1997 Chevrolet Metro problems
The Geo Metro was a marketing and manufacturing variation of the Suzuki Cultus available in North America from 1989 through 2001 as a joint effort of General Motors (GM) and Suzuki. In the US, the Metro carried a Geo nameplate from 1989 through 1997, and a Chevrolet nameplate from 1998 to 2001. It evolved with the Cultus and its siblings over 13 years, three generations and four body styles: three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and two-door convertible—and was ultimately replaced in the General Motors lineup by a family of vehicles based on the Daewoo Kalos, the Chevrolet Aveo.
From 1985 through 1989, Cultus-derived models sold in North America—under the nameplates Suzuki Forsa, Suzuki Swift, Chevrolet Sprint, Geo Metro and Pontiac Firefly—were sourced from Suzuki's facilities in Japan. Beginning in 1990, all North American M-cars were produced at CAMI Automotive, a 50–50 joint venture between General Motors and Suzuki in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, although Japanese production continued to source Canada bound sedan models. CAMI never reached its intended Metro/Firefly/Swift capacity. While at its peak, Canadian Swift/Metro/Firefly production reached more than 100,000 vehicles a year, the number fell to just 32,000 in 2000. In response to the waning popularity of smaller automobiles in the North American markets, Chevrolet/Geo sold only 55,600 Metros in 1997, off from 88,700 the year before. In a 2004 Autoweek article, Osamu Suzuki, chairman of Suzuki, called CAMI "a fishbone in my throat" because of its low production.
Beginning in late 2003 as a model year 2004 car, the Daewoo Kalos, marketed variously as the Chevrolet Aveo, Pontiac Wave and Suzuki Swift+, effectively replaced the Metro/Firefly, although the Aveo is more of a Daewoo Lanos replacement as opposed to the Metro, the same time when Daewoo closed majority of its dealerships outside South Korea in 2002.
The Suzuki Swift was replaced by the Suzuki Aerio hatchback in 2002, although the Aerio also replaced the Suzuki Esteem.
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Common 1997 Chevrolet Metro problems
The Chevrolet Metro, produced from 1995 to 2001, is known for its fuel efficiency and affordability. However, several common problems have been reported by owners of this car.
- Electrical Problems: The Chevrolet Metro has been known to have electrical issues, such as problems with the starter solenoid and ground wires. For example, a Metro owner reported that the car wouldn't start when it was cold and that there were ground wires that looked like they needed to be attached somewhere, possibly to the terminals.
- Lack of Safety Features: The Chevrolet Metro is known for its affordability and fuel efficiency, but it lacks many safety features found in modern cars. For instance, early models of the Metro only had one airbag in the steering wheel, with no airbag for the passenger. The car's air conditioning was also underpowered, taking away from the engine's power and making it difficult to maintain speed on the highway.
- Tire Issues: The Metro came with small, skinny, very hard tires to keep costs down and mileage up. However, this can make for a less comfortable ride and can make it difficult to keep up with other cars on the highway.
- Body Rigidity: While the 1995 Metro was stiffened to meet the upcoming 1997 side-impact crash test standards, the car's small size and light weight can still make it less safe in accidents compared to larger, heavier cars.
In conclusion, while the Chevrolet Metro is known for its fuel efficiency and affordability, it has several common problems that owners should be aware of. These include engine issues, electrical problems, lack of safety features, tire issues, and body rigidity. Regular maintenance and careful driving can help mitigate some of these issues, but potential buyers should be aware of these common problems before making a purchase.
What is the Chevy equivalent to the Geo Metro?
Chevrolet Spark
By the late '90s, GM shuttered Geo and moved its remaining products under the Chevy umbrella. The Geo Metro was replaced first by the Chevrolet Aveo and later by the Chevrolet Spark.
Does Chevy make Geo Metro?
The Geo Metro was a marketing and manufacturing variation of the Suzuki Cultus available in North America from 1989 through 2001 as a joint effort of General Motors (GM) and Suzuki. In the US, the Metro carried a Geo nameplate from 1989 through 1997, and a Chevrolet nameplate from 1998 to 2001.
How long do Geo metros last?
While some Metros have been known to make it "20 years" without a rebuilt, most don't. They need rebuilt when the wear either causes burnt valves and/or unacceptable driveability issues.
Why did they stop making the Geo Metro?
Geo is a brand of small cars and SUVs which GM hoped to make as the car for the youth during those times. It was in 1989 when Geo was formed and came up with its first car. But waning interest on small cars led to the subsequent discontinuation of the manufacture of cars under this brand.
What is the mpg on a 1997 Geo Metro hatchback?
40 combined
Fuel Economy of 1997 Geo Vehicles
| EPA MPG | Owner MPG Estimates |
|---|---|
| 1997 Geo Metro 3 cyl, 1.0 L, Manual 5-spd | |
| 40 combined city/highway MPG 37 city 44 highway 2.5 gals/100 miles | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
| 1997 Geo Metro 4 cyl, 1.3 L, Automatic 3-spd | |
| Regular Gasoline | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
What is the Chevy equivalent to the Geo Metro?
Chevrolet Spark
By the late '90s, GM shuttered Geo and moved its remaining products under the Chevy umbrella. The Geo Metro was replaced first by the Chevrolet Aveo and later by the Chevrolet Spark.
How big is a Geo Metro engine?
1.0 L
Used 1991 Geo Metro - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.0 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 3 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 55 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
How much horsepower does a geo metro make?
How fast is the 1995 Geo Metro? All 1995 Metro trim variations have 55 horsepower.
1997 Chevrolet Metro car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Metro problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Chevrolet Metro vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Chevrolet Metro complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Chevrolet Metro.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-01
- VIN: 1G1ND52M6VY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I PURCHASED A USED 1997 MALIBU ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO. SINCE I HAVE BROUGHT IT I HAVE HAD TO PUT ALOT OF MONEY INTO IT. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE THEFT SYSTEM. IT HAS LEFT ME SITTING QUITE A FEW TIMES. I HAVE HAD THE IGNITION REPLACED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND IT LOOKS LIKE I WILL HAVE TO HAVE IT DONE AGAIN. I HAVE ALSO REPLACE CALIBERS AND ABOUT 7 BRAKE PADS SET. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE HEAD GASKETS REPLACED AND THE PULLEY FOR THE BELTS. I HOPE YOU LOOK INTO THE THEFT SYSTEM PROBLEM. IT IS GETTING EXPENSIVE TO KEEP THIS CAR GOING. MY SON ALSO HAS A MALIBU AND HE HAS TROUBLE WITH HIS THEFT SYSTEM. I WOULD HOPE CHEVY COMPANY WOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SINCE WE ARE THE ONES WHO ARE KEEPING THEM IN BUSINESS. THANK YOU NORMA BELANGER *TR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Chevrolet Metro problems:
Known issues on 1995+ Metros - Geo Metro Forum
Oct 27, 2010 ... The major fault on the interior is the driver's side window regulator might need to be replaced or adjusted. Simple fix for <$40. The exhaust ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 1996 Geo Metro LSI - 148K Miles
Sep 20, 2009 ... What causes electrical problem in 1996 Geo Metro lsi with 148000 miles? - Answered by a verified Auto Mechanic.
1997 Geo Metro issues - Geo Metro Forum
Sep 17, 2017 ... You should see a nice come of fuel mist coming out of the injector. If nothing comes out, then your injector is stuck closed. If you see both of ...
1997 Geo Metro Q&A: Common Power Issues & Wiring Diagrams
Feb 15, 2006 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
1997 Geo Metro Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 1997 Geo Metro? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Geo Metro.
Other years of Chevrolet Metro
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