The Geo Metro first appeared in Chevrolet-Geo showrooms in 1989. It is a rebadged version of the Suzuki Swift, sharing many of the drivetrain and interior components. The Metro is a direct replacement for the Chevrolet Sprint, a subcompact hatchback that was several inches shorter than the Metro, and bosted fewer safety and convenience features. Several body styles were available during the Metro's 13 year run, including a 2-door convertible, 3-door hatchback, a 4-door sedan, and a 5-door hatchback. The Metro enjoyed a decent run, first as a Geo from 1989 through 1997, then as a Chevrolet from 1998 through the model's final season in 2001.

Originally, all Metro models were produced in Japan. However, in 1990, production commenced at CAMI Automotive, a 50-50 joint venture between General Motors and Suzuki located in Ingersoll, Ontario.

The Metro is part of the GM M platform, a designation it shares with the Canadian-only version, the Pontiac Firefly, as well as the previous Chevrolet model, the Sprint.

Engines

A single engine was available from 1989 through 1994, which was a 1.0 L 3-cylinder engine. Rated at only 55 hp (41 kW), the small, Suzuki designed engine was the most fuel efficient production engine used in a GM car to date, boasting well over 45 mpg (5.3 L/100 km) in models with manual transmissions. As the 3-cylinder engines aged however, they began to become less stable and subject to vibration as well as minor deficiencies in the fuel injection system that led to decreased fuel economy. A flaw exists in Metro 3-cylinder engines equipped with an EGR valve - if the valve fails or the EGR passages become blocked, the #3 combustion chamber can get too hot, and over time lose compression.

Customers who were surveyed stated that they wanted more power from their Metro as well as good fuel economy. In 1995, with the new Metro came optional a new engine, the 1.3 L 4-cylinder. The new engine still had only a modest 70 hp (52 kW), but provided the extra power Metro owners wanted. That power came at the cost of some fuel efficiency, droping the highway mileage down to around 35 mpg (6.8 L/100 km). The engine however, was not new. It was the same engine that had been in use in Suzuki Swift (non GT models) for years. LSi models produced from 1995 on had the 4 cylinder engine, but the 3 cylinder was still the powerplant in the base car, becoming an optional upgrade for non-LSi models in 1997.

Model History

1988 - Production begins on first Metro models in Japan

1989 - Geo Metro hits showrooms in North America, replacing the aging Chevrolet Sprint

1990 - Geo introduces Metro LSi models, which included upgraded amenities, such as an automatic transmission, air conditioning and a tape player to supplement the stereo. Geo also introduces the XFi model, a polar opposite of the LSi, offering no interior amenities, but boasting a highway gas mileage of over 50 mpg (4.7 L/100 km). Production begins at CAMI Automotive, where all remaining Metro models with the exception of convertibles will be produced. Convertibles debut this year as well, available only in LSi trim.

1991 - GM ups the order on convertible models this year, and new paint options are added.

1992 - Metro gets freshened front and rear fascias and an all new dashboard layout, with a more ergonomic comfort control panel, and a new instrument cluster. This is Metro's best selling model year, boasting over 100,000 units sold.

1993 - Last year for convertible models. Automatic door locks, which deploy after the car reaches a speed of 10 mph (16 km/h) are introduced this year.

1994 - Last year for 5-door hatchback models.

1995 - All new Metro is introduced, featuring the new 4 cylinder engine available in LSi models, to supplement the 3 cylinder used in the base cars. Daytime running lights are standard (the Metro was the first GM car to get DRLs as standard equipment), as well as dual frontal airbags. The chassis is 30% stiffer than the first generation Metros, and it was the first car in the world to meet 1997 side impact standards for North America. A new 4-door sedan is also introduced in the United States, boasting all of the above mentioned upgrades.

1996 - OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics, Second generation) is added to Metro models, at a cost of some fuel efficiency.

1997 - Last year for Geo's production run. Metro will return in 1998 as a Chevrolet model, as will the Prizm and Tracker.

1998 - Chevrolet Metro introduced. New front and rear fascias added, giving the car a more modern outter appearance.

2000 - Last year for Metro sales to the general public. Last year for Metro hatchbacks. Metro will return in 2001 as a fleet-order only model. Metro's future is uncertain.

2001 - Chevrolet Metro's final season. Only model available this year is a 4 door LSi sedan. General Motors announces that Metro will not be included in the 2002 Chevrolet model lineup. CAMI Automotive rolls the last Metro, a white 4 door LSi sedan, off the line in April. The Swift and Firefly follow suit and end production soon after.

External links

• DMOZ list