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 | 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.
1994
All of the LSi models were discontinued, and no more convertibles were ever produced again from Geo.
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 |
Gallery
