When still under warranty, the passenger-side front door window kept coming out of its track. It took three visits to the dealer before it got fixed, and even then the window never really did roll down or up properly. I finally became so frustrated that I simply stopped complaining.
Another issue was the air conditioner. Every summer for the first three years I had to take it in for repair since it wouldn't blow cold. Luckily, this was all under warranty and each time they fixed it, and told me that there was a loose cable or wire. Since that last fix it's always worked fine, and I've never even charged the freon. Not bad for a nine year old car when you think about it.
Other than the window and the air conditioner, which was all under warranty and free, there haven't ever been any major issues. This is a reliable car and has always started and drove anywhere at any time.
One small complaint is that the various plastic parts on the interior are becoming discolored-- especially around the air vents and windshield defroster. I have no idea why this is happening, and since I like to keep my cars spotless it is frustrating.
This is the most reliable car that I have ever owned, and I've owned Lincolns, Pontiacs, and Fords. And even though I'm not religious about changing the oil and making sure the car has been properly maintained, it still runs great.
These are not "pretty" cars-- they weren't nice looking cars back when they were brand new. But they are very functional and dependable, and they get more than 30 miles to the gallon, and sometimes more than 40. When I bought this car brand new, the only options I bought were air conditioning and carpeted floor mats. I had my own radio/cassette installed.
Like many others have pointed out, these cars have small engines and aren't very fast. Still, once you get up to the speed you wish to go on the highway you are fine-- they'll easily cruise on the interstate at around 70 miles per hour without any problems.
My Geo is a 5-speed with a 1.3 liter engine. I suppose automatic transmission would rob this car of much needed power, though if you live in a large city a 5-speed can be somewhat awkward.
Earlier Geo models got much higher fuel mileage ratings, you can blame the EPA for the lower MPG figures on the late-model Geo. Something about the EPA not liking the high NOx emissions caused by the lean burning OBD 1 G10 engine, so they more or less forced Suzuki and GM to redesign the 3 banger to run richer, lowering the exhaust temperature and lowering the NOx emissions (and probably extending the life of the valves), but at the same time lowering the fuel economy of the little Geo. I had a 93 4 door hatchback, and I had a real bad engine, but I got 35+ mpg in town, and mid 40's on the highway. I fully believe if my engine was in better shape, that I'd get close to 50 on the highway. I got rid of my red baby in the summer because I was mad at it, it needed a bunch of work (2 fenders, hood, head, rear brakes, shift linkage) and I didn't have any money, so I sold it. BIG mistake on my part. If I ever get my hands on another Geo (and I plan on it one day) I'll never let it go.
You basically have a Suzuki. You want the same reliability in your next car? Get a Suzuki. I will never buy any other car! I have a 5 speed 1.6L 4x4 Suzuki X-90 with all the options and 110,000 miles! It runs and sounds like new! I'm going to fix up the body (my own fault it's in the shape it is), and were the car still in production, you would think it was new if you couldn't see the mileage!
Suzuki's are OK, but the X-90 is kind of dorky looking... sort of a modern-day Nash Metropolitan...
What was the deal with the X90 anyway? As far as I'm concerned, it was just a Tracker/Sidekick with even less interior room and 2 less seats.
I own a 1995 Suzuki Swift, i.e. the same car as the originating poster. I got the car at 113,000 miles and got 46mpg measured on a trip to Canada and back. I have been fairly good about oil changes and such. It now has 179,000 miles on it and I still get 40-43mpg. It seems like it's still going strong and I fully expect to hit 250,000 miles on this thing before looking at another car. Hell, I might just look for another one with less mileage at that point.
I did have two torn CV boots at the same time (caught too late, $500 damage done), but I guess that's due to the gravel roads I drive on occasionally. Other than that, basic maintenance has kept it running smooth.
Just picked up a Suzuki X90 about 3 weeks ago. Ten years old and the engine is still in top notch condition; typical Suzuki quality.
4x4 is nice in them, as well they have one of the roomiest layouts for the passenger and driver that I've seen, at the expense not having rear seat.
The horsepower (95hp) is a little low in the, possibly the reason the engines last so long; but a K&N air filter installed has given it a nice boost in performance. Change the tires to 275 R15's, K&N filter and make sure to use some HIGH quality synthetic oil if you plan to take it up to 7000rpm when shifting. Mileage isn't the best (25City 28Highway), but everything else about them is great!
City driving to offroading, one package!
I searched every day on craigslist about 5 times a day for a deal and after 8 months I finally found one. It was a 1995 geo metro for $100. Well I gave $150 instantly and came and towed it away with a cheap $50 towbar from ebay. It needed a new clutch cable, the dipstick needed and new bolt as it was missing. Needed two new tires. I also painted the car using walmart paint and cleaned and painted the interior all black, dash, carpet, seats. Then added pads to the seat that blow air on one's back for $34 for both seats from strongidea. I had to charge the AC. Bought new belts for $15. I had to replace one axle on the car, advance auto parts $69. Painted bumpers black. I changed 5 speed transmission fluid. I resurfaced out the front windshield with a yellow cutting foam pad and toothpaste and oscillating pollisher I rented from wal-mart, cost $13 for foam pad from autogeek using coupon. I get 44mpg in city now and total cost for the car was under $380 for it. Driven it 2,500 miles already. I even bought an electric motor for it and transmission couple to go with it. This cost me $220 + $150 + 165 for it. Though, they can't be bought anymore for this cheap. surpluscenter ran out of this motor in March 2007. Though, you can get this Jack & Heintz motor on ebay for $50-70 more. search for 400 AMP Welding GENERATOR. e-volks will have the other stuff, maybe. They may have quit selling the adapters, just ask. Got to cut of external gear from axle, then hammer back into motor. It only takes one nut on the rear flange to remove axle, then tap out with hammer.
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