1998 Chevy Metro Review
1998 Chevy Metro Review

Used Metro for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Easy to park in urban areas, fantastic fuel economy with manual transmission
Cons
- Slow, ugly, and cheap. Need we say more?
What’s new
The Geo badge is replaced with a Chevy bowtie. Styling is updated front and rear. The LSi's four-cylinder engine gets four valves per cylinder for more power and better acceleration. Second-generation airbags are standard equipment. Wheel covers are revised, new radios, new interior fabrics and the addition of California Gold Metallic to the paint palette round out the changes.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Chevrolet Metro LSi 2dr Hatchback and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.42 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$120/mo
Metro LSi
vs
$182/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
General Motors calls the Metro "the small car with big ideas." Big dreams, more likely. What we have here is transportation in its most basic form. The Metro hatchback and sedan are bargains on the new car market from a financial perspective, but they don't offer much value in comparison to other vehicles in this price range.
What else is even in this price range? The Hyundai Accent is, and it offers consumers more for the money. True, Hyundai's reliability record is unimpressive, but current indicators point to improved build quality in the Accent and other recent Hyundai models. In contrast, the Metro comes across as an underdeveloped tin can. Even Ford's underwhelming Aspire seemed to be a better, though uglier, buy, until it expired last year. We'd also investigate the Kia Sephia, which feels more substantial than the Chevy.
Metro sports dual airbags, and in the way of standard equipment, the base hatchback comes with very little. LSi models add little more than a few convenience items, but this trim level is the ticket to many almost necessary accessories such as a rear wiper/washer, remote exterior mirrors and an automatic transmission. A wimpy 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine powers the base hatchback; LSi's get a 70-horsepower four-cylinder under the hood that has been improved for better acceleration for 1998 by the inclusion of two additional valves per cylinder. While more sprightly than last year, the Metro LSi is still no drag racer. The base hatchback is pathetically sluggish.
For 1998, the Metro is spruced up with a Chevrolet badge and revised styling. General Motors evidently feels that the Geo brand has run its course, and is grouping all of last year's Geo models under the Chevrolet banner at dealerships. Fascias front and rear are restyled, and so are the wheelcover selections. New radios, new interior fabrics and a hot new gold paint color finish of the improvements this year.
The revised engine in the LSi helps the value equation somewhat, but not enough to sway our opinion. Why? A fully loaded LSi sedan can top $13,000. That's Chevy Cavalier and Ford Escort territory, folks, and they are both in a different, and much better, league than the Metro. Our advice in this segment? Try an Accent or a Sephia. If a Korean-assembled car doesn't sit well with you, get a nice used car. Chances are you'll be happier with it.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Chevrolet Metro.
5 star(59%)
4 star(41%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
22 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
What's not to like
boaw,05/18/2008
1998 Chevrolet Metro 2dr Hatchback
Never breaks down. More comfortable on long trips than my Subaru Outback. Amazing MPG. Great snow car with proper tires. Fun to drive. You can speed without fear of getting a ticket as cops don't believe their radar. Cost $8,000 new
4.75 out of 5 stars
I'm a Metro Maniac and proud of it!
tishpit1,01/22/2013
1998 Chevrolet Metro LSi 4dr Sedan
LOVE this little bugger!
It is an automatic and has enough pep to move out when needed, though no pocket rocket.
Mileage averages in the mid-30 MPG range... on par with many new small cars.
Could use an overdrive gear, but hey, for $3500 with 50,000 original well-cared-for miles... I'm thrilled!
No car payments... easy to work on... fun to drive... great fuel economy... and lots of … room.
Wish they still made these!
Wouldn't trade it for a new Fiesta, Mazda 2, Smart, IQ, or Spark or anything else I can think of.
C'mon GM... bring back the METRO!!!!
3.88 out of 5 stars
If you're cheap, you'll love it
Joe,04/24/2006
1998 Chevrolet Metro 2dr Hatchback
Ok, I admit it; Im cheap. We bought the Metro in 1997 for under $8,000 (including taxes and license). With the wind, it gets around 50 mpg and has never done less than 35. If you are a cheapskate, don't believe the lies about the Metro. The professional review is really misleading and lacks historical perspective. Compared to my other car, a highly- rated 2002 Subaru Outback, it … was a heck of a buy. Oh yeah, more comfortable, reliable and fun to drive too.
4.38 out of 5 stars
My Metro
metroman,12/31/2002
1998 Chevrolet Metro 2dr Hatchback
I bought My Metro new (1998 model) and
drove it 130,000 miles until I ran into
a parked SUV. The airbag worked great
and I got only a scratch. The car was
100% reliable - it always started and
ran good. It gave 40+ miles per
gallon. With the rear seat down, the
hatch could carry very large items.
I'll miss that car, wish they were
still building them, I'd buy … another.
Now that I think about it, the only
problem was an oil leak, at about
85,000 miles. Good car!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Chevrolet Metro, so we've included reviews for other years of the Metro since its last redesign.
1998 Chevrolet Metro Hatchback Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- N/A
- MPG & Fuel
- 33 City / 39 Hwy / 35 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gal. capacity
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 79 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 75 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
- Dimensions
- Length: 149.4 in. / Height: 54.7 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 62.6 in.
- Curb Weight: 1,895 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 8.4 cu.ft.
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test0
More about the 1998 Chevrolet Metro
Used 1998 Chevrolet Metro Overview
The Used 1998 Chevrolet Metro is offered in the following submodels: Metro Hatchback, Metro Sedan. Available styles include LSi 2dr Hatchback, 2dr Hatchback, and LSi 4dr Sedan. Pre-owned Chevrolet Metro models are available with a 1.3 L-liter gas engine or a 1.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 79 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1998 Chevrolet Metro comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 1998 Chevrolet Metro?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 1998 Chevrolet Metros are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1998 Chevrolet Metro for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1998 Chevrolet Metro.
Can't find a used 1998 Chevrolet Metros you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Chevrolet Metro for sale.
Find a used Chevrolet for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Chevrolet Metro for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Chevrolet for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 1998 Chevrolet Metro?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Chevrolet lease specials
Check out Chevrolet Metro lease specials
Related Used 1998 Chevrolet Metro info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Lincoln Town Car 1993
- Used Mazda MX-5 Miata 2015
- Used Audi A6 2001
- Used Dodge Journey 2011
- Used Audi A6 2005
- Used Acura Integra 2003 For Sale
- Used Scion XB 2011
- Used BMW 7 Series 2010
- Used BMW X6 M 2014 For Sale
- Used Nissan Sentra 1996
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2022 Chevrolet Express
- 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2021 Jaguar F-TYPE
- 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- 2023 Charger
- 2021 BMW 4 Series
- INFINITI Q50 2022
- Lexus RC F 2021
- 2023 Ford Transit Crew Van
- BMW X5 2021
Other models to consider
- 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
- 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2021 Chevrolet Corvette
- 2021 Silverado 3500HD
- 2021 Camaro
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 2022
- 2022 Silverado 2500HD
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2021
- 2022 Silverado 3500HD
- 2023 Silverado 3500HD
Research similar vehicles
- 2022 Audi RS 5
- 2021 Chevrolet Spark
- 2022 MINI Clubman
- Hyundai Venue 2021
- 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door
- 2022 Audi S5
- 2021 Rio
- Chevrolet Bolt EV 2021
- 2021 Audi RS 5
- 2021 Subaru Impreza
Recommended
- New Audi Sq5 Sportback for Sale in Hinesville, GA
- New Audi RS 5 for Sale in Chesterfield, MO
- New Audi E-Tron S for Sale in Deerfield, IL
- New Audi E-Tron S Sportback for Sale in Irwin, PA
- New Audi Sq5 Sportback for Sale in Hollywood, FL
Other models
- Used Ford Freestar in Danvers, MA
- Used Volkswagen Rabbit in Wantagh, NY
- New Buick Enclave for Sale in Granger, IN
- New Mitsubishi Outlander-Phev for Sale in Chico, CA
- Used Aston-Martin Rapide-S in Lutherville Timonium, MD
- New Mitsubishi Outlander-Phev for Sale in Pasadena, MD
- New Infiniti QX55 for Sale in Ozone Park, NY
- Used Mercedes-Benz C43-Amg in Yucaipa, CA
- Used Kia Borrego in Taylors, SC
- New Maserati Levante for Sale in Plainview, NY
- Used Mazda Truck in Londonderry, NH
- Used Infiniti G37-Convertible in Chester, VA
- Used Toyota BZ4X in De Pere, WI
- New Dodge Hornet for Sale in Farmersville, TX
- Used Audi RS-6 in Westbury, NY
- New Nissan Ariya for Sale in Bridgewater, NJ
- New Hyundai Santa-Cruz for Sale in Forest Hills, NY
- Used Chevrolet Cavalier in Iselin, NJ
- New Mercedes-Benz Gle-Class for Sale in Neptune, NJ
- Used Ford Taurus-X in Roxbury, MA
- New Nissan Murano for Sale in West Orange, NJ
- New Cadillac CT5 for Sale in Hixson, TN
- New Lexus RX-350L for Sale in Woodside, NY
- New Buick Enclave for Sale in Southington, CT
- Used GMC Sierra-2500 in Odessa, FL
- New Nissan Titan for Sale in Bellmore, NY
- Used Infiniti J30 in Collinsville, IL
- New BMW M4 for Sale in Huntington Station, NY
- New Dodge Hornet for Sale in Oceanside, CA
- New Mazda CX-30 for Sale in Bloomfield, NJ