1997 Geo Metro Base Model review from North America

I purchased this car from a small hole-in-the-wall local used car lot, had to do a lot of fix up work to it to get it up to snuff. Since then, over the last couple of years it has been totally reliable.

A couple of things do require special attention; this engine uses some oil, so the EGR valve and passages have to be cleared out on a regular basis. I remove the valve every 2500 miles, lightly scrape the carbon out that I can, then blow compressed air into it and the manifold passages. If this is not done, and the carbon is allowed to build up, it will plug the EGR and burn the exhaust valves, according to what I read.

The 5 speed manual trans also must have the expensive GM Synthetic Synchromesh trans oil, or a good equivalent. My car had the wrong trans oil in it from the used car lot, and the shifting was very balky and noisy; from what I understand, it will eventually destroy the synchros if the wrong oil is left in there. Once I got the GM stuff into it, shifts smooth as silk.

I bought the car just after hurricane Rita, and I started to see where gas prices were going.

Very basic car, had to add a radio. I live in Michigan, where we have snow and salt storms, but the car itself was just in from California. Body, outside of scratches and dents is perfect. The used car lot put some money into the car, rebuilt trans, drive shafts, brakes, interior door panels and tires.

The interior for some reason was completely trashed, I've replaced just about all of it, mostly from ebay, over time. Since then, the car has delivered everything I've asked for.

Though not exactly a race car, it's been reliable, fun to drive, and of course, great gas mileage. Low to mid 40's in cooler weather, high 40's in heat of summer, and long highway trips have seen 52-53 mpg. Can't ask for more. Great little car.