Geo Metro

The Geo Metro first appeared in Chevrolet-Geo showrooms in 1989. It was a rebadged version of the Suzuki Swift, sharing many of the drivetrain and interior components. The Metro was a direct replacement for the Chevrolet Sprint, a subcompact hatchback that was several inches shorter than the Metro, and boasted fewer safety and convenience features. The Sprint was also a rebadged Suzuki Swift. Several body styles were available during the Metro's 13 year run, including a 2-door convertible, 3-door hatchback, 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 to the model's final year in 2001. The Suzuki Swift though, is still being sold in Japan and Europe, albeit in a different form. The Swift is also still being sold in Canada as a rebadged Daewoo Kalos/Chevrolet Aveo.

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 sedan models only sold in Canada were made in Japan.

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

Engines

In the United States a single engine was available from 1989 through 1994: a 1.0L I3 engine. Rated at only 55hp (41kW), the small Suzuki-designed engine was the most fuel efficient production engine used in a GM car to date, boasting well over 45mpg (5.3L/100km) in models with manual transmissions. A detuned 49 horsepower unit was used in the ultra-fuel-efficient XFi model, which delivered as much as 58 miles per gallon. 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 center combustion chamber can get too hot, and over time, lose compression due to exhaust valve failure.