1997 Geo Metro Base from Poland

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 Oct 2005, 23:07

Actually, the Metro is a Japanese car, since it's basically a rebadged Suzuki Swift.

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.

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1997 Geo Metro LSI 1.3L 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Economical and reliable, but expensive to repair when something does happen

Faults:

Seats are not the most comfortable for longer trips. They seem to cause me to hunch over and my low back and neck will get sore after being in them for a couple of hours.

Shortly after I got the car there was a recall on it for the shift linkage on the transmission.

At 100000kms I had to change my spark plugs, plug wires and distributor cap.

At the same time I replaced my water pump.

Again at the 100000km mark I replaced my timing belt.

My alternator went at about 130000kms.

General Comments:

I have loved owning this car. It continues to be great on gas. The only mechanical "failures" have really just been due to regular wear and tear.

I changed my first set of brake shoes at 283000kms! I haven't even had to change a light bulb on this car yet.

It is a very reliable car.

When you do have to buy parts for this car however, expect to pay through the nose. I had to pay $102.00cdn a piece for brake rotors on the front.

If I was in the market for another economy car like this I would definitely consider another Suzuki powered unit like the Swift/Chevy Aveo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2005

30th Sep 2005, 11:51

Just go for re-manufactured parts. I found rotors, pads, and drums for about $150 - and yes, I live in Canada. Bought struts for $140 and I'll get $16 back when I bring in the spent ones. Just one brand new strut was going to cost me $120.

30th Apr 2006, 11:38

I received my GEO Metro LS 1996 as a pay it forward gift. It has been a great car!! - Takes me to work and back home. I have some work to do on it. It's got 113,000 with only small problems - I have noise coming from belt system at start up when it warms up it stops. Noise from brake system (pads I think???) Which I had replaced not long ago. Runs great - Gas 45 MPG its great. I am going to fix it up, and when time comes I will pass it forward to someone in need as I was when I got this great little car!