1997 Geo Metro Base
Summary:
Cheap, weak and unsafe
Faults:
Tail lights break down on long drives.
Doors squeak.
Has serious difficulty stopping and going on hills.
Poor visibility to the back.
Very uncomfortable and small seating in the back.
Side mirror fell off.
General Comments:
I purchased this car at a used auto lot in Katowice, Poland. It was imported from the US.
I like American cars, and luckily I can afford them, not only the car, but also parts etc.
It looked like a cool small car. It wouldn't be my only car, and I wanted it to be for my daughter to drive, and for her to have a car of her own. I purchased it, and my daughter loved it... for the first 2 months. After that, the first signs of a cheap car were showing up.
First, the side mirror falling off, which I fixed by taking it to a shop where they reinstalled it.
Then tail light problems; I replaced lights 2 times a month at least until I gave up.
My daughter stopped driving the car, because she complained it was too small to drive her friends, and that it had poor visibility and a weak engine (too bad she didn't notice earlier). I simply had to sell the car, losing 10000 Zlotys (about 5000 dollars American) in the transaction. Note, I only had it for 9 months! It was a major disappointment, and now I know a little better how to shop for American cars.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 23rd October, 2005
24th Sep 2007, 04:32
The Metro is manufactured by Suzuki, which is a Japanese company. But most Metros are actually made in Canada!:)
17th Oct 2007, 11:24
I have a 98 Metro with 161,000 miles and it is a great car.
I have some of the same complaints you do - underpowered, poor rear visibility for backing, cramped seating areas.
But I knew about all of that when I test drove the car so it was not a surprise for me. Backing up is fairly easy - the car is so tiny. I have plenty of driver/passenger leg room, but the back seat is small - but I had not planned on hauling adults in the rear seat.
As far as squeaking doors go - I just spray a little grease on the hinges and rod every few months and I have no problem.
The mirrors are cheap - I had one broken off in a parking lot, probably by someone bumping it. I have not experienced any electrical/taillight problems.
I guess I am trying to say - most of your complaints are either really minor in nature, or they are things that you should have known from a test drive.
24th Oct 2005, 23:07
Actually, the Metro is a Japanese car, since it's basically a rebadged Suzuki Swift.