Used 1997 Geo Metro Consumer Reviews
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Very dependable
My mom bought this car in 2008 for $1500.00 withonly 30,000 miles on it, she drove it for 3 years, then gave it to me in 2010. I drove it up until March 2014 and it now has a little less than 90K miles. I have never had an expensive, deal breaking issue with it. The only real issues I have had is the headlights are very tricky and wiring kind of sucks, and on a cold -10 degree morning in Alaska, it makes squealing sounds. Other than that it has been an excellent car and very dependable and sturdy. Great gas mileage, could have probably last me another 2 years at the least.
best little car ever built! mine is an automatic..
I've owned my geo since 2006 (I'm the 3rd owner) n love every minute of her , nicknamed her ladybug, since she's red....only have done the basic maintenance, except recently had to get brake work, and radiator hoses replaced plus the timing belt n water pump replaced...since I drive in town n not much on the highway I know that does a lot of wear n tear on a car n in our desert it is even more brutal...I got the car at 154,000 it is now close to 204,000....UPDATED 2/23/17 still own my little red car, mileage a little over 225,000!! still running good!..................UPDATE....2/25/18 still own this gem n its over 236,000 miles! still runs great....:) ****9/11/2018 just a bit over 243,000...runs good still....**** :( in 7/2019 my lady bug went to car heaven after I was struggling with work n trying keep up with maintenance n let an important repair not get done...I was on the freeway n it sputtered n I pulled over n it died forever (254,000 + miles)...she was a good little car!! r.i.p. lady bug <3
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Can be fun and reliable!
This is my first Geo Metro ever and to be honest i wasn't happy at first when i bought it. Although it grows on you when you get such killer gas mileage and it never breaks down on you. I have a lsi 4cyl 5-speed and i think it's pretty fun to drive and easy to repair. I would recommend this car to anyone if you can stand to not drive the most flashy thing on the streets.
The little Putt - putt
I bought my first Geo from a friend and fell in love, now 7 years and almost 300,000 miles later it has finally started dying on me. But I love my little putt-putt so much I managed to find another one identical to her with only 100,000 miles on it. These are great little cars and I hate that they are no longer made. Geo had a great product, maybe that's why chevy bought them cause they were scared? (97 Geo Metro 4dr Sedan 1.3 L 4 cyl) and yes they made 4 cyl in 97 contrary to some car parts places.
Long Hauler
This is the 3rd Geo I have had. I enjoy the excellent gas mileage and the peace of mind that I get when I start it up every day. I know it will always start for me and perform. I bought it used, to help off set the gas consumption of my 99 Silverado. It is easy to tune and oil change. I would recommend it to anyone needing a 2nd dependable car. The after market parts are very expensive.
?
I drive to work, all freeway speeds and on the "flat". ONE WAY, BUMPER TO BUMPER. No need to pass. Zero acceleration at this speed, but more than need acceleration in town.Have air conditioning, is adequate with tinted windows to keep comfortable at 100 degrees after 10-15 minutes of cooling. Will not stay cool at idling--needs 1500-200 rpm to cool. Adequately. Added cruise control-- millage increased from 42 mpg to 45.6 mpg at 50-60 mph with this change. Nothing breaks, excellent car but VERY NOISY--have double insulated doors with Dynomat sound insulation, it helped ---now I can tell the noise is coming from the floor-- 95-98 db--OSHA action time for this amount of noise is 15 minutes.
duck on a junebug
I love this car. I purchased my 96 metro 5 speed for only 800.00. At first (being a bigger guy) I was actually embarrassed to be seen in it, then as I would drive by the fuel pumps, and see people standing at the pumps looking all depressed, I learned to smile as I drove past them. As far as acceleration... Don't need it. I just leave a little earlier going somewhere and as people pass me I just think"go ahead, burn all your gas up... Don't care."as far as parking, it's like parking a go-cart.......... Bottom line........... I love this car!
1997 geo metro
This is a good car, if, you're fortunate enough not to get a lemon. It seems that the geo is an extremely good or extremely poor purchase. If you have one, here's some advice: Don't dog it, it's all about using your gears, I climbed Mt. Ashland at 75 mph, since it's a roller skate, the trick is momentum.
Go Geo
I have owned the car for 2 years and have put over 115K miles on it.. I have replaced nothing, and beat and abused this car and it won't break. Everything works, looks decent. Gets about 35mpg, costs $8 to fill up right now with gas being $1.75. I have changed the oil about once every 10-15K miles and it never uses any oil. Starts every time.
Gets the job done cheaply
Bought it in November 08 after going bankrupt, needed a cheap car that got great mileage to drive my 120 mile round trip to work 5-6 days a week. Paid $600 with 110k miles on it, wasn't running at the time. Previous owner was a kid who destroyed a new clutch he put in. I put in a new clutch, starter, left axle, and plugs/wires and drove it to 140k without any problems. Replaced timing belt/water pump and it now has 173k. Cost $19 to fill up for 300 miles. Been in a minor fender bender and keeps running. Can't complain for the price I paid and cost of ownership, I'd get another! It won't win any races or win any awards for looks or comfort, but it goes from A to B.
Favorite Car no matter what Scenario
I've had my Metro for about 5 years, with 3 years of consecutive driving. I moved from a relatively flat area to the alpine mountains, trumped by Subarus and Heavy Duty Diesels. The Geo is great! The winter conditions forced me to learn how to control my FWD car without 4WD. Fuel economy is outstanding; about 35mpg. I can put $20 in my tank and run about 2 weeks, or about 280 miles.
96 Metro
I bought this car with about 80,000 mi. on it just over two years ago. I now have reached 100,000 mi. and haven't found much to complain about. Haven't found much to brag about either. The car has been for the most part quite reliable. The car is a four cylinder with a three speed automatic. I was unpleasantly surprised when I found out I was only getting 30 mpg at best. I think the poor gas mileage is due to the three speed auto tranny. A four speed auto would greatly increase mpg. The only other complaints I have is the small size. I am only 5'10" and I look and feel like a giant in the car. The car is also extremely vunerable to rust. I have seen cars from the 80's with less rust than my car
My Geo's Eulogy
Well, after 112,000 mile a bad oil leak repair finally killed her, but what a great, cheap car. Up until the last gasp, this car never broke down--I did replace an axel & had some brake work done, but for the first four years nothing but oil changes. I bought this car used with about 40000 miles on it. It was awesome on gas and you could fit a ton of stuff in the hatchback. I'm replacing her with a 2004 Hyundai accent sedan, which is safer, but I'll miss my metro. It was an automatic transmission, and I've never had to repair it. If you are on a budget and can find a clean one with > 80k miles, I say go for it.
Maybe better than you would think
I have driven this car to the ends of the earth. I can get 15 50 lb. bags of landscape rock in it. A ladder will fit without a passenger. I was hit in it. Scariest experience of my life-- but I am now very careful. Drive definsively and this is a great car. First "wear" repair at 120K, knock on wood. I call her "Lil' Pepe." I am about to turn it into a rolling billboard for my new business.
I've loved this car!
This is the 2nd Geo Metro (Chevy Sprint) I've driven to over 200,000 miles. I've only had to do routine maintenance and this car is still running on many of the original parts, including engine and clutch. Still gets over 44 mpg. It might be the fastest or most stylish car on the road but I'd buy another in a heartbeat if they were still making them. It's ridiculous to have pay over $20,000 to get a new car that equals the fuel efficiency of this old one. What's wrong with this picture?
Go Metro
I think these little cars are the ultimate comute car. I put in 30-40K a year and they keep on going. They are a great low maintenance car. I have 142,000 miles and I've done nothing to fix this car yet. Just new plugs (twice), tires, brakes (twice). I don't even change the oil but every 3-6 mos (9k-18k miles for me) this is my 2nd hatch back but my third metro and I just bought a 2001 for $3800 w/ only 28,000 mi on it. I figure it will go at least another 100,000 miles (that's only 4 cents a mile to own) It's just too bad that chevy stopped making them. I'm currently looking for low mileage 2001 to park / store until I need them.
Reliable commuter
I bought my 4-door Geo Metro Sedan used in 1998. Since then, I put over 86,000 miles on it and never had to do any repairs other than standard maintenance (brake pads, tires, tune up, etc.). Although it is a small car, there is a surprizing amount of room on the interior, and the rear seats fold down for large loads. At 112K miles, I was rear-ended by a '88 Lincoln Towncar that was travelling about 20-30 mph. I have had a lot of people tell me how these cars would 'crumple like a tin can' if they were in an accident, and I was surprized how little visible damage was caused.
So Far So Good
Bought the car in '04 w/ 110k on it for $1100. I now have 202k on it. I get 35-40 mpg hwy at 65 and 32 overall. MPG would be better with a stick. Replaced entire exhaust in '05 ($700). At 131k rebuilt camshaft and replaced timing belt and water pump. About a month ago I had water pump and timing belt done again ($700)w/ 200k on it. A/C and Heater blower no longer work. Brakes have been done twice ($300) per visit. Tires are $200 per set! Car still runs very smoothly and gets me anywhere I want to go.
Shouldn't quit making them
This car, if you don't dog it, will pull its weight, it's all about the gearing
Loved it!
I had my Geo Metro 4 door (4 cyl) from 1996 through 1999. I loved that car! The only money I had to put into it other than regular maintenance items was a fuel pump relay ($5 part, $50 tow). I had 136,000 miles on it when it was involved in a multi-car pile up and was totalled due to it's high mileage (two days after I mailed in my final payment- UGH!). I wish I could have kept it until it died. As for safety, it was impacted four times in that accident...once by a tractor trailer, twice by an Audi, and then it hit the wall and of all six cars involved in the accident mine was the only car that was able to be driven away from the scene and I suffered no injuries. Fabulous car!
Just keeps going and going and going
Got the car brand new in 1996 and drove it for 8 years and 78,000 VERY hard city miles. I could have driven the car into the ground but the AC went out and it cost more to fix than the car was worth. (Someone who didn't need AC could have driven the car for five more years at a minimum.) It was a great little city car but as other vehicles got larger and larger it didn't feel as safe as it should have been. But you could park it anywhere, repair work was reasonably priced, and nobody would ever, ever want to steal it.
Geo Metro an Excellent Car
I've put 50,177 miles on my Geo in the last 5 years. I get between 40-45 miles per gallon, depending on city or hwy. Most of my driving is a combination of the two. The only repairs I've had to make is a new muffler (the core rusted off). It's very reliable, starts up even after sitting a couple months in storage. Its easy to park, turn around in tight places, has a seperate trunk that is huge, amazing feature for this trim car. I do wish it had a rear defroster sometimes, but the heater is very adequate even in January in IL.
Great Little Car
Bought the car used in 1999 for $6900 with 36000 miles. I can't seem to get the max fuel economy out of it (even after tune up). It has never had any major mech problems.
An Excellent Commute Car
I bought it as a commute car after the first day of my new Job which was 35 miles away. I drove my Mercedez ML320 to work and I was shocked when I saw the wear and tear and gas bill. I went and bought this car for mere $2500. It was manual with 57000 miles on it. But since then I drove 25000 miles in just 2 years and I didn't have to take it to any repair shop except the oil change. It is a Great car for commute consistently giving me 42-48 miles per gallon. It has already saved me more than $2500 on my ML320 Gas and $$$ of wear and tear.
I loved my geo!
I loved my Geo! I bought it because of the great fuel efficiency!!! Everyone should have a fuel efficient car. The only problem is the big gas guzzlers that infiltrate the roads!!! People living in the flatlands do not need 4- wheel drive!!
Geo metro in the world
The best car to own, it hugs corners on its lo pro 13 inch rims, and easily modified. My geo has an upgraded performance custom exhaust system and short shift kit. Plans to turbocharge it when time is available. Awesome care, head turner.
Very reliable vehicle
Comfortable, dependable car. Couldn't ask for a more dependable car with the miles on it. It's great for trips. Wouldn't be scared to take it anywhere. Love this car
Bring Back the Metro
I purchased this little jewel with 90000 on the odometer. It runs great and gets great gas mileage. It is low priced and long lasting. With the high cost of fuel nowadays, the Suzuki Corp and GM should rejoin forces to produce such a wonderful little car. The Car is approaching 115,000 miles a running strong, not bad for $1,500.00 investment.
Economical and dependable
In the 2 years I've owned my Geo I have had no problems beyond worn out wiper blades. It runs smoothly and I the auto-transmission gearing is just right to pull out ahead of the crowd at the stoplights. It accelerates smoothly and quickly on the uphill to over 65 MPH on the freeway. My overall MPG was good before at 32, and now even better since a tuneup.
I named her Toodles, and she's a peach
What you pay for is what you get, but in this instance I feel I've gotten a bit more. Air conditioning still running very cold, a plus in South Florida. Only downside, alignment wasn't right in the beginning and I went through first set of tires quickly. Am preparing to trade in, but that's only because of a skirmish with a poultry truck on the side. Not worth fixing and is unslightly. If that hadn't happened several months ago, I'd be keeping. Plan to buy something similar.
whats to complain about
as far as inexpensive, bought a 97 in 99 for $4500 4 door automatic/air cond...it gets the mileage and has gone from 32k miles to over 88k without complaints..had to put in $100 for air conditioner charge but other than that i am smiling all the way...so what is there to complain about??? it ain't a mercedes, but then again, you ain't paying the payment!!!
cheap, reliable transport
Reliability is very important to me. I bought this car new in 1996, and drove it eveyday to work and on holidays. My work is only 3 miles from home, so most of the milage come from my _many_ 2,000+ mile weekend trips. During my ~6 years of ownership, I had zero (yep, that's "0") problems. The only things I've done so far is regular maintenance and changed the tires.
Best Little Car I've Owned
It can't get up to speed very quickly but my,at the time, 5 yr old Metro, took me from Key West,FL to NY then to LA and back to Key West with never a problem. The gas mileage is excellent and the back hatch is just right for loading stuff in the vehicle. I bought it new because it was the cheapest car I could get and haven't been sorry for the buy.
Geo in Motion
This little Geo has over 120,000 miles on her and she is still going strong. She has just been handed down to me from my gma as my first car, and I am so excited. This car is older than I am but I know she will keep on running. I used to ride in it when I was a baby, and know I get to drive in it as a "Big Kid." I am so happy to drive the Geo In Motion. I call her GIM!!!
Economic - Not Exquisite
In terms of achieving my goal, this car has more than met it. I wanted an interim, inexpensive, small, dependable car I could load my keyboard & amp in & out of with relative ease. For 5 years it’s consistently done the job. Tires, hubcaps, & rear axle have been replaced. After the first year (’98) I had no air conditioning because the frion ran out. But the heater works great & the gas hikes haven’t phased me- -I’m still paying less per month than I do for cable TV. It’s a great little car with surprisingly good pick-up, no slowing on hills, easy on the turns, but tough to park without power steering.
good for awhile
I purchased my 1996 Geo with 26000 miles on it. It ran like a champ for about 4 years. I never thought of it is a comfortable car or particularly well built with all its plastic. Often times on windy days that the car was going to lift off the ground. It was a snap to park but I could never make it up steep hills with more than one person and I think if I had someone over 150lbs in the passanger seat it would pull to the right. Plus the door always made noise.But great car.
One awesome little car
I bought my Geo with 40,000 miles on it. I have put 20,000 more on it since. It has required nothing but standard maintenance. All part replacements are remarkably cheap. No matter what kind of driving I am in, I always get AT LEAST 32 miles per gallon, but I usually get more. It's so easy to drive, and a snap to park and make sharp turns such as u-turns.
I LOVE GEO METROS
They are so sufficient! I love mine, unfortunately, it was wrecked, so now, I am in the process of getting it fixed! I love that little booger!
getting 50-MPG & then some
Owned for < 1mth, been highly reliable, incredible mileage ranging from 44.3- 50.2 combined driving. A little noisy around town, surprisingly quiet on hwys. The 5 spd trans is smooth, however the dash mounted shift-light is annoying. The built-in headrests are uncomfortable & there's no lumbar support. Could use armrests. Plenty headroom for big hair or tall hat. Lots of rear cargo storage with seat down, (I removed bottom part of seat for a flat-fold). This 4cyl LSI came w/o AC & radio - miss them both. In summary, a great commuter car, reliable, with current MPG & gas at $3/gal it should pay for itself in about 6 mths.
geeoh
Great car, easy to park, fill up and fun to drive. Did I mention easy to park? I wish they still made them.
96 geo metro
When I bought this car, it had 10k mi on it & the balance of warranty. 4 times back to the dealer for a/c. Out of warr.: 2 times in for smaller exhaust fixes to the stainless factory ex. Minor elect. problems. Headliner coming down. Overall, an excellent value if you can deal with a tiny (but very usable)car w/ a tiny engine (1.3L) (40 MPG realtime - my driving). I recommend a manualtrans for power reasons..
Could be better
My experience with this car has been poor. We burned up a transmition a week after we got it. As far as fuel- it kicks butt.
I like it
I drive 26 miles one way to work and bought the little thing at almost a steal! With 99800 miles on it, looked good, very simple, well maintained by the previous owner, almost like new! I bought the little scamp for fuel mileage, and didnt expect much, but its the best car Ive bought in a long time! So far I figure it gets an honest 46 mpg (mostly highway)! Im impressed, with one exception... hills. Eh, I can live with that for the fuel economy though! I plan to see how long this thing will last, 250000 miles? I dont see why not! Regular maintenance, a set of vent visors, and a cup holder is all it should need! Too bad they dont build em like this anymore! Guess it was too good to last!
NEVER AGAIN
THERE DEVELOPED A KNOCK IN THE ENGINE AND WHEN WE TOOK IT TO OUR MECHANIC HE SAID THAT THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. NOTHING COULD BE DONE FOR THE LOUD KNOCK
The green bug
Had 150,000 on it dropped the center cylinder. Rebuilt engine only $ 800. At 197,000 miles some Dumbass not paying attention rear ended me and destroyed her. Miss that little car !
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
1997 Geo Metro
Best car I ever owned. Very reliable, gas efficient and easy to maintain. Never had any major repairs - car just kept going. Chevy made a big mistake when they decided to discontinue them.
Good A to B and B to A car
For a 3 cylinder car, it is pretty decent. I want to know when the spark plugs have to be changed. I have about 70,000 clicks on it. Does this car use platinum plugs? I bought this secondhand at about 35,000 km.. I recently changed the air filter on it. I'd appreicate any input from similar owners on its upkeep. There is no a/c on mine. I am having a problem with the heating switch that I have to wiggle to make it operate at low speed. I live in Toronto and I need the heat in winter.
a pretty good small car
the seats in this car killed my back, but other than that it was cheap to keep . so that is allways a good thing cheap tires, low payment, the only complaint was not comfortable to drive on long trips,
Go Geo Girl!
I have had in the past ten years 8 cars. I have had fords,dodge, chevrolets, saab,volkswagon,etc.I was looking for a cheap dependable car to get me too and from college and work and around town. I have taken at least 5 or more trips in it so far with mile ranges of 200 to 1000 miles a weekend. The car gets excellent gas mileage, and I have had no problems exept for normal wear and tear ie:new tires.
My Geo
My Geo Metro is fun and a good car to drive if you have a low budget like I do.