Geo Metro Gas Mileage
79Geo Metro
The Geo Metro is a blast from the recent past. It was sold in many varieties, including a 2-door convertible! Some came with amenities (LSi), and some were intentionally built without the normal accoutrements (XFi), but fantastic gas mileage (around 50 MPG or more). When I say without the normal accoutrements, I mean no air conditioner or automatic transmission kind of accoutrements (air conditioning being a necessity to me in the Southern states). In general, the Geo Metro got around 40-50 MPG, and this was back in the 90's when times were good as far as gas prices were concerned!
There's a link to the governement's Geo Metro gas mileage ratings here: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/Feg/noframes/6513.shtml
You don't need to go out and buy (at a premium) an environmental disaster like the Prius to get great gas mileage. Used Geo Metros are just the thing if you're out to save the environment (or your wallet). Since they no longer build them, you'll have to buy a used one, which is a huge plus for the environment. They're great on gas mileage, even better than the Smart Cars you see in car dealer's lots right now. However, you may want to consider the safety factor, as Smart Cars rank pretty high. Smart Cars rank high because they sacrifice gas mileage for safety cages. The Geo has none of that, but they were one of the first cars in America to offer dual air bags!
Expect these cars to be in demand in your local Craig's List and on eBay. If you own one, you may get some great trade-in values for it right now!
Ned Flanders from The Simpsons was known to have owned one.
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My Experience
I was priviledged to drive one of these as a rental car when my truck got some damage, and it was quite the experience. If I'd had gone from a Fiat or a VW Bug, it might have been much less traumatic (I know, I'm spoiled in my big American, er, Japanese, but made in America, truck)! I felt like I was right on the road, and if I pressed the floor boards too hard, my feet would have touched the pavement. Looking up at other trucks (and cars even) gave me a different perspective on life.
I drove it around town and to and from work for at least 3 days, and didn't have to refill it before returning it to the rental car agency, because it was still on the "Full" mark!
There are a number of ways you can increase the gas mileage of your own vehicle. Follow this link to see some tips.
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Comments
I own a VW Rabbit but I've been watching Craigslist for a Geo Convertible to replace my Cabriolet. All I find on Portlands Craigslist is one Metro that occassionally comes up for $6500 (ouch!) and a LOT of "Wanted Geo Metro" adds. If you have one here and you're not greedy, it will sell in a matter of hours.
I love the Simpsons, even though it's been on forever and they've "done" almost everything there is to do to get a laugh.
Thanks for the comment, Chef Jeff!
LOL! Can you believe someone paying $6,500 for a beat up, used, and abused Geo Metro? (I'm assuming, since it's probably old, that it's not in good shape). I would have hesitated to pay that much for one brand new! (Although, my opinion has changed a bit for the great gas mileage it gets). I bet you I can barely get that much for my truck, and it's roomy, not that old, not too many miles, has great airconditioning, is in great shape, and can "haul things"!
Thanks for the comment, dlarson!
My wife and I both own Geo Metros and we both get around 50 miles to the gallon even though hers is a three cylinder [a '91] and mine [a '96] is four cylinder engine. We love them. Never any mechanical problems, just regular maintenance, including changing the timing belt every 90,000 miles.
But now, I have started a project to convert a car [a medium sized one of the '90s with a dead engine] to electric. This will be my car to drive to locally with a range of 100 miles before needing to recharge the batteries, and at a to speed of 60 MPH. The cost factor ought to be a bout $1.00 for every 100 miles. My cost factor with my Geo is about $7.00 every 100 miles. Converting a car to electricity can cost anywhere from $600 to $20,000. I'm using a guide book that shows how to do the job for the lower price.
my geo metro 1990 only is getting like 30-35 mpg tops what can i do to help it
my geo metro 1990 only is getting like 30-35 mpg tops what can i do to help it
i have changed the air filter, oil, oil filter, fuel filter, plugs, plug wires, i only run priemum and plus, i replaced the cap and roter and it still should get better milage
i have a 92 geo metro lsi and i get around 40-45+ (not for sale) and got it for $500
Chef Jeff says:
18 months ago
I never owned a Geo Metro, but I do remember Ned Flanders had one on The Simpsons!