Geo Metro
34.3 MPG The 1997 Geo Metro is EPA-rated at 34.3 MPG combined (32 city / 38 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 437 gallons, $1399 a year in fuel, or $0.093 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1989–1997 run it averages 37 MPG, falling by 12.7 MPG over 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.073 | $729 | $1093 | $1458 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.087 | $875 | $1312 | $1749 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.093 | $933 | $1399 | $1866 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.102 | $1020 | $1531 | $2041 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.117 | $1166 | $1749 | $2332 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.131 | $1312 | $1968 | $2624 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.146 | $1458 | $2187 | $2915 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 34.3 MPG | 32 | 38 | $1850 | 264 | 3 |
| 1996 | 34.3 MPG | 32 | 38 | $1850 | 264 | 3 |
| 1995 | 34.3 MPG | 32 | 38 | $1850 | 264 | 3 |
| 1994 | 36.5 MPG | 34.5 | 39.5 | $1725 | 246 | 2 |
| 1993 | 36.5 MPG | 34.5 | 40 | $1725 | 246 | 2 |
| 1992 | 36.5 MPG | 34.5 | 39.5 | $1725 | 246 | 2 |
| 1991 | 36.5 MPG | 34 | 40 | $1725 | 246 | 2 |
| 1990 | 37 MPG | 34.5 | 40.5 | $1700 | 243 | 2 |
| 1989 | 47 MPG | 43 | 52 | $1300 | 189 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Geo Metro ranks 11 on current figures, against a class average of 24.1 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Ford Fiesta SFE FWD (35), Chevrolet Sprint (37), Geo Metro LSI (37), Pontiac Firefly (37), Mitsubishi Mirage (39).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 264 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Geo Metro get?
The 1997 Geo Metro is rated at 34.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 32 city and 38 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 37 MPG, ranging from 28 to 47 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Geo Metro cost in fuel per year?
At 34.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 437 gallons — roughly $1399 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.093 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1997 model is $1850.
Has the Geo Metro become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 47 MPG in 1989 to 34.3 in 1997. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Geo Metro efficient for its class?
It ranks 11 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.1 MPG. That is 10.2 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.