1996 Geo Metro Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
This car is the only car I've had to buy since I got my license at 16. It has never failed me driving (I had a small brake issue once but I could still stop fine). I never had to do anything but routine maintenance on it. The only problem is, the exhaust tends to go out every two years in snowy weather. Other than that, it may be a little short on space, but with the back seat folded down, I could always haul what I needed to haul. If I could buy a new one of these 3 cyl. Metros or Swifts (I own the Geo Metro) I would do it without even having to think twice. The used ones are just as good. My family has owned this car since it was in the 30,000's (it's a 95 model). Now it has 107,000 (miles) and the engine runs like never before. The engine has NEVER failed even once. Great car. I personally put over 36,000 miles on it. Best car ever for snow.
VS
Critical Review
Metro was purchased brand new by my mother in 1996. In 1999, the crankshaft blew out at 80,000 miles and was still covered under Chevy's warranty; as such, most of the engine was replaced, so when I got the car in 2003, the engine only had 20,000 miles on it. I beat the heck out of my Geo, proving that it could master even the most daring of mountain roads and refused to be left out by the other trucks and SUVs that are quite common in the Lake Tahoe area. Needless to say, I broke my fair share of parts in the car, but most of it was cosmetic and easy to fix. In 2010, I finally blew out my #3 cylinder in my engine compartment and through a mix of trial and error, I finally find myself in 2012, with a fully repaired engine through exhaust. It is however, worth it. Before I fixed it, I was getting 35 highway (30/city) on 3 cylinders and a broken muffler. With the repairs I am easily getting 50 city and have yet to see what improvements I've made on the highway. The small chassis of the car makes tight spots easily accommodating and with some minor upgrades like folding side mirrors, you can pretty much wedge yourself into any spot you need (which is very helpful in the city). The Front Wheel drive performs well in the snow, with studded snow tires on all four wheels. I rarely have to chain up my Geo and despite its low base, it seems to plow through most snow loads pretty easily. It's always dependable when I need it to be and most parts are still easy to find at the auto part store. I know of only one other metro in my area and it's a 1992 coupe, that's still with it's original owner. He cites basic maintenance as his "cure-all" for keeping the Geo alive.
1996 Metro Reviews
Showing 8 of 88 reviews.
Great on gas! Dependable and easy to work on.
No power, small interior and legroom
The Geo Metro is a "gas sipper"! 30mpg city and 40mpg on the hwy! No computers, fuel injection or other equipment to go bad. The 3 cylinder doesn't have a lot of power and had even less if you run the a/c but you drive forever on tank of gas. I took the belt off of the a/c compresser so to have even less drag on the engine and the city mpg increased even more! Not a lot of frills but a good, reliable and inexpensive car.
economical, reliable, inexpensive to maintain.
just the basics; not comfortable if you are tall.
I have had 3. Great for mileage, parking in small spaces. Easy to maneuver Very reliable. Parts inexpensive and easy to replace. I drove the heck out of all of them and only had to replace an engine or tranny after many many miles. Bought two of daughters one and they loved them. That makes 5 I have bought. Perfect for anyone on a budget. Have hauled tons of stuff in mine with its roomy rear with fold down seats. Wish they still made them.
body is in fair shape but has a little rust at the rear wheels and the clear coat paint is peeling off on the hood and top. has been a reliable car for me as I only used it around town. not good for anything else. everything on it works. starts right away without a problem. I would like to get $500 for the car but will take the best offer
Predictable, inexpensive, dependable and fun
A couple crossed wires and leaks not unlike me
Other cars have quirks. This one has only personality and going across country after 150,000 miles in another car is scary but in the Geo Metro it's romantic.
see below
see below
Owned since '98. Virtually trouble-free. Used town & highway. Hatchback increases length, size of items that can be transported. 85% satisfaction. Easy to maneuver & accelerates well. Power steering (for parking, etc.), better suspension (for long highway trips) & rear wipers would've made it 95%.
aswesome price, cheep, and easy to work on
cool factor of zero
car is cheep, easy to work on, parts are a dime a dozen, and easy to find, everything can be done with hand tools, great feel for the road, great gas millage and fun to mess around with.
Not for people min a hurry, but is a cute economical car.
Everything! Fun to drive.
Standard steering.
I have had my Geo Metro Hatchback now for almost 17 years with only 101,000 km...it has NEVER let me down, and the repairs over the years have been normal maintenance, and the odd other repair. This car has MORE than paid for itself and is still going strong. It is a 4 cyl so has a little more pep. My mechanic is amazed at its condition. I bought it new and I would HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this car for anyone looking for reliability and economy. GREAT LITTLE CAR. :)
