Geo Metro 1989-94

     Notes: The Geo Metro is a restyling of the Chevrolet Sprint of the mid-1980s, though it is built in Japan or Canada for GM by Suzuki.  Engines are nothing to write home about, being fuel-injected 3-cylinder gasoline engines of 49 or 55 horsepower. (This does, however, make the engines very economical.) An automatic transmission is not available on this vehicle until the 1990 model year.  The engines are adequate in town but suffer at high speeds or highway driving.  The Metro is only minimally noise insulated, and with the loud engine, road noise is at the least annoying. Handling can be difficult due to the low weight, with bumpy pavement sending the Metro bouncing.  Crash rating is poor. Appointments are tacky, but the rear seat does fit adults.  A driver’s side airbag arrived in 1990, but left again in 1993.  The Metro of this time period comes in a convertible, a hatchback coupe, and a five-door sedan.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

49 hp Convertible

$5,042

G, A

181 kg

800 kg

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

55 hp Convertible

$5,182

G, A

181 kg

810 kg

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

49 hp Coupe

$4,942

G, A

275 kg

735 kg

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

55 hp Coupe

$5,082

G, A

275 kg

745 kg

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

49 hp Sedan

$4,842

G, A

296 kg

768 kg

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

55 hp Sedan

$4,982

G, A

296 kg

778 kg

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

49 hp Convertible

176/17

49/5

40

27

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

55 hp Convertible

191/18

53/5

40

30

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

49 hp Coupe

190/18

53/5

40

27

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

55 hp Coupe

206/19

57/5

40

30

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

49 hp Sedan

182/18

51/5

40

27

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

55 hp Sedan

197/19

55/5

40

30

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Geo Metro 1995-97

    Notes: This subcompact car is notable for it's very light weight.  This light weight lends itself to fuel economy and acceptable performance despite the very low-power engines, but it also means that the Metro rides rough over even tiny bumps or wavy pavement, and a ride in the Metro can be quite jarring and fatiguing.  A lot of road, wind, and engine noise are delivered to the interior, which has almost no soundproofing.  Room is adequate in the front seats, but if you want to put adults in the rear seats, pushing the front seats forward is almost required, and those adults will have a hard time getting into the back in the first place.  The dashboard and control layouts are good, but the steering wheel is mounted uncomfortably high for most people and cannot be adjusted. The cargo space is good for a car of its tiny size, especially in the hatchback version.  The Metro is a rather loud car, and will be heard a good distance away.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

55 hp I-3 Hatchback

$5,082

G, A

335 kg

820 kg

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

70 hp I-4 Hatchback

$5,192

G, A

335 kg

850 kg

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

55 hp I-3 Sedan

$4,982

G, A

215 kg

860 kg

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

70 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,092

G, A

215 kg

890 kg

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

55 hp I-3 Hatchback

189/18

52/5

40

30

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

70 hp I-4 Hatchback

228/22

63/6

40

39

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

55 hp I-3 Sedan

181/17

51/5

40

30

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

70 hp I-4 Sedan

218/21

60/6

40

39

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Geo Prizm 1993-97

     This is basically a cheaper, less well-appointed, less powerful version of the Toyota Corolla.  It never sold as well as the Corolla because of the Toyota's reputation and bigger advertising budget, except among first-time buyers looking for an inexpensive car.  A driver-side airbag equipped the 1993 model, and dual airbags were installed on later models.  Antilock brakes are optional on all models.  Handling and ride are about what you can expect from a car of its price range, and the four engines possible are not powerful, but adequate for the task.  The Prizm is known for being quiet inside, but some of the controls, especially those for the radio, can be difficult to reach while driving, and the rear seat is rather cramped, better suited to two adults or three children

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

100 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,102

G, A

265 kg

1.07 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

105 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,132

G, A

265 kg

1.08 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

108 hp I-4 Sedan

$5.152

G, A

265 kg

1.09 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

115 hp I-4 Sedan

$5,202

G, A

265 kg

1.1 tons

1+4

1

Headlights

Open

 

 

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

100 hp I-4 Sedan

258/25

72/7

50

56

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

105 hp I-4 Sedan

266/26

74/7

50

58

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

108 hp I-4 Sedan

273/26

76/7

50

60

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

115 hp I-4 Sedan

287/28

80/8

50

 

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Geo Storm 1990-93

     Notes: This car is basically a US version of the Isuzu Impulse.  It was replaced in production by the Prizm partially in 1993, and totally by 1994, as Isuzu, from which the plans came, dropped development on automobiles to concentrate on trucks and SUVs.  The Storm is a peculiar collection of features; it has a climate-control system, but underperforming stereo; it has a strong body and a driver's side airbag, but no passenger airbag and no antilock brakes.  Four engines, two low power and two high-power, are offered.  All are noisy, as is tire, road, and wind noise.  Handling is pretty good on the base model, and better on the GSi sport model.  The front seats can be tight for the tall or large, and the back seat is nearly useless for adults.  The controls are poorly designed, often break, and are difficult to manipulate.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

90 hp I-4 Hatchback

$5,470

G, A

300 kg

1.08 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

95 hp I-4 Hatchback

$5,510

G, A

300 kg

1.09 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

130 hp I-4 Hatchback

$5,770

G, A

300 kg

1.16 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp I-4 Hatchback

$5,840

G, A

300 kg

1.18 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

90 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,370

G, A

240 kg

1.09 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

95 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,410

G, A

240 kg

1.1 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

130 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,670

G, A

240 kg

1.17 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

140 hp I-4 Coupe

$5,740

G, A

240 kg

1.19 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

90 hp I-4 Hatchback

231/22

64/6

50

50

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

95 hp I-4 Hatchback

242/23

67/6

50

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

130 hp I-4 Hatchback

305/29

85/8

50

72

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp I-4 Hatchback

321/31

89/9

50

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

90 hp I-4 Coupe

229/22

64/6

50

50

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

95 hp I-4 Coupe

240/23

66/6

50

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

130 hp I-4 Coupe

302/29

84/8

50

72

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

140 hp I-4 Coupe

318/31

88/8

50

78

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

 

Geo Tracker 1990-97

     Notes: Geo's entry into the sports SUV market, the Tracker is on the (very) small end of the SUV market.  The low power engine tends to be a bit sluggish, but give excellent fuel economy.  The Tracker is tall and narrow, and must be driven with great care in turns and maneuvers to avoid rolling them.  The ride is rough, and noise levels are high.  The front seats are roomy, but the back seats are best occupied by children or cargo.  The rear seat can be folded for larger cargoes, as long as they are not too big.  The Tracker received dual front airbags in 1996.

     A similar vehicle was produced by Suzuki with the name of Sidekick.  It is essentially the same vehicle as the Tracker.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

64 hp I-4 2-Door SUV

$5,140

G, A

440 kg

1.02 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

80 hp I-4 2-Door SUV

$5,260

G, A

440 kg

1.05 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

95 hp I-4 2-Door SUV

$5,370

G, A

440 kg

1.08 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

64 hp I-4 4-Door SUV

$5,598

G, A

535 kg

1.1 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

80 hp I-4 4-Door SUV

$5,718

G, A

535 kg

1.13 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

95 hp I-4 4-Door SUV

$5,828

G, A

535 kg

1.16 tons

1+3

1

Headlights

Open

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov*

Com Mov*

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Config

Susp

Armor

64 hp I-4 2-Door SUV

179/35

50/10

42

36

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

80 hp I-4 2-Door SUV

214/41

60/11

42

45

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

95 hp I-4 2-Door SUV

243/47

68/13

42

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

64 hp I-4 4-Door SUV

167/33

47/9

55

36

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

80 hp I-4 4-Door SUV

200/38

56/10

55

45

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

95 hp I-4 4-Door SUV

227/44

63/12

55

53

Stnd

W(2)

HF1  HS1  HR1

*For 2WD models, reduce off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.