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Lonsdale (car)

2025-10-26T08:29:37Z

2603:6080:5000:1A65:373E:894B:32BE:AEB:

{{Short description|Defunct automotive subsidiary of Mitsubishi Motors (1982-1983)}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Lonsdale YD
| image = Mitsubishi Galant badged as Lonsdale for UK mar.jpg
| caption = Lonsdale YD41
| production = 1982–1983
| engine = 1.6 L [[Inline-four engine|I4]] (81 PS / 60 kW) 2.0 L [[Inline-four engine|I4]] (95 PS / 70 kW) 2.6 L [[Inline-four engine|I4]] (103 PS / 76 kW)
| assembly = [[Clovelly Park, South Australia|Adelaide]], Australia
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| class = [[Compact car|Compact]]
| body_style = 4-door [[sedan (car)|saloon]] 5-door [[station wagon|estate]]
| aka = [[Mitsubishi Galant]] Mitsubishi Eterna [[Chrysler Sigma#GJ|Mitsubishi Sigma (GJ)]]
}}
'''Lonsdale''' was a [[marque]] of car sold in the [[United Kingdom]] by the [[Colt Car Company]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/anything-goes-throwback-thursday/throwback-thursday-1983-lonsdale-26-road-test| title = Throwback Thursday: 1983 Lonsdale 2.6 road test {{!}} Autocar}} </ref> between 1982 and 1983. It took its name from the [[industrial suburb]] of [[Lonsdale, South Australia|Lonsdale]] in [[Adelaide]], [[South Australia]], where [[Mitsubishi Australia]] had an engine production facility. The only car sold under this brand was the '''Lonsdale''', a [[badge engineered]] [[Chrysler Sigma#GJ|Mitsubishi Sigma (GJ)]]. It was sold as the Lonsdale YD41 and the Lonsdale YD45. 700 were produced, although no cars have been proven to survive.<ref name="Lonsdale Production Numbers">{{cite web |title=Lonsdale YD41 and YD45 (1982 - 1984) |url=https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/lonsdale/yd41yd45/ |website=Honest John |access-date=7 August 2022}}</ref>

The car was powered by one of three four cylinder engines of 1.6, 2.0 and 2.6 litres, producing respectively 81, 95 and 103 bhp.

The largest of these power units produced a maximum torque of 192 Nm., and was one of the largest post-war four cylinder engines produced.

Although the Sigma was merely an Australian version of [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi Motors']] [[Mitsubishi Galant|Colt Galant]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pocketoz.com.au/afe/motoring-manuf-tonsley.html |title = Australian Motor Vehicle Manufacture: Tonsley Park, SA}}</ref> which was already available in the UK, the company's plan was to circumvent the "gentlemen's agreement", a voluntary import quota which limited [[Japan]]ese-manufactured imports to 11 per cent of the market (which typically amounted to fewer than 200,000 cars per year). However, the idea proved unsuccessful and most of the cars imported by Lonsdale remained unsold by the time the company ceased trading. The Colt Car Company continued to sell the vehicle in the UK for 1984, although rebranded as the Mitsubishi Galant.<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/anything-goes-throwback-thursday/throwback-thursday-1983-lonsdale-26-road-test | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20200202170357/https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/anything-goes-throwback-thursday/throwback-thursday-1983-lonsdale-26-road-test | archivedate = 2020-02-02 | last = Culmer | first = Kris | title = Throwback Thursday: 1983 Lonsdale 2.6 road test | magazine = [[Autocar (magazine)|Autocar]] | date = 17 August 2017 }}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|1980s}}
*[[Colt Car Company]]
* [[List of car manufacturers of the United Kingdom]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050419233646/http://www.topgear.com/content/features/stories/forgotten_cars/08/ BBC Top Gear 10 Forgotten cars - Lonsdale]

{{Mitsubishi Motors companies}}

[[Category:Mitsubishi Motors subsidiaries]]
[[Category:Defunct brands]]

{{modern-auto-stub}}
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1982]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1983]]
[[Category:Mitsubishi Motors vehicles]]

Geo (automobile)

2025-10-26T08:23:27Z

2603:6080:5000:1A65:373E:894B:32BE:AEB: Added more information about Geo marketing campaigns.

{{Short description|Defunct American motor vehicle brand}}
{{One source|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox brand
| name = Geo
| logo = Geo car brand logo.svg
| logo_size = 200
| image =
| image_upright =
| alt =
| caption =
| producttype = [[Subcompact car]]s
| currentowner = [[General Motors]]
| producedby = General Motors
| country = [[United States]]
| introduced = {{start date|1989|8|16}}
| discontinued = {{end date and age|1997|6|16}}
| related = [[Asüna]]
| markets =
| previousowners =
| trademarkregistrations =
| ambassadors =
| tagline =
| website =
| module = 
| module1 = 
| footnotes =
}}
'''Geo''' was a [[brand]] of small cars marketed by [[General Motors]] (GM) as a subdivision of its [[Chevrolet]] division from 1989 to 1997.

Geo was a [[joint venture]] between GM and [[Japan]]ese automakers to compete with the growing small [[import]] market in the [[United States]] during the mid-1980s. Subcompact cars and [[SUV]]s, either [[badge engineered]] or based on Japanese models, were produced by GM at its facilities in [[North America]] or imported from Japan. Geo was discontinued after the 1997 model year and merged into Chevrolet. The Geo [[Geo Metro|Metro]], [[Geo Prizm|Prizm]], and [[Geo Tracker|Tracker]] were sold as Chevrolets from the 1998 model year until their discontinuances in 2001, 2002, and 2004, respectively. In this sense, Geo existed until 2004, even with the Geo nameplate being dropped in mid-1997.

[[Asüna]], a counterpart marque to Geo in [[Canada]], was introduced by GM in 1992 to provide [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]]-[[Buick]]-[[GMC (General Motors division)|GMC]] dealers access to a similar range of import vehicles.

== Manufacturing ==
Geo models were manufactured by GM in joint ventures with three Japanese automakers: [[Toyota]], [[Isuzu]], and [[Suzuki]]. The [[Geo Prizm|Prizm]] was produced at the GM/Toyota joint-venture [[NUMMI]] assembly plant in [[Fremont, California]] in the [[United States]], and the [[Geo Metro|Metro]] and [[Geo Tracker|Tracker]] models were produced at the GM/Suzuki joint-venture [[CAMI Automotive|CAMI]] assembly plant in [[Ingersoll, Ontario]] in [[Canada]]. The exceptions, the [[Geo Spectrum|Spectrum]] and [[Geo Storm|Storm]], were entirely manufactured by Isuzu in Japan. Geo Metro convertibles and early Geo Trackers were built by Suzuki in Japan.

== Marketing ==
Geo's logo was based on the Chevrolet logo which was a [[globe]] outline with the Chevrolet bow tie in the middle, primarily seen on steering wheels of most Geo models. Its original [[slogan]] was "Get to know Geo" and commercials often featured the song "[[Getting to Know You (song)|Getting to Know You]]" from the musical ''[[The King and I]]''. The main selling point of all Geo models was being cheap and efficient, especially the Metro.

== Models ==

=== Metro ===
{{main|Geo Metro}}
[[File:1992 Geo Metro convertible 01.jpg|thumb|1992 [[Geo Metro]] convertible]]
The Geo Metro is a small [[economy car]] that was based on the [[Suzuki Cultus|Suzuki Swift]] (Cultus) produced from 1989 to 2001 model years. The first generation was offered in three and five-door [[hatchback]] models as well as a 4-door [[notchback]] [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]] that was only sold in Canada. In 1990, a [[convertible]] was available but was phased out after 1993. The Metro came in three [[Trim level (automobile)|trim level]]s: XFi, base, or LSi. The XFi's engine has less [[horsepower]] than the base and LSi and achieved a [[gas mileage]] of 53 [[Miles per gallon|mpg]] (city) and 58 mpg (highway). All of the Metros at this time had three [[Cylinder (engine)|cylinder]] engines with a 5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]] or 3-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] transmission. The convertible is also the only first-generation Metro to offer an [[airbag]]. In 1995, the Metro was redesigned with a more modern appearance and offered a {{convert|70|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} four-cylinder engine, standard dual airbags and optional [[Anti-lock braking system|anti-lock brake]]s. A four-door sedan replaced the five-door hatchback. The XFi did not return for 1995 and only the Base and LSi models were offered. The three-cylinder engine remained in the base hatchback. In 1998 the Metro, now branded as a Chevrolet, was revamped one last time. It was given minor restyling, improved [[headlamp]]s, and improved four cylinder engine, now producing {{convert|79|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. The 2000 model year was the last for the Metro hatchback and the three cylinder engine. All 2001 models were four-door sedans that were sold to fleets only.
{{Clear}}

=== Prizm ===
{{main|Geo Prizm}}
[[File:2nd Geo Prizm .jpg|thumb|1993-1997 [[Geo Prizm]]]]
The Prizm is a compact four-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] that was based on the Toyota E90 and E100 platform [[Toyota Sprinter]]. It was the successor to the [[Chevrolet Nova]]. A five-door [[hatchback]] model was also offered through 1991. While the Prizm consistently won awards from the auto industry (including a ''Consumer's Digest'' Best Buy selection), it was always outsold by the platform twin [[Toyota Corolla]]. Additionally, the Prizm was positioned within Chevrolet's own model lineup and competed with the [[Chevrolet Cavalier|Cavalier]] for market share and dealer floor space. The Prizm was sold from 1989 through 2002 and produced at [[NUMMI]] in [[Fremont, California]]. The Prizm came in either a base model or a more upscale LSi version that had an optional 1.8 L engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Leather interior was also optional on the LSi model. From 1990 to 1992, the Prizm had a sporty GSi model with red and black badging. It was equivalent in power and equipment to the Corolla GT-S although the latter was a [[Coupe|coup]]e. The GSi was the most powerful Prizm with {{convert|130|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. The Prizm model line was not offered in Canada.
{{Clear}}

=== Spectrum ===
{{main|Geo Spectrum}}
[[File:Geo Chevrolet Spectrum.jpg|thumb|1989 [[Geo Spectrum]]]]
The Spectrum was a short-lived subcompact model based on the [[Isuzu Gemini]] and one size up from the Metro. The Spectrum was sold as a regular Chevrolet model from 1985 to 1988. The 85-86 models shared several subtle differences to their 87-89 counterparts and were still fully branded as Chevrolets for the first year of production in 1989. However, with the launch of the Geo marque in 1989, the Spectrum was rebranded as a Geo. Although the [[Grille (car)|grille]] stayed the same (including the Chevrolet "bowtie" emblem without Geo "globe") the rear "Chevrolet" emblem was replaced with a "Geo" emblem. The Geo Spectrum was only sold in 1989 and was replaced by the Isuzu-produced Geo Storm hatchback.
{{Clear}}

=== Storm ===
{{main|Geo Storm}}
[[File:Geo Storm -- -07-09-2009.jpg|thumb|1991 [[Geo Storm]] GSi]]
The Storm was a [[sport compact]] based on the [[Isuzu Impulse]], available as a three-door [[fastback]] "Sport Compact" and a two-door "Hatchback", the latter styled as a mini [[station wagon]] in profile, often referred to as the "Wagonback" in some markets. The Storm entered Geo's lineup in 1990 as a base model or in GSi trim, replacing the related Geo Spectrum. The base model came with a choice of either a 3-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. The Storm line entered Canada in 1992, and the Hatchback (wagon) was offered only in base model trim. The GSi models came with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, better handling, a rear [[Spoiler (car)|spoiler]], [[bucket seat]]s, and a more powerful [[Overhead camshaft engine|DOHC]] engine. In 1992, the front and rear of all models were restyled, the GSi sported a bigger 1.8 liter DOHC engine, replacing the former 1.6 DOHC, and a redesigned rear spoiler. Despite strong sales the Storm was discontinued in 1993, this was due in part to Isuzu discontinuing their car lines, and refocusing on trucks and SUVs. The Geo Storm was the performance oriented vehicle of the Geo marque. The Storm and the Geo Spectrum were produced in Japan by Isuzu.
{{Clear}}

=== Tracker ===
{{main|Chevrolet Tracker (Americas)}}
[[File:Geo Tracker LSi convertible.jpg|thumb|[[Geo Tracker]]]]
The Geo Tracker was an SUV introduced in 1989 and based on the [[Suzuki Escudo|Suzuki Sidekick]]. It was a low cost [[4x4]] vehicle, introduced as a two-door with either a convertible or fixed hard top in base or upscale LSi versions. All models between 1989 and 1990 were offered in 5-speed manual with [[four-wheel drive]]. In 1996, the two-door hard top was dropped in favor of the four-door model. The four-door offered a {{convert|95|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} engine and an optional four-speed automatic transmission. The Tracker was produced from 1989 to 1998 under the Geo marque, and 1999 to 2004 under Chevrolet itself, making it the longest running Geo model. The Tracker was completely redesigned for the 1999 model year.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jc/90-98tracker.htm 1990-1998 Chevrolet and Geo Tracker in Canadian Driver's used car review]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060328193342/http://www.vmrintl.com/reviews/Geo_prizm_93-97.htm 1993-1997 Geo Prizm review]
*[http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jc/95-00metro.htm 1995-2000 Chevrolet and Geo Metro in Canadian Driver's used car review]

{{Geo timeline}}
{{General Motors brands}}
{{General Motors}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Geo (Automobile)}}
[[Category:Geo (automobile)| ]]
[[Category:General Motors marques]]
[[Category:Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States]]
[[Category:Motor vehicle manufacturers based in Michigan]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1989]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1989]]
[[Category:Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1989]]
[[Category:Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 1997]]
[[Category:1989 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:1997 disestablishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:Chevrolet]]
[[Category:Defunct manufacturing companies based in Michigan]]

Geo Metro

2025-10-26T08:20:05Z

2603:6080:5000:1A65:373E:894B:32BE:AEB:

{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Geo Metro
| image = 97 Geo Metro.jpg
| manufacturer = [[CAMI Automotive]] (1989–1994) [[Geo (automobile)|Geo]] (1989–1997) [[General Motors]] (1995–2001)
| production = 1989–2001
| class = [[Subcompact car]]
| predecessor = [[Chevrolet Chevette]] [[Suzuki Cultus|Chevrolet Sprint/Sprint Metro]]
| successor = [[Chevrolet Aveo]]/Sonic (for Chevrolet Metro)
}}

The '''Geo Metro''' was a variation of the [[Suzuki Cultus]] available in North America from 1989 through 2001 as a joint effort of [[General Motors]] (GM) and [[Suzuki]]. In the US, the Metro carried a [[Geo (cars)|Geo]] nameplate from 1989 through 1997, and a [[Chevrolet]] nameplate from 1998 to 2001. It evolved with the Cultus and its siblings over 13 years, three generations and four body styles: three-door [[hatchback]], four-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]], five-door [[hatchback]] and two-door [[convertible (car)|convertible]]—and was ultimately replaced in the General Motors lineup by a family of vehicles based on the [[Daewoo Kalos]], the Chevrolet Aveo.

From 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. 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. CAMI never reached its intended Metro/Firefly/Swift capacity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pontiac planning to add Chevrolet Equinox-based sport wagon to lineup |publisher=Autoweek.com, March 5, 2004 |url=http://www.jacksonville.com/autos/autonews/stories/030504/04846649.shtml |access-date=June 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304191254/http://jacksonville.com/autos/autonews/stories/030504/04846649.shtml |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
In response to the waning popularity of smaller automobiles in the North American markets, Chevrolet/Geo had sold only 55,600 Metros in 1997, off from 88,700 the year before.<ref>{{cite web |title=CAMI gets a new lease on life |publisher=Wards Auto World, December 1, 1998 |url=http://wardsautoworld.com/ar/auto_cami_gets_new/ |access-date=June 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728081536/http://wardsautoworld.com/ar/auto_cami_gets_new/ |archive-date=July 28, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> 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. In April 2001, CAMI confirmed that it had ended production of the Metro at its Ontario production facility.<ref>{{cite web |title=CANADA: CAMI ends Suzuki Swift production |publisher=Just-auto.com, June 5, 2001 |url=http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?id=79901&lk=s |date=June 5, 2001 |access-date=December 29, 2011 |archive-date=August 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090810220640/http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?id=79901&lk=s |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Beginning in late 2003 as a [[model year]] 2004 car, the [[Daewoo Kalos]], marketed variously as the [[Chevrolet Aveo]], Pontiac Wave and Suzuki Swift+, effectively replaced the Metro/Firefly, although the Aveo is more of a [[Daewoo Lanos]] replacement as opposed to the Metro, the same time when Daewoo closed majority of its dealerships outside South Korea in 2002.

The Suzuki Swift was replaced by the [[Suzuki Aerio]] hatchback in 2002, although the Aerio also replaced the [[Suzuki Esteem]].

== Chevrolet Sprint ==
{{further|Suzuki Cultus#First|l1=Suzuki Cultus}}




GM began marketing the first generation Cultus in North America as the [[Chevrolet Sprint]]. The car was also sold as the [[Suzuki Forsa]], and as the Pontiac Firefly in Canada. The Chevrolet Sprint was sold only in the Western United States until 1986, when nationwide sales in the US commenced. In 1987, the "Metro" name first appeared on a model of the naturally aspirated Chevrolet Sprint: the "Chevrolet Sprint Metro."

== First generation (1989–1994) ==
{{further|Suzuki Cultus#Second|l1=Suzuki Cultus}}





Production of the first Geo Metro models, equivalent to the second generation Suzuki Cultus, began at Suzuki's plant in [[Hamamatsu]], Japan, in late 1988. In 1989, it debuted and replaced the Chevrolet Sprint in the United States. Canadian models continued with the Chevrolet Sprint and Pontiac Firefly nameplates, while the second generation Suzuki Swift replaced the Forsa nameplate. This generation was also marketed by Suzuki as the "Swift" in the United States. The Metro/Swift/Sprint lineup received a facelift, while the Firefly was temporarily discontinued. The first generation Metro was replaced by a rebodied model unique to the North American market.

Some pre-production models were handmade, and featured 5-digit odometers.

<gallery widths=200 heights=150>
Geo Metro Coupe.jpg|1990–1991 Metro Hatchback
1992 Geo Metro convertible 01.jpg|1992 Metro convertible
</gallery>

{{clear}}

== {{anchor|second|2nd|1995}} Second generation (1995–2001) ==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Second generation
| image = Chevrolet Metro sedan.jpg
| aka = Geo Metro (1995–1997) Chevrolet Metro (1998–2001) Pontiac Firefly (Canada) Suzuki Swift
| production = 1994–2001
| model_years = 1995–2001
| assembly = [[Ingersoll, Ontario|Ingersoll, Canada]]
| body_style = 3-door [[hatchback]] 4-door [[sedan (automobile)|sedan]]
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive]]
| platform = [[GM M platform|M platform]]
| related = [[Solectria Force]]
| engine = {{ubl
| 1.0 L ''[[Suzuki G engine#G10|LP2]]'' [[Straight-three engine|I3]]
| 1.3 L ''[[Suzuki G engine#G13BA|L72]]/[[Suzuki G engine#G13BB|LY8]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
}}
| transmission = 5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]] 3-speed ''MX17'' [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|93.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|149.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (hatchback) {{convert|164.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (sedan)
| width = {{convert|62.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|54.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (hatchback) {{convert|55.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (sedan)
}}

In 1995, the second generation of the Sprint/Metro line in North America—which was the third generation North American "Cultus"—was introduced as a three-door hatchback and four-door sedan, using an adaptation of the longer wheelbase platform from the second generation Cultus for both body configurations. Also designed at GM's Design Center, it carried styling cues similar from the bigger [[Chevrolet Cavalier]]<ref name="Russ 1995">{{cite web |first=Bill |last=Russ |title=1995 Geo Metro LSi Sedan |publisher=The Auto Channel |url=http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicles/new/reviews/wk9509.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961129051535/https://www.theautochannel.com/vehicles/new/reviews/wk9509.html |archive-date=November 29, 1996}}</ref> and was built on the Suzuki developed [[GM M platform|M platform]] with Suzuki drivetrains. These models were marketed only in North America, carrying the nameplates Geo Metro (rebranded the Chevrolet Metro starting in the 1998 model year), Pontiac Firefly, and Suzuki Swift—and sourced only from [[CAMI Automotive]]. Thus this version was never sold as a Cultus, which was replaced by the [[Suzuki Cultus Crescent|Cultus Crescent]] in Japan. Production ended after model year 2001.

The Chevrolet Metro was used in the [[Biennale of Sydney|17th Biennale of Sydney (2010)]] exhibition in an experiment made by [[Cai Guo-Qiang]], a Chinese artist from Fujian, where nine Chevrolet Metros were suspended in the air through animation.

Comparison of Generation II/I 3-door hatchback interior dimensions:

{| class="wikitable" style="right: 4em; :"
!
! Gen I
! Gen II
|-
||Front Headroom (in.)|| 37.80|| 39.10
|-
||Rear Headroom (in.)|| 36.50|| 36.00
|-
||Front Legroom (in.)|| 42.50 || 42.50
|-
||Rear Legroom (in.) || 29.80 || 32.80
|}

The second generation Metro featured two engine options. The three-cylinder, 1.0-liter throttle body injected engine, still used on base models, was available for non-''LSi'' models in 1997. The 1.0-liter became the last engine on a vehicle available in the US to use TBI. This generation also offered a revised 1.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine used in the Pontiac Firefly, with multi-point fuel injection (with hydraulic lifters and lash adjusters, and a 30,000-mile service interval).<ref name="Gertler" /> The 1.3-liter [[inline-four engine]] offered {{cvt|70|hp|kW|0}}, and was the same engine that had been in use in the [[Suzuki Swift]] (except for the ''GT'' models) in prior years. LSi models produced after 1997 featured the four-cylinder engine with a sixteen-valve head instead of the eight valves of the earlier design, yet was still a SOHC design. It produced {{convert|79|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.

Contemporary Suzuki Swifts were available with only the four-cylinder, and only as a hatchback. The hatchback body configuration featured a three-inch lower liftover height compared to the previous generation model.<ref name="Gertler" /> Safety equipment included optional anti-lock brakes, safety cage construction with deformable front and rear crush zones and five structural crossbars engineered to spread side impact loads throughout the car's structure,<ref name="Gertler" /> steel side impact door safety beams,<ref name="Russ 1995" /> and [[daytime running lights]] (the second generation Metro was the second GM car to offer DRLs in the United States—the 1995 [[Chevrolet Corsica]] was the first)—and dual frontal [[airbag]]s. The Saturn S-series had DRLs beginning in 1994.

A new, one-piece instrument panel was mounted to one of the five crossmembers with a new, full seal filling the gap between the instrument panel and the dash.<ref name="Gertler" /> The sedan and coupe chassis were 20% and 5% stiffer respectively than the previous generation 5-door and coupe Metros,<ref name="Gertler" /> and at the time of its introduction, the Metro was the smallest car in the world to meet the impending 1997 North American side impact standards.<ref name="Gertler" /> The revised sedan was also introduced in the United States, replacing the 5-door hatchback. This generation featured a coefficient of drag of 0.32.<ref name="Russ 1995" />

Its twins, Pontiac Firefly and Suzuki Swift featured the same redesign. At the introduction of this generation, GM arranged for a car carrier with 1995 Metros to drive to college campuses across the country. Local writers took a half-day seminar at "Metro University" with the head product planner and senior members of the engineering, assembly, and marketing teams.<ref name="Gertler" />

At the time this generation was introduced, 41 percent of Metro buyers were first-car buyers, 62 percent of the buyers were female, and the median age of a Metro buyer was 37.<ref name="Gertler">{{cite web |title=Little Big Man, First Look: 1995 Geo Metro |publisher=Hardive.com, J.J. Gertler |url=http://www.hardrive.com/reviews/geometro.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050703084450/http://www.hardrive.com/reviews/geometro.htm |archive-date=July 3, 2005}}</ref>

The [[American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy]] (ACEEE) named this generation of Chevrolet Metro and Suzuki Swift as the top two ''gasoline-fueled'' vehicles within their Top 12 Greenest Vehicles in 1998 and 1999. ACEEE assigns a Green Score to each vehicle make and model sold in the US, based on the vehicles' exhaust emissions, fuel economy and other specifications.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 12 Greenest Vehicles in 1999 |publisher=Ecomall.com |url=http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/aceecar.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Guide: It Isn't Easy Being Green |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-feb-18-fi-9068-story.html |first=John |last=O'Dell |date=February 18, 1999 |access-date=May 24, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Guide to green cars, trucks released |publisher=CNN.com, March 19, 1998 |url=http://www.cnn.com/EARTH/9803/19/green.car/ |access-date=May 24, 2010}}</ref>
* '''1996''' – [[OBD-II]] (On-Board Diagnostics, Second generation) was added to Metro models, at a cost of some [[fuel efficiency]].
* '''1997''' – The last year for the Geo brand. The Metro returned in 1998 with a Chevrolet nameplate.
* '''1998''' – The Metro now carried the Chevrolet nameplate, along with new front and rear fascias and a SOHC 16v design I-4 1.3L engine with a horsepower increase of 12%. Electronic ignition replaced the distributor, and [[Multi-point injection|MPFI (Multiport Fuel Injection)]] replaced the [[Fuel injection#Throttle body injection|TBI (Throttle Body Injection)]]. The new motor offered more HP, torque, and higher fuel economy. This I-4 engine replaced the older 8v 4 cylinder, but the 3-cylinder engine remained unchanged.
* '''2001''' – The Metro's final year. The only model available this year is the four-door ''LSi'' sedan. The Metro continued on sale in Canada. General Motors announces that the Metro would not be included in the 2002 Chevrolet model lineup. [[CAMI Automotive]] manufactures the last Metro, a red sedan, on April 26, 2001.

[[Solectria Corporation]], based in Massachusetts, converted examples of the first and second generation Geo Metro to electric operation. Approximately 500 examples of 1996 and 1997 models were converted to electric operation—the bare vehicles were provided by GM without engines. Called the [[Solectria Force]] and Solectria EV, the converted vehicles featured 3 phase AC induction motors and regenerative braking. The battery pack consists of 13 Group 27 Deka Dominator Sealed Gel Lead Acid modules.<ref>{{cite web |title=1997 Solectria EV |publisher=Nextautos.com, Seyth Miersma, January 5, 2008 |url=http://www.nextautos.com/news/2008/05/01/ebay-auction-day-1997-solectria-ev-geo-metro-style |access-date=December 29, 2011 |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313095606/http://nextautos.com/news/2008/05/01/ebay-auction-day-1997-solectria-ev-geo-metro-style |url-status=dead}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="right: 4em; :"
!
! Nameplate
! Market
! Body
|-
| 1995–2000||[[Suzuki Swift]]||N. America||3
|-
| 1995–2000||[[Suzuki Cultus#Pontiac Firefly|Pontiac Firefly]]||Canada||3/4
|-
| 1995–1997||[[Suzuki Cultus#Geo Metro|Geo Metro]]||N. America||3/4
|-
| 1998–2001||[[Suzuki Cultus#Geo Metro|Chevrolet Metro]]||N. America||3/4
|}
3= 3-dr hatchback 
4= 4-dr sedan

<gallery widths="200" heights="150">
File:95-97 Geo Metro 3door.jpg|Geo Metro 3-Door, Gen II
File:Geo Metro 1995.JPG|Rear of a 1995 Geo Metro hatchback
File:1997 Geo Metro Rear 2017.9.10.jpg|1997 Gen II Geo Metro LSI Sedan
File:Chevrolet Metro hatchback front.jpg|Chevrolet Metro hatchback, front view
File:Chevrolet Metro hatchback rear.jpg|Chevrolet Metro hatchback, rear view
File:'95-'97 Suzuki Swift.JPG|'95 - '97 Suzuki Swift, front
File:Suzuki Swift 1995-2001.jpg| '95 - '01 Suzuki Swift, rear
File:'95-'01 Pontiac Firefly Hatch.jpg|1995–2001 Pontiac Firefly 3dr hatchback, Gen II
File:'98-'00 Pontiac Firefly Sedan.JPG|1998–2001 Pontiac Firefly sedan, Gen II
File:1995-2001 Pontiac Firefly Sedan.jpg|1995–2001 Pontiac Firefly sedan.
</gallery>

=== Safety ===
US second generation models received the following [[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration|NHTSA's]] New Car Assessment Program ratings:
* Front Impact, Driver: {{Rating|4|5}}
* Front Impact, Passenger: {{Rating|4|5}}
Test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 4 = 10–20%
* ''See NHTSA Test Results: 1995 Geo Metro''

== Fuel economy ==
{{quote box
| width = 250px
| quote = "As gas prices spike and consumers increasingly look for ways to get to work more efficiently, heavy media coverage has spurred interest in one particular old car: the Geo Metro."
| source = ''US News'', 2008<ref name="USNEWS 2008" />
}}

In North America, the Metro received increased interest as a used car in 2008, by virtue of its fuel mileage and [[Oil price increases since 2003|rising fuel costs]].<ref name="USNEWS 2008">{{cite web |title=Geo Metro Madness Hits High |publisher=USNEWS, May 22, 2008 |url=http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/080522-Geo-Metro-Madness-Hits-High/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Who's laughing now? Subcompact owners |publisher=London Free Press, Norman De Bono, May 16, 2008 |url=http://www.lfpress.ca/perl-bin/publish.cgi?x=articles&p=233820&s=wheels/}}{{dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Gas prices drive Geos from clunkers to chic |publisher=Cnn.com, Mallory Simon, May 20, 2008 |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/05/20/geo.metro/index.html |date=May 20, 2008 |access-date=May 24, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Geo Metro Rides Again, Sort Of |publisher=Business Week, Jim Henry, June 2, 2008 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/2008-06-02/the-geo-metro-rides-again-sort-ofbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=All Hail (or Mourn) the Geo Metro |publisher=The New York Times, The Lede, June 10, 2008, Mike Nizza |url=http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/10/all-hail-or-mourn-the-geo-metro/index.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104070419/http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/10/all-hail-or-mourn-the-geo-metro/index.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 4, 2013 |date=June 10, 2008 |access-date=May 24, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Gas costs have drivers thinking smaller, older |publisher=Mercury News, Linda Goldston, May 20, 2008 |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_9319368?source=most_emailed |date=May 20, 2008}}</ref>

Partially because of the renewed interest in the Metro, the July 2009 issue of ''[[Car and Driver]]'' included a base model 1998 Chevrolet Metro 3-door [[hatchback]] among vehicles tested for [[fuel efficiency]] alongside two [[Hybrid vehicle|hybrid]] models: the redesigned [[Honda Insight]] and [[Toyota Prius]] models. ''Car and Driver'' yet jokingly ridiculed the Metro's age and equipment, docking seven points from its overall score for its lack of amenities and mentioning that it was originally sold brand-new without [[hubcap]]s. Regardless, the Metro tied the Prius for best overall [[Fuel economy in automobiles|fuel economy]] at {{convert|42|mpgus|L/100 km|abbr=on}}. The vehicle finished third overall behind the Insight and Prius.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/09q3/2010_honda_insight_vs._2010_toyota_prius_1998_chevy_metro-comparison_tests |title=2010 Honda Insight vs. 2010 Toyota Prius, 1998 Chevy Metro – Comparison Tests |date=July 2009 |work=Car and Driver}}</ref>

The vehicle is often used as a test-bed to field various [[fuel efficiency]] technology, such as the 2007 university based Cornell 100+ MPG Team. It was also converted into a salt racer in 2012 by Clay Pitkin. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4230704.html |title=PM's Auto X Prize Team Picks Geo Metro to Go Electric at 100 MPG |publisher=Popular Mechanics |access-date=November 9, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113142457/http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4230704.html |archive-date=November 13, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Geo timeline}}
{{Chevrolet vehicles}}

{{Wikiquote}}

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[[Category:Cars introduced in 1989]]
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[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Geo (automobile)|Metro]]
[[Category:Hatchbacks]]
[[Category:OEM Suzuki vehicles]]
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