1992 Geo Metro XFI 1.0 from North America

Summary:

Would buy a brand new one if I could

Faults:

The car has been one of the most dependable cars ever built. Normal maintenance, with critical 3000 mile oil changes are the key.

Windows need some help occasionally, suspension rust is the killer. I have had 6 through the years. Drove 100+ miles to work, plus another 75 miles a day.

General Comments:

This has to be the best car for the dollar you can get. Just bought another XFI from Arizona, been there all its life, plan on a total rebuild, which I expect to cost around $2500 with me doing the work. Will have an as new Metro for 1/2 the price I paid for my first Sprint new.

Through the years I tangled with 3 deer, and another car running a stop light, and got out unscathed, So do I believe in them, you bet, but would I put my inexperienced grand daughter in one, no. You have to pay attention to what goes on around you to be safe in any car, but more so in this one. But I consider them the best car ever made.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2011

1992 Geo Metro 2 door 1.0L 3 cylinder from North America

Summary:

It is the best car that I have ever owned

Faults:

To prevent timing belt from breaking, I've changed the timing belt every 60,000 miles.

The catalytic converter was replaced after about 150,000 miles, and the starter motor was replaced after about 175,000 miles.

Nothing else has ever went wrong with my Geo. I've had the regular tires and brakes replaced as needed. The air conditioner is still working like new, but I did have to replace the motor in it at a cost of $95.00, and it took only one hour service time.

I always keep windows up with air conditioner on in the summer.

General Comments:

I don't understand the problems that some have had. I bought this car brand new, and have driven it on 500 to 1000 mile trips at 75MPH, one time to past the speedometer limit - guessing it to be 100MPH.

I have always used 10w50W oil, 50/50 semi synthetic, change oil every 30K miles, have never changed transmission oil as it is a 5 speed manual shift.

I get about 38 to 48 MPG, and I will never sell or trade this car for any amount of money. I have a new Nissan 6 cyl. Nissan Altima, but I still use my Geo more than I use the Altima.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2010

23rd Aug 2010, 23:13

You change your oil every 30k?

Are you sure you didn't mean 3k...

Great review. I hope you keep it for the rest of your life.

10th Apr 2014, 17:31

30K between oil changes was a misprint. I changed the oil every 3.0K back then. I still have the car now with 219,000 miles on it, still is a perfect car, but I have changed the oil to a 50% synthetic and I change the oil now at every 6,000 miles, and still do not have to add any oil between changes. It uses a little less than 1/2 qt. in 6K miles. I have went to 7K. I recently had to have a new clutch at about 217,000 miles. I have never had to do any major repairs on it, unless changing a clutch is major. I have changed the paint from blueish green to silver to match my Nissan Altima.

20th Mar 2017, 04:28

Awesome review!

I hope you still have the car. Metros were better cars than they were given credit for, simply because they were small and inexpensive. GM could not have built a car of similar quality at this price point to save its life.

25th Jul 2017, 07:18

Nope, best car ever. So love mine. Made a custom teak trim interior.

1992 Geo Metro Base 1.0 3 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Extremely good gas mileage

Faults:

Typical Metro problems; windows coming off track, and inner door handles very sensitive to breaking internal parts, anyone who works on Metros knows this is common.

Needed new exhaust when I bought it, 180 dollars later it purrs like a kitten.

Brakes are completely shot.

Shocks are worn.

General Comments:

With some decent tires, and some hypermiling and EOC, I got around 60 miles a gallon with this car in the dead of winter.

Mine has a newer Japanese engine in it, and for a 3 banger this power is definitely enough for this little car. I've driven a few Metro's and this is the quickest for some reason, not quick, but quick for a Metro.

I'm 6'5" and drove this car pretty comfortably, not with any social acceptance LOL, but when commuting over 120 miles a day I didn't care.

All in all, everyone whose had one of these knows you have to get used to them, these do not ride smooth for this model year, nor are they soundproofed well at all, they are built as light as possible for good mileage. Treat them right and they'll get the job done.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th April, 2009