1994 Geo Metro Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
I now own five of these cars (four drivers in the household), after selling one to my brother, one to my father-in-law (he got the convertible), and using one for parts after the automatic transmission went out. I believe enough in these cars that I've gone from Illinois to Minnesota, Ohio, Georgia and Texas to pick them up after buying them using online auctions. If you're going to buy a 1993 or 1994 Geo, get one with a 3 cylinder engine and 5 speed manual transmission. The automatic transmissions just strain too hard at highway speeds, and pull the gas mileage down as well. The only problem with these vehicles (assuming you avoid contact with bigger vehicles) is that they will nickel and dime you constantly. My main problems have been (1) rear wheel bearings going bad (giving a gravelly sound that changes pitch as you accelerate; easy to replace), (2) alternators squealing (which means your belt is a little too loose- tighten it or fry your belt and your alternator), (3) mufflers that rust out every two years (lifetime warrantied, so I keep going back for replacements), (4) front door windows that don't want to go up and down easily (I haven't found a permanent fix for that yet), (5) front door handles that wear out, allowing the springs to gouge your fingers (also not too difficult to replace). (6) rearview mirrors with day/night pivots that break (7) turn signal handles that break off and have to be screwed back on (8) air control fins and controls that get dirty and don't want to move properly unless removed and cleaned. None of this is a problem if you like tinkering with your car (and have a place to do it in the winter!). Plus, there are a number of people selling parts online, so you don't even have to have access to a junkyard. The 12" tires are no longer loss leaders at $18 each; it looks like I'll now have to pay $38 each, with only one company identified that still makes the P145/80R12s and P155R12 alternative size. So why do I like these cars so much? (1) An incredibly reliable engine. The car can keep running at highway speed without overheating, even if the alternator belt (which is also the water pump belt) breaks. I've now proven this twice over- before learning to tighten up the belt when it starts squeaking). (2) Wondrous gas mileage- over 50 MPG in the winter with the XFi, over 35 MPG with the non-XFi. 45+ MPG for either configuration in the summer, with the manual transmission (don't get an automatic!). (3) They are inexpensive cars to purchase and inexpensive to maintain (at least if you're doing it yourself). So in the quest for good, fast and cheap (any two of three), the Geo Metros give you good and cheap, and even fast, if you don't mind the relatively slow acceleration rate. Yes, the manual transmission in 5th gear can do 75 indefinitely. What to watch out for if buying one? (1) Check out the undercarriage where the suspension attaches to the frame, and also of the arch through which the drive axles run. The number one killer of these cars is catastrophic rust-out of the front end. (2) Check out all the things I mentioned above- chances are that more than one of them will need to be cared for. Happy driving!
VS
Critical Review
The Geo is still pretty darn cute, but does need some work. Its check engine light is on and its roof top needs paint, but still gets over 40 miles to the gallon and would be a great get around town car.
1994 Metro Reviews
Showing 8 of 94 reviews.
this joke to society cant go faster then 80 MPH meanwhile a VW bettle can overtake this joke so pls dont buy this its so bad at being fast
The Geo is still pretty darn cute, but does need some work. Its check engine light is on and its roof top needs paint, but still gets over 40 miles to the gallon and would be a great get around town car.
FUN TO DRIVE, ECONOMICAL, CLASSIC - 110,000 MILES
MANUAL TRANNY, TWO SEATER , NOT A SPEEDY STARTER
NEW TOP, TIRES, BATTERY,AM/FM/CD RADIO (W/ REMOTE). NEW NEOPRENE SEAT COVERS, BLACK W/ TEAL PIPING. RIGGED FOR TOWING BY MOTOR HOME. GETS APPROX. 40 MPG. GETS NOTICED BY EVERYBODY WHO WISHES THEY OWNED IT. DRIVING IT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE A TEENAGER AGAIN! SMALL ENOUGH TO FIT INTO TIGHT PARKING SPACES. GRAPHICS ARE LAVENDER, TEAL, PINK - NEVER IN A WRECK. I AM 4TH OWNER AND KNOW ALL 3 PREVIOUS OWNERS.
Easy to drive, Great MPG. New tires inexpensive
It would be nice to have A/C for crossing desert
Bought this car when I lived beside Glacier National Park as a safe cost effective way to get groceries. The nearest store was either in Canada or across the mountain divide in Glacier Park. It never failed me and took me safely every two weeks to get groceries. Besides great MPG, this car would start in minus 30 degree temperatures when my Chevy truck would not! Yes the car always started for me. It was also used for a long drive from Montana to San Diego, CA. and made the trip like a champ. We got alot of fun happy use out of the car, easy to shift through the gears and pulled nicely up the mountain roads with me, wife, son and daughter onboard. We put around 20000 miles a year on this car! I would like to have another one!
cute, economical, fun, topless
parts are hard to find, bumpy ride, inadequate sus
My 1991 Geo Metro Convertible is one of the most fun cars that I have ever driven. I saw a new one at a county fair in Lancaster, Ohio back in 1991 and was amazed to see a stylish two-seat "econobox", with a 3 cylinder engine. It reminded me of a Fiat or Triumph in its appearance. I bought one for $700 in the late 90's and spent another $300 on a roll bar from a local welder. The car is significantly underpowered. It rides like a truck with only minimal shock control in the rear. I had the transmission rebuilt recently for close to $2,000 but don't regret it. The Metro is a great car to take out for a Sunday drive or a cruise with the top down.
Great, I am looking at a 1992 Geo Metro Convertible but that was not on here so here was next best. The car is great.
Comfy, great gas, cheap
Breaks down a lot, loud
It's a nice car to get you from here to there, but I did have many problems with it! It didn't have an exhaust pipe so it was very loud, sometimes it wouldn't shift automatically, had to replace the radiator hose, and the radio went out. But all in all it was a fun, little, cute car and I enjoyed driving it while I had it, besides when it broke down on me. The gas was super great too, it cost about $25 to fill up! I got it for $500 so can't complain there, plus all the parts are super cheap so if you know how to work on cars then no problem there.
Cheap on gas, small enough to manuever!
A/C failure, tranny problems
I bought this car used when I was 17, it was technically my first car, it was a 11 year old car when I purchased it from a car auction. It is small and comfortable, enough room to fit things you would need on a day to day basis. My car had a bad transmission, almost got me hit by bigger vehicles on several occasions because it refused to GO! The alternator also went bad, and after a year of owning it, the transmission gave way on my way home from work, but luckily each time it stopped running it was small enough to just keep rolling. Very durable, $20 would last me 3 weeks in gas.
