fantastic mileage!! Even running 85MPH on the highway, I still got 34MPG. If I keep it under 70MPH on the highway part of my commute, I get around 43MPG. I peaked out (on the old wheels/tires) at a hair under 55MPG on one trip.

Good commuter car if you want NO frills. The interior definitely adds to the fatigue factor on long trips. Have run it from Chicago to Vegas and back, only down to second gear once going uphill in the mountains, her tongue was definitely hanging out on that one. Needs new shocks, but who wants to pay for them??

Practical car, even fun at times, definitely a strong runner!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st November, 2005

1993 Geo Metro 1-L 3-cylinder from North America

Summary:

Great car -- start making them again

Faults:

The exhaust resonator developed a hole in it after 140,000 miles.

General Comments:

I bought this car new for $7,000 in 1993, and it has been the most enjoyable, reliable, and economical automobile I have ever owned. After 161,000 miles, I am still getting over 50 miles per gallon. I regret that this 3-cylinder car is no longer being produced, because I would gladly buy another one.

I have done almost nothing to it except change the oil every 3,000 miles. All the mechanical components of the car are still original... the starter, clutch, alternator, A/C system, fuel pump, etc. are all still operating perfectly.

At 100,000 miles I had the belts and hoses changed because I was getting nervous since I had never had any of those components last that long on my other cars, domestic or foreign.

Sets of tires seem to last about 60,000 miles, and then it costs next to nothing to replace them.

After twelve years, the body paint is just starting to show fading; and I blame myself for not washing/waxing it as I should have.

People use to laugh at my little Metro... but now that a gallon of gas is $3.00, it is I who laugh the loudest.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 2005

12th Sep 2005, 18:50

All these great reviews on the Metro have made me start looking for one. I will certainly be happy to park my gas-drunken Aerostar for this 50 mpg wonder.

Not to mention that the Metro actually looks better than the Aerostar too.

16th Oct 2005, 01:21

I also have a '93, and adore it, thought it's not the most comfortable ride ever and could really stand to have A/C.

Poor girl... she didn't used to get a lot of respect, but she sure is looking more and more appealing to people now that gas is upwards of $3 a gallon. I'd own another in a heartbeat.

11th Nov 2006, 18:32

I told a Metro driver at a gas station that I was keeping my eye on his Metro, as the Big SUV/4X4 pickup crowd that was laughing a year ago now wanted to steal a Metro.

When the pols wanted to do dumb 'band aid' responses to hig gas demand/prices, I noticed a guy in a Metro. His work commute was 70mi each way, and there was no way he could do that in a rednecky pickup and still eat. I later found out that he had seven Metros at home, and was set for life. No tax credits, no government program... just a bit of common sense to keep expenses less than income.

Crash safety? I have a motorcycle licence. Motorcyclists know that they can't depend on the 'other guy' to look out for cycle riders. My geriatric Volvo 240 says 'you want a piece of me?' to the largest SUV, but the best way to survive a crash is to avoid it all together.

9th Jul 2007, 14:08

GM does make a similar car only uglier. Its called the Aveo.