Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Top speed (165 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2001
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive among long-term owners and enthusiasts, who praise the vehicle for its legendary fuel economy, extreme simplicity, low purchase and operating costs, and surprising durability when maintained.
4 problems reported (1 very frequent, 3 recurrent) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentUnderpowered 1.0L 3-cylinder engine
Described as "low powered" and a defining characteristic of the vehicle.
- RecurrentExtreme lack of safety features
Explicitly noted as being "expensive in an accident (as in it will probably be your last accident).".
- RecurrentAge-related reliability and project status
High-mileage examples require rebuilds (rings, bearings), and many for sale are non-running projects or have been modified in ways that complicate ownership (e.g., custom fuel cells, engine swaps).
+ 1 more issueShow fewer
- RecurrentDifficulty finding clean, unmodified examples
Noted as "hard to find... in good condition these days," with many being half-finished projects or in rough shape.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to specify a single best model year or trim. Owner discussions reference various body styles including 3-door hatchbacks and convertibles, with the 5-speed manual transmission being implicitly preferred due to its pairing with the 1.0L engine. The convertible model is noted as a desirable variant for enthusiasts.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, Geo Tracker, Chevrolet Cavalier and Smart Fortwo.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive among long-term owners and enthusiasts, who praise the vehicle for its legendary fuel economy, extreme simplicity, low purchase and operating costs, and surprising durability when maintained. The car is consistently described as a "fantastic" and "great little car" for its intended purpose as an ultra-economical commuter or beater. Enthusiast feedback highlights a fondness for its "chintzy," basic character and its status as a cult classic. The primary and significant trade-off is an almost complete lack of power, refinement, and safety, with the vehicle acknowledged as being "super cheap and basic," "expensive in an accident," and having an underpowered 1.0L 3-cylinder engine. Ownership satisfaction is heavily dependent on accepting these limitations for the sake of unparalleled efficiency and minimalism.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as the ultimate fuel-economy champion from the 1990s, capable of matching or exceeding the efficiency of modern hybrids like the Toyota Prius in real-world testing (specifically noted as tying a 2009 Prius at 42 MPG in a Car and Driver test). It is considered vastly more economical than contemporary mainstream compacts but is also viewed as far more basic, less powerful, and less safe. Compared to other cheap used cars like the Chevrolet Cavalier, it is seen as more fuel-efficient but even more spartan. It shares a similar minimalist, economical ethos with the Smart Fortwo but is older and simpler.
Recommended configurations
The 5-speed manual transmission is strongly implied as the standard and preferred pairing for the 1.0L 3-cylinder engine. A clean, unmodified example with maintenance records is highly recommended over modified projects (e.g., those with aftermarket wheels, spacers, or fuel cells). For collectors or enthusiasts, finding a vehicle in "pristine condition" is noted as a rare and valuable find.
General recommendations
Highly recommended for budget-conscious buyers seeking the absolute lowest cost of ownership, for use as a second "beater" commuter car, or for enthusiasts who appreciate simple, vintage economy cars. Strongly recommended for rural or flat-area driving where its lack of power is less detrimental. NOT recommended as a primary family vehicle or for those requiring modern safety features, comfort, or highway passing power. Essential to locate all available maintenance records and assume the worst if none exist. Prospective buyers should be prepared for extensive tinkering and upkeep, especially on older, modified examples. Purchase with cash for maximum value.
Remarks
The vehicle is often referred to interchangeably as the Geo Metro, reflecting its branding history. Owner discussions are split between practical advice for maintaining a cheap commuter and enthusiast appreciation for a vintage economy icon. The car's reputation for fuel economy is its defining and most celebrated trait, with specific reference to a 2009 Car and Driver test that cemented its legendary status. Much of the available data comes from discussions where the Metro is cited as an example of peak efficiency or cheap ownership, rather than from deep, multi-owner longitudinal experiences. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner mentions across various contexts.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 | 0 | structure |
| 1999 | 3 | 0 | engine |
| 1998 | 6 | 0 | structure |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: MR226
1.3 LSI
1.3L 4-cylinder · 79 hp · FWD · manual
Built 1998–2007