1996
Geo Metro

Starts at:
$8,380
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New 1996 Geo Metro
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr HB
    Starts at
    $8,380
    44 City / 49 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr HB LSi (CA)
    Starts at
    $8,780
    44 City / 49 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr HB LSi
    Starts at
    $8,780
    44 City / 49 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn
    Starts at
    $9,330
    30 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LSi (CA)
    Starts at
    $9,730
    30 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LSi
    Starts at
    $9,730
    30 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn
    Starts at
    $12,495
    26 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Consumer reviews

88% of drivers recommend this car
4.2 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 2.9
Interior 3.5
Performance 3.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 2.9
Reliability 4.9

Most recent

  • By Jeff from Stayton Oregon
    Owns this car
    June 3, 2023

    You cannot fathom what I put this car through !!!

    I purchased my 98 chev metro new for 7995. Everyone made fun of me for driving it for so long. When it was new it didnt like shifting into 2nd and after 155k it lost second. I drove it another 90k without second gear so my poor motor,and clutch had a hard life when it finally died the transmission intermittently locked and made loud gear crunching sounds. The original motor is still going today , never rebuilt. I used to tell people it saved me so much that it made money. I still feel that way today. I was 22 when i purchased this car and we used to jump it on certain hills and would pile 4 people in it to go drinking and drive on every country goat path we could find. Before it had license plates when new it was doing 50 mph in a grass field dodging haybales with 4 drunks in it. I wasn't real good on maintenance back then and this car never left me stranded until the tranny self destructed. I could go on for hours of things it amazingly survived. I even hauled 5 full grown St bernards in it when I moved 200 miles away.I took the front passenger seat out so my dogs could load easier.I have lost track of how many miles it now has because it has had a couple tranny swaps and although it didnt need it i once put a low mile motor in for a while because it seemed easier to change engine and tranny together. since the original is back in it. I cant believe what this car has survived. Everyone called it a throw away car but it has outlasted every car I own. If you shift gently into the 2nd gear it will last forever. I hated this car when i bought it because I was a hotrodder, but it has grown on me like a cancer after while you come to terms with it and now that it looks pretty rough and wore out I actually like it more today than when it was new. I can't say enough about this amazing little car. I mothballed it for 5 years and just cleaned it up today to put it back on the road. It very well may make a million miles if I live long enough.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By chrisR from Aurora colorado
    Owns this car
    September 3, 2019

    This car surprised me.

    I purchased one recently with about 215,000 miles on it, for less than $500.00 dollars. I live in an area where emissions are required to register a vehicle, this car passed with flying colors in about a minute or less on the dyno. I was a kid when these were new, and my general perception of them was always that they were ugly, slow, and very uncool. While that may all remain true still to this day, after driving this little thing around for a month it has really won me over. I quickly realized that due to its low power out-put, it is a tough little thing to break. I taught my wife how to drive a manual in it, with little to no worry. With a curb weight of 1800 lbs, ( half the weight of a typical 4 door sedan) it can really “kart” around the corners. It’s hard to describe other than it reminds me of driving high powered electric go-karts. The no power steering actually improves this effect. Gas mileage? Well, I read the numbers on the internet but have yet to observe a calculated fuel economy because I tend to drive the little thing hard,(to accelerate normally in regular traffic, you have to) but it’s still pretty good as far as I can tell. Lowering the back seat creates a surprising amount of room for hauling stuff around. For the price I couldn’t be more satisfied I don’t think.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Green Hornet from Macon, GA
    Owns this car
    July 31, 2019

    I love this car, it is GREAT for getting around.

    Here's what I really think about my little 1996 Metro Geo. It is one of the most dependable & reliable cars one can own. It gets great gas mileage but here's what I like the best about it. It is sturdy and can really take a licking and keep on ticking. My car needs a paint job and over 30 persons have asked to buy it from me. I had a man follow me in the library begging would I please sell it for his grand daughter (and he offered me a nice amount. I've had enumerous people rub the car including mechanics and call my car their baby! My car I've had for 12 years; it sat in New York for 4 years without anyone starting it daily in the winter. Most cars will have engine problems if you don't start it in extreme cold weather. Here's what I love best: no matter what - my car WILL start. I've never had any major problem with it other then replacing a part due to wearing. I would love to sell it but I'm too attached because it's been so good to me! It's a dear get around car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • By PatienceNova from Olympia, WA
    Owns this car
    March 14, 2017

    The little 3-cyl that could!

    I adore this car. It has proven itself dependable, capable, and a surprisingly capable cargo vehicle. I'm always shocked what gotta in they get with the seat down...
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • By iLoveCars from Southern California
    Owns this car
    April 12, 2015

    The 1996 Geo Metro 1.0L 5 Speed

    I bought this car about a month ago and have to say that I love this little thing. Do not, I repeat, do not purchase this vehicle for performance! Performance is not the purpose of this car. This is a car for reliability/great gas mileage purposes only(45 mpg avg.). This is also a car that will require(cheap) maintenance, so be prepared for that. Exterior looks like an egg and the interior is durable provided that it has not been abused. So far, I've received nothing but random compliments for this car from "Cool Little Car!!", to "Bet that thing gets great gas mileage!", to "a 1.0 Liter!!". Depending on where the car is purchased, there can be a premium for these little things due to the gas mileage. I drive this thing 48 miles each way to work without a hiccup!! If you're in the market for one for mainly mpg, do your self a favor and stay away from the 1.3L/1.0L Autos since they have a rep for having lower gas mileage and lower get up.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By j.dog from Portland, OR
    Owns this car
    April 4, 2015

    Best econobox!

    I am an ASE-Certified auto Technician w/20 years of experience. This car is a great commuter! #1 i reliability and fuel mileage. Simple to maintain. It is too bad thet Suzuki pulled out of the American marketplace. I would but any Suzuki if they were for sale!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By KILLMENOW from Jackson, TN
    Owns this car
    December 10, 2012

    Great Gas Milage

    My wife bought this car so that I wouldn't have to drive my gas guzzling truck to work and back. I'll start of with appereance. The car looks terrible. It is hideous and extremely cheap looking. The interior isn't much better. It is bare bones. No tachometer! Performance. The car has a 1.3 liter motor. Yes, you heard me right. 1.3 liters. It has the acceleration of an elderly turtle. It handles like such. As a result driving to work is now a chore instead of being fun. Gas milage is good, but not worth it for me. As a result I am going to find my least favorite in-law and give it to them. For your own sake, find something less utterly awful!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 4.0
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  • By My Commuter from Cincinnati, Oh
    Owns this car
    September 7, 2009

    Good Daily Driver

    Have owned my 96 Metro for one month.This four door has air,automatic and the 1.3 liter four cylinder. Have got close to 35mpg on all but one of four tanks so far. Bought this to drive to work 60 miles roundtrip daily. No problems to speak of replaced the thermostat for seven dollars. With only 90000 miles I should be saving on gas for several years to come.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By speedy ladybug from reno, nv.
    Owns this car
    February 13, 2007

    ive always loved fuel economy cars...

    i owned a metro back in 1995 although that experience w/ the 1991 model wasnt so great...i loved it when i saw these lil newer models out...and always wanted one again but with the 4 cylinder engine which is what i have now...a used 1996 lsi hb model...and its cherry red...so makes for a great convo piece and go getter on the freeways as well...i got mine thru a private party and i must say they kept it in good shape altho the inside was a bit stained in a few places i didnt care, thats an easy quick fix...i call my car "ladybug", yes you may laugh but in the long run, its the best thing ive had since driving any car in the last 15 yrs...
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1996 Geo Metro?

The 1996 Geo Metro is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (3 styles)
  • LSi (4 styles)

What is the MPG of the 1996 Geo Metro?

The 1996 Geo Metro offers up to 44 MPG in city driving and 49 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1996 Geo Metro reliable?

The 1996 Geo Metro has an average reliability rating of 4.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1996 Geo Metro owners.

Is the 1996 Geo Metro a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1996 Geo Metro. 88.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.2 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
  • Comfort: 2.9
  • Interior: 3.5
  • Performance: 3.0
  • Value: 5.0
  • Exterior: 2.9
  • Reliability: 4.9
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