The Geo Metro was the lowest-priced model available at Chevrolet dealerships. It was introduced in 1989, at the same time when Geo itself was established. It retained the title as Chevrolet's entry-level car from 1998 through 2001, after Geo was dissolved. With its exceptional fuel economy, Metro was an excellent choice for commuters on a budget or families looking for a low-cost second car. Competition came from entry-level models, such as the Ford Festiva and Aspire, Hyundai Excel and Accent and Toyota Tercel. Metro was popular with women, who accounted for some 61% of its sales.
Year-to-year changes[]
| 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | Discontinued |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XFi 2DR Hatchback | N/A | 1994 | |||||||
| Base 2DR Hatchback | 2000 | ||||||||
| Base 4DR Hatchback | Base 4DR Sedan | N/A | 1996 | ||||||
| LSi 2DR Hatchback | N/A | LSi 2DR Hatchback | 2000 | ||||||
| LSi 4DR Hatchback | N/A | LSi 4DR Sedan | 2000 | ||||||
| LSi 2DR Convertible | N/A | 1993 | |||||||
1991[]
The original Geo Metros were available as a 3-door hatchback (Base, LSi and XFi), a 5-door hatchback (Base and LSi), and a 2-door convertible (LSi only), all of which were carryovers for 1992 and 1993.
1993[]
Last model year for the convertible; after 1993, the Mazda MX-5 Miata became the smallest convertible sold in America.
1994[]
All of the LSi models were discontinued for one year. This was also the last model year for a new car being sold under $8,000.
1995[]
When redesigned for its 1995 model year, the Metro got its first 4-cylinder engine.
The Metro was the only car available in the United States with a 3-cylinder engine. This 1.0-liter fuel sipper had only 55 horsepower. So for those who planned to do a lot of highway driving, the recommended option was the optional 70-hp 1.3-liter 4-cylinder, which was standard in the 4-door sedan. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard with both engines. A 3-speed automatic was available on all models except the base hatchback.
Aside from putting on inches in wheelbase (3-door), length and height, the Metro line saw some model shuffling as well as sporting new, more aerodynamic styling. Gone was the 5-door hatchback, replaced by a 4-door sedan, the first 4-passenger Metro with a trunk. The fuel economy champ XFi model has also been dropped, causing Metro to relinquish the title to the Honda Civic. The old 3-door hatchback LSi returned as the upscale trim. Also added to the lineup was a brand-new LSi sedan.
All Metros came standard with 4-wheel independent suspension, front and rear swaybars, dual airbags, stainless-steel exhaust, highback reclining front bucket seats and daytime running lights, a safety feature that turns on the headlights with the engine, the better to be seen, day or night. Antilock brakes were an option.
1996[]
The LSi models added such amenities as interior trunk/hatch release, intermittent windshield wipers, 7-spoke wheel covers and a trip odometer. All Metros featured a "soft touch" steering wheel, reclining bucket seats, fold-down rear seats and Scotchgard Fabric Protector. Dual airbags were standard, as were daytime running lights. Antilock brakes are optional for all models. A cross-car beam underneath the instrument panel stiffened the body structure, also helping to squelch squeaks and rattles. Child-proof rear door locks were standard and power door locks, available on the sedan. Air conditioning was optional equipment across the board.
1997[]
The base sedan was dropped, leaving just behind the LSi sedan along with the 3-door hatchbacks.
Retail prices[]
2DR Hatchback[]
| Model year | Trim level | List price | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Base/XFi | $6,795 | February 10, 1991 |
| 1991 | LSi | $7,795 | February 10, 1991 |
| 1992 | Base/XFi | $6,999 | October 13, 1991 |
| 1992-1993 | LSi | $8,199 | October 13, 1991 |
| 1993 | Base/XFi | $6,710 | August 13, 1992 |
| 1994 | XFi | $7,195 | July 13, 1993 |
| 1994 | Base | $7,200 | July 13, 1993 |
| 1994 | Base | $7,295 | December 17, 1993 |
| 1995 | Base | $8,085 | July 4, 1994 |
| 1995 | LSi | $8,385 | July 4, 1994 |
| 1996 | Base | $8,380 | June 23, 1995 |
| 1996 | LSi | $8,780 | June 23, 1995 |
| 1997 | Base | $8,580 | June 27, 1996 |
| 1997 | LSi | $9,180 | June 27, 1996 |
| 1998 | Base | $8,755 | Q3 1997 |
| 1998 | LSi | $9,555 | Q3 1997 |
| 1999 | Base | $9,070 | Q3 1998 |
| 1999 | LSi | $9,880 | Q3 1998 |
4DR Hatchback/Sedan[]
| Model year | Trim level | List price | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Base | $6,995 | February 10, 1991 |
| 1991 | LSi | $7,995 | February 10, 1991 |
| 1992 | Base | $7,399 | October 13, 1991 |
| 1992-1993 | LSi | $8,599 | October 13, 1991 |
| 1993 | Base | $7,199 | August 13, 1992 |
| 1994 | Base | $7,695 | July 13, 1993 |
| 1994 | Base | $7,795 | December 17, 1993 |
| 1995 | Base | $9,085 | July 4, 1994 |
| 1995 | LSi | $9,485 | July 4, 1994 |
| 1996 | Base | $9,330 | June 23, 1995 |
| 1996 | LSi | $9,730 | June 23, 1995 |
| 1997 | LSi | $9,850 | June 27, 1996 |
| 1998 | LSi | $10,155 | Q3 1997 |
| 1999 | LSi | $10,490 | Q3 1998 |
2DR Convertible[]
| Model year | List price | Effective date |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | $9,740 | February 10, 1991 |
| 1992-1993 | $9,999 | October 13, 1991 |
Gallery[]
