1990 Geo Metro XFI from North America - Comments

This car had over 100,000 miles when I got it and of course a few parts needed attention.

I replaced the muffler and resonator and the exhaust pipes from the catalytic converter to the tail pipe because they were rusted out.

I have replaced the battery, spark plugs, radiator hoses, a few heater hoses, and the fuel filter.

When I got the car it had a problem with filling the fuel tank. The vent on the fuel tank was pinched and would cause the fuel to spray back at you unless you filled very, very slowly. I found that the manufacturer or a repairman had pinched the vent hose under the tank and after I routed it correctly that problem was solved.

All of the repairs I have made on this car I would expect to make on a 10-year-old car, except for the fuel vent repair, and so I still give the car high reliability and low maintenance cost marks.

The Metro paid for itself in the first year I had it. I keep track of the fuel and maintenance costs on all of my cars and compared to the other cars I have and cars I have sold this one has saved me enough money to buy 2 more 10-year-old Metros.

It drives very well. Of course a 3 cylinder 1.0 liter motor doesn't rocket you down the street like a Dodge 318ci V8 or even a larger 4 cylinder Toyota or Honda, but they can't come close to 49mpg city and 56mpg highway fuel economy.

The seats are comfortable and I can haul 4 people and a week of groceries easily. I have even carried a band saw, it's stand, and a 5-foot foosball table with the back seats folded down.

I recommend using the best fuel that can be found (like Chevron or equivalent) to keep the fuel injector clean. I have used good fuel until this year when a local discount warehouse installed a fuel station and their prices are so much lower that I changed my mind and started fueling there. After 3 or 4 tanks my car started stalling while not fully warmed up. It took 2 $9 bottles of good fuel system cleaner to restore the injector to it's proper functioning. The cheap gas cost a lot more when adding $18 to the cost. Pay a little extra at the pump and save a lot in repair cost!

A cruise control and air conditioner has been installed in this car after the factory. Both have really made owning the car a pleasure. The cruise and air work great and I personally hate cars that don't have them. It's hard to find a Metro XFI that has both of these options. I don't know if cruise is even a factory option especially with a manual transmission.

To sum up, I love this car. When this car dies I will be looking for another one. I am looking now because I would rather invest in a spare Metro than be without one.

I also Own a Geo. Purchase new in 1992. Over 100,500 miles and still doesn't use Oil. Gas Mileage?? Runs for ever on a Tank of Gas, Have had over 60 miles per gallon. A few dents, But Love My Geo. H Hines Mt. View, Mo.

Hi.

I bought my 1990 Geo Metro 2 door hatch back 1.0L 3 cylinder 5 speed. Standard carburetor intake. The original engine now has over 250,000 miles on it!

Runs very smooth. Gets 40-50mpg.

Back latches broke, side mirrors knocked off, also 2 front wiper buttons popped off.

The clutch was rebuilt at 130,000 miles, timing belt 150,000 miles, 3 alternators, 3 sets of plugs, 1 reducer, 4 mufflers.

I've been running it on Arco gas most of the time.

Tires are the cheapest you can get! Just change the oil when its dirty. Blow off the air cleaner.

Great car, hope to get another one soon (manual 3 cyl standard carb)

If this same car model was put into production again, I would not hesitate a purchase another.

I also bought my 4-dr hatchback new in 1992. I got it 'cause it was cheap, and grew to love it.

It has 294,000 km (182,000) miles on it, and apart from the normal repair stuff it hasn't cost me squat.

My wife and teenage son love it, and even when she drove a new

Cavalier I would rather drive my car than hers.

I replaced one alternator, two timing belts, one water pump, and the driver's seat (as a field tech, I got in and out 30+ times a day). Short of keyless entry and a better stereo, I couldn't ask for much. ps, I'll also be looking for a replacement Metro when this one dies, unless I get a low mileage J-spec drivetrain replacement. ;)

I purchased a "well used" 1994 Metro about a month ago in hopes of increasing my fuel efficiency. Did it ever work! I'm bumping 50 MPG driving 120 + miles per day.

For the person who has add on cruise control -- Do you know the brand? I would like to have it on mine.

Congrats on that Metro!! These are truly mileage champs and grossly UNDER RATED. I had the opportunity back in '95 to buy a nice red '93 Metro with only 30,000 miles on it for $1800. Boy, do I wish I had the opportunity to get one like that now.

A mechanic friend of ours is buying old Metros and fixing them up to resell. He will probably have a waiting list for them. They are simple, easy to fix, and beat everything but $30,000 hybrids on gas mileage. I'm wishing I had the space to park another car (we have 3 now) because I'd love to buy, rebuild and customize a Metro as my errand-running car.