Category Archives: Geo Metro
The Benefits Of Choosing A Hatchback Sedan
You all know how proud I am of my Geo Metro. Not all people will understand the love I have for this car. Most people would choose this car over the others because of its gas mileage but that’s not all this car has to offer.
I also like it because it is a hatchback sedan. I know not all people will like how it looks but beyond appearances, it is actually a pretty good design for a car. Don’t believe me? Read further and maybe I could change your mind or you can somewhat consider getting hatchback cars like the Geo Metro.
What Is A Hatchback Sedan?
A hatchback sedan is a car with a sloping rear end that allows for easy access to the trunk. The main benefit of this design is the extra storage space it provides.
The front trunk, or “frunk,” can be used for smaller items while the larger cargo area behind the seats is perfect for larger items. This makes hatchback sedans ideal for families or anyone who needs a lot of storage space.
Hatchback sedans are also generally more fuel-efficient than other types of cars. This is because they have a smaller engine and less weight, which means they use less gas. They also have a smaller environmental impact than other cars since they produce fewer emissions.
Why Choose A Hatchback Over Other Types Of Cars?
Now that you know what a hatchback sedan is, let’s talk about why you should consider one over other types of cars.
As I mentioned before, the biggest benefit of a hatchback is the extra storage space. If you have a family or often need to transport large items, a hatchback sedan is a great choice.
Hatchbacks are also usually more affordable than other types of cars. This is because they have a smaller engine and less weight, which makes them cheaper to produce.
They are also more fuel-efficient, which means you’ll save money on gas over time. And as I mentioned earlier, they have a smaller environmental impact than other cars.
Benefits Of Having A Large Cargo Area With Front And Rear Access
Take a look at the Geo Metro and you will see that there is really a larger cargo area when compared to sedans. Additionally, the hatchback design also gives you access to this cargo area from the front and rear. This dual access provides easy access to the cargo area.
You can either use the rear hatch to load and unload large items or you can use the front trunk for smaller items. This is especially convenient if you have a lot of groceries to carry or if you need to transport large items like furniture.
Hatchbacks are also easy to park since they are typically shorter than other types of cars. This makes them ideal for city driving or crowded parking lots.
Other Hatchback Sedans Aside From The Geo Metro
In my opinion, the Geo Metro is an awesome hatchback sedan. However, they have stopped production of this vehicle and it can be difficult to find one in your area. There are still some units that could still be working or may need a little bit of repair and care but if you can’t find one, here are other hatchback sedan alternatives that you could also choose.
Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a great choice for drivers who need a lot of storage space. The hatchback design provides easy access to the cargo area, which can be used for carrying large items. The Honda Fit is also fuel-efficient and has a smaller environmental impact than other types of cars.
Hyundai Elantra GT
The Hyundai Elantra GT is another great hatchback sedan. It has a spacious cargo area that can be accessed from either the front or the rear. The Elantra GT is also fuel-efficient and has a smaller environmental impact than other types of cars.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is another great option that offers excellent fuel economy and a wide variety of features. It’s also available in both manual and automatic transmission.
These are just a few of the many hatchback sedans available on the market today. If you need a lot of storage space and want a fuel-efficient car, a hatchback sedan is a great choice. Do your research and find the perfect one for your needs.
Keeping My Geo Metro Alive
How long have you been using your Geo Metro? I’ve been using mine for years and she still runs. Yes, let’s admit that there are things that could be improved about this car but it still has features that I love.
Durable as it may seem, the oldie but goodie Geometro still deserves some TLC. My Geo Metro won’t survive on its own for this long if I didn’t do my freakin’ part. But before you conclude that keeping a Geometro running is a whole lot of work, check out the simple things that I did to it below.
Believe me when I say these simple things are worth doing. Cause you all know my lazy ass isn’t up for something that only wastes your time.
Oil And Filter Change
There are a variety of ways to properly care for your Geometro or any other vehicle. However, I find that changing the oil and oil filter is one of the most important things to do.
Do you want to extend the life of your engine? Then this should be done regularly. With regular oil and oil filter changes, you lessen the risk of getting into engine problems.
Engine problems are a headache and they are very costly too. I’ve avoided that over the years by simply being constant with my oil and oil filter changes. It’s done a lot of good for me and my car and you should do it too.
Top Up Or Flush Out Your Coolant
The coolant is another important fluid that helps your engine avoid major problems. The level of the coolant doesn’t drastically drop so you may need top-ups from time to time. However, if you notice that you’ve been topping up frequently, then there might be a leak.
Topping up the coolant is great as it ensures you have enough to circulate and efficiently cool the engine. However, there will also come a time when you need to replace the old coolant by flushing it out. It’s a very easy procedure to do but it could save your engine by not letting it overheat.
Check The Wheel Bearings
Maintenance for the wheel bearings is easy but could be dirty because you need to use grease. You can inspect the wheel bearings on your own and add some grease to make it run smoothly or you can just hire someone to do it for you. It’s a simple and straightforward task.
Brake Fluid Check
You might have recently purchased that Geometro but that doesn’t make it new. There are things you should check and one of them is the brake fluid. Just like the coolant, you should also make sure that the fluid is still viable.
Try to check the brake fluid and see if it is still clear and amber in color. If it is black with rubber bits or rust, then you might need to give your vehicle a brake overhaul. Avoid that by always making sure that your brake fluid is regularly checked and changed every couple of years.
Recognize When You Need Help
I love tinkering with my vehicles but not all things are worth the DIY. Sometimes, you’ll end up causing a more costly problem when you try to DIY things you don’t really know.
Even if I have experience with cars, I still learn to recognize the line between a mechanic’s job and a DIYer. Although experienced DIYers can do the job on their own, allowing a professional to do it gives you peace of mind.
Use Your Car
Some people believe that in order to make sure the car is still in pristine condition, it should simply be stored. Contrary to that, you should make sure you use your car at least once a month.
No matter what kind of car it is, if you leave it stationary in your garage for far too long, you would likely find damages to it. Using it regularly actually slows down the aging process of your vehicle.
So don’t be afraid to use your car, even if it is a collector’s edition or a trusty Geo Metro. Allow the parts to move by using it.
Clean Your Car
Mud, debris, dirt, dust, and a combination of them all cause buildup that could be detrimental to your car. If you don’t keep your car clean, those will eventually cause chipping of the paint or rust.
The build-up can trap moisture and that can lead to the rusting of your vehicle. That’s also why you should always make sure to dry your car after washing it. This doesn’t only prevent rust but watermarks as well.
Apart from the exterior, you should also make sure that the interior is properly cleaned as well. In a previous post, I told you about upholstering my car for comfort. I don’t want to go through that process again so maintaining cleanliness helps make sure that it’s the last time I do that.
Dishing The Dirt On The Geo Metro
Many people have a love-hate relationship with their car.
That’s not really true for me and my Geo Metro. It’s dependable, remarkable, it’s a total chick magnet, and it even smells really nice with my “Black Ice” Little Trees Car freshner hanging in the visor.
I could spend foreve4r talking about why I love my Geo Metro but I’ll save that for another day. For now, let’s focus on the dirt. I dug deep with this one because there’s not a lot of complaints and problems I can find – it’s about as perfect of a car as one can possibly hope for.
That being said, the very short list below includes some problems I personally encountered plus what others have experienced about theirs.
Don’t get me wrong: this post is not meant to change your mind about buying that Geo Metro – without a doubt buy the next Geo Metro you see – but just to give you a head’s up about what problems you might expect.
No Power Windows Or Automated Door Locks
I also experience this but this isn’t really a problem for me, but hey, the Geo Metro is an old car and a basic one so what do you expect? It is created for people on a budget so don’t expect power windows or automated door locks.
For you youngsters out there, rolling up the window literally means turning a handle round and round until the car windows completely close. You also roll down the windows while turning it the other way.
Door locks also need to be done manually by pushing down or pulling up on the door locks. There is also o alarm system but I don’t think you’ll have to worry too much about someone taking your Geo Metro.
Uncomfortable Seats
For me, this problem has a simple fix. Buy some cushions or some of those ergonomic add-ons to seats and Bam! You got yourself some comfier seats with lumbar support.
Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t compare to the seats of a Lincoln Continental or an Audi A8 L, but it works.
Noisy
With 55 restless Horses under the hood, you’ll definitely be hearing your engine roar when driving a Geo Metro.
Sound insulation wasn’t a priority in this vehicle. If your on the highway with the windows rolled down and accelerating to it’s top speed, you’ll definitely have a hard time conversing with the other people in the car.
No Airbags On Older Models
Depending on the model of your Geo Metro, it may or may not come with airbags. Older models like my blue beauty, which were produced prior to ‘95 don’t come with any airbag.
I like to live on the edge so I don’t really care for all those safety features.
Poor Acceleration Time
Your need for speed might not be met with this car. Most owners, including me, wished it could speed up faster than it does.
Although it is able to hit the 60 mph mark, you will need to be patient and going downhill before it happens.
Steering Problems
Some owners say that the steering wheel isn’t sensitive enough. You need to put some serious effort it if you want your wheels to turn, especially at the lower speeds. I say, you just have to know your vehicle and control it. Sure it may need a little effort for it to turn left or right but that gives the vehicle more character.
The more you drive your car, the more you’ll know about its features and flaws. My advice: spend time driving your car no matter what it is. You can adjust the way you drive. That’s how we do it.
Totally Wrecked
In case this car gets involved in a car crash, it can be totally wrecked. It can be very difficult to straighten out because of the unibody design. You can try but it won’t look the same again.
Final Words
As you can see my 1989 Blue Hatchback is a hard car NOT to love. It’s got SO many things going for it. Any issues are REALLY minor. Besides manual windows, uncomfortable seats, lack of sound suppression and airbags, really shitty acceleration, the worst power steering ever, and it’s reputation for difficulty to repair – it’s a total dream.
History of the Geo Metro
Here’s some history on the 1989GeoMetro. I copied a lot of it from Wikipedia, but I tried to improve it somewhat since Wikipedia was missing some details like how they left out a bunch of information on the HatchBack coupe, which is the car I own.
I tried to e-mail Wikipedia so they could update it, but I’m not sure that they will take my advice. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it! Alan
The Geo Metro can be defined as a manufacturing and marketing variation of the Suzuki Cultus that was available in North America from the year 1989 until the year 2001. It was essentially a joint effort of Suzuki and General Motors (popularly known as GM). In the United States of America, the Geo nameplate was carried by the Metro from the year 1989 to the year 1997. The Metro similarly carried a Chevrolet nameplate from the year 1998 to the year 2001.
It evolved over a period of thirteen years with the Cultus and its siblings. This was characterized by 3 generations and 4 body styles i.e. 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback and 2-door convertible. The above were ultimately replaced in the line of General Motors by a family of vehicles that were based on Daewoo Kalos.
Geo Metro facts
It is important to note that all the Metros were manufactured by CAMI Automotive Inc., this is with an exception of the convertible. The manufacturing process took place in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. It is equally important to note the fact that the Convertible was built in Japan by Suzuki.
The beginning of Geo Metro production
The Geo Metro can be described as a small economy car that was designed and manufactured on the basis of the Suzuki Swift or Cultus. It was basically produced from the year 1989 through to the year 2001. The very first generation was in 3-door and 5-door hatchback models. In addition, there was a four-door notchback sedan model which was sold in Canada.
The middle of Geo Metro production
In the year 1990, there was availability of a convertible but unfortunately it was phased out right after the year 1993. This was followed by the coming in of Metros that happened in 3 trim levels i.e. XFi, LSI or Base. The engine of XFi had less power in comparison to the engine of the Base and the engine of the LSi. The XFi was also able to achieve an incredible gas mileage of 53 MPG in the city and a startling 58 MPG on the highway. Each and every Metro at that point in time had 3 cylinder engines with either a 3-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission.
The only first-generation of the metro to have an airbag was the convertible. In the year 1995, the Metro underwent redesigning to give it an appearance that is more modern. The redesign also incorporated 70 horsepower (an equivalence of 71 PS or 52kW), a 4-cylinder engine, anti-lock brakes that were optional and standard dual airbags. The 5-door hatchback was replaced by a 4-door sedan. In the year 1995, the XFi never returned. The Base model and the LSi model were the only ones offered. The 3-cylinder engine was retained in the Base hatchback.
The end of Geo Metro production
In the year 1998, there was final revamping of the Metro that had been rebranded as Chevrolet. They performed minor re-styling, enhanced its headlamps and even boosted 4 cylinder engine to produce 79 horsepower (an equivalence of 80PS OR 59kW). The 2000 model was the final production of the 3-cylinder engine and the Metro hatchback. All the 2001 models were 4-door sedans that were exclusively sold to fleets.
The Metro line-up
The Metro line-up comprised of the following:
- The Metro Hatchback Coupe that was produced from the year 1989 through to the year 2001.
- The Metro Hatchback Sedan that was produced from the year 1989 to the year 1994.
- The Metro Convertible that was produced from the year 1991 through to 1993.
- The Metro Sedan that was produced from the year 1995 through to the year 2001.
Metro trim levels
3 varying trim levels were available during the manufacture of Metros. The bumper is undoubtedly the simplest way of identifying a specific Metro trim level. Bumpers on the XFi model were colored entirely black on both the upper and lower portions. Bumpers on the Base model had an upper portion that was body colored and a lower portion that was colored black. However, the LSi model bumpers were all body colored on both the upper and lower sections.
The Metro XFi was produced between the year 1989 and the year 1994, the Metro Base Level was produced between the year 1989 and the year 2000 and the Metro LSi that was produced from the year 1989 through to 1993, it was similarly produced between the year 1995 and the year 2001.
Metro XFi
Each and every Geo Metro was designed with three-cylinder, 1liter engine. The Metro XFi model was primarily designed for optimum fuel efficiency. It had different computer, lighter curb weight, different transmission and camshaft compared to both the Base model and LSi model. However, its convenience and comfort options were less appealing in comparison to the other two models. It achieved 53 MPG in city and 58 MPG on highway. It was rated as the most fuel efficient car in the whole of America throughout its production period. It was discontinued after the 1994 model year caused slow sales.
Metro Base
This model was considered more upscale in comparison to the XFi model. It has options that lacked in the Metro XFi such as automatic transmission and A/C. Its standard features included a passenger side mirror and body side molding that were also present in the XFi model. It had an extra 6 horsepower than the Metro XFi, it was rated a 55 horsepower car. This was possible with computer programming for both economy and power and because the lift camshaft that was a bit higher.
