In a 2004 Autoweek article, Osamu Suzuki, chairman of Suzuki, called CAMI "a fishbone in my throat" because of its low production. 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. 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. CAMI never reached its intended Metro/Firefly/Swift capacity. 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. 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.įrom 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. In the US, the Metro carried a Geo nameplate from 1989 through 1997, and a Chevrolet nameplate from 1998 to 2001. ![]() The Geo Metro is 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. The original Geo Metros were available as a 3-door hatchback (Base, LSi and XFi), a 5-door hatchback (Base and LSi), and a 2-door convertible (LSi only), all of which were carryovers for 19.Chevrolet Aveo/Sonic (for Chevrolet Metro) Last model year for the convertible after 1993, the Mazda MX-5 Miata became the smallest convertible sold in America.Īll of the LSi models were discontinued for one year. This was also the last model year for a new car being sold under $8,000. When redesigned for its 1995 model year, the Metro got its first 4-cylinder engine. The Metro was the only car available in the United States with a 3-cylinder engine. This 1.0-liter fuel sipper had only 55 horsepower. So for those who planned to do a lot of highway driving, the recommended option was the optional 70-hp 1.3-liter 4-cylinder, which was standard in the 4-door sedan. #1991 GEO METRO 4 DOOR HATCHBACK MANUAL#Ī 5-speed manual transmission was standard with both engines. A 3-speed automatic was available on all models except the base hatchback.Īside from putting on inches in wheelbase (3-door), length and height, the Metro line saw some model shuffling as well as sporting new, more aerodynamic styling. ![]() Gone was the 5-door hatchback, replaced by a 4-door sedan, the first 4-passenger Metro with a trunk. The fuel economy champ XFi model has also been dropped, causing Metro to relinquish the title to the Honda Civic. The old 3-door hatchback LSi returned as the upscale trim. ![]() Also added to the lineup was a brand-new LSi sedan.Īll Metros came standard with 4-wheel independent suspension, front and rear swaybars, dual airbags, stainless-steel exhaust, highback reclining front bucket seats and daytime running lights, a safety feature that turns on the headlights with the engine, the better to be seen, day or night. The LSi models added such amenities as interior trunk/hatch release, intermittent windshield wipers, 7-spoke wheel covers and a trip odometer. Dual airbags were standard, as were daytime running lights.Īll Metros featured a "soft touch" steering wheel, reclining bucket seats, fold-down rear seats and Scotchgard Fabric Protector. Antilock brakes are optional for all models. ![]()
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