Changes: Geo/Chevrolet Metro

Revision as of 21:36, 4 March 2020

Metro, GM's smallest and most affordable car, 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.

Year-to-year changes

1991	1994	1995	1997	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. Appealing to small families who keep a tight rein on their budgets, or as an added car in multivehicle households, Geo put on the gloves against small-car contenders such as Ford Aspire, Mazda Protege and Hyundai Accent.

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.

The big news under the hood was a 1.3-liter, 70-horsepower aluminum Four that came standard in 4-door models, and was optional on the LSi hatchback. The old, reliable 1.0-liter 3-banger continued to churn out its 55 horsepower in hatchback models. A 5-speed manual transaxle was standard, with a 3-speed automatic available on all but the base 3-door. Metro's tiny 12-in. wheels have also grown up and were now 13 in. across the board.

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.

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