Why I Love The Geo Metro

SAVE GEO METROS!!!! THEY ARE WONDERFUL CARS!! EASY TO WORK ON!! These cars are throwbacks::::Lots of space under the hood. Ecologically conscious::: Do the right thing.

Don't forget:::automatic transmissions dominate in the United States, and NOT for good reason. European vehicles are mostly manual, for they have more favor. Females are the favored gender:::What cars DO have manuals here in the US have traditionally been marketted towards the women AND are those which get the highest mileage. Buy manual transmissions. Automatics are NOT respected!!!

MANAGE YOUR HEAT!!! MANAGE YOUR HEAT!!! MANAGE YOUR HEAT!!! MANAGE YOUR HEAT!!!

MANAGE YOUR HEAT GEO METRO FANS!!!

The best thing you can do for the Geo Metro is install a 180 degree thermostat. Install a 180 degree thermostat. It doesn't affect performance and gives an additional measure of protection, which is immediately apparent in my '91 which has the 180 degree temperature gauge, as opposed to the convertible models (& '92+) which have the 90 degree temperature gauge (see below).

The next best thing you can do for the Geo Metro is install a switch to the fan. The Geo Metro has heat problems when sitting in traffic or idling in summer. The temperature level programmed in the ECM that switches on the fan is so high it eventually damages the engine during this sensitive use, so override the computer by installing a switch and using it when in traffic or even around town in summertime. Just find a power source and run it through the switch to the fan coupler. It is important that you are vigilant with the switch.
If you are a start-and-go type of driver who would be apt to neglect the switch I would recommend the following heat treatment as well: Failure to install a switch eventually results in a progressively weaker engine and increasingly higher HC levels, ultimately leading to failed smog checks.

Run the heater constantly, including in the summer.
If you put the heater on defrost with the windows rolled down the heat goes out the corner of the window. You won't even know it is on. This is crucial for managing heat, important especially at freeway speeds which could damage the fan motor if on, since it spins the opposite direction. It acts as a second radiator on your cooling system.

A fellow on eBay sells something he calls a "Oil Filter Cooler Collar", which is a heat sink for the oil filter. It requires modification for proper fit, but I swear by it. JCWhitney sells one that needs no modification for three times the price. On Metros without A/C they spi on nicely, otherwise require some work getting it on.

'89-'91 had the half-circle sensitive guages, where you can notice an increase in heat when in traffic, at a stop light, etc. '92-'94 and all convertible models had the quarter circle temperature guage that moved little or not at all at changes in the temperature. You could have been frying your engine and you wouldn't have even known it.

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Geo MEtro XFI pricing 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 6 6 6.8 7 6.7 7.3

Hey kids! How about those gas prices shooting up to $2.50!!! Remember last summer when they were $3/gallon!!! Don't be suprised if we see $4 a gallon sometime in the near future. Perhaps this summer. Don't begin another driving season unprepared!!!

I understand there may be some perception of stigma in regard to my beloved Geo Metro. So I have done some research and wanted to share my findings.

The Geo Metro wasn't the only car to achieve the 50 MPG level. In fact they weren't even the first!!! Honda manufactured a Civic called the HF from 1985-1991 that got wonderful mileage::::

'86-'87 Civic HF - 52city/57hwy

I believe you can identify the HF model through the VIN number:: IF the 8th digit is a "1" then it is an HF model. VIN data as well as make/model information follows below. Beware of that dreaded engine swap!!!!

I hope you find this information helpful. Please join me, along with all those who know the joy of fuel efficient vehicles, in enjoying driving freedom.

Happy motoring!!!

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