Market Position:
Entry-level subcompact vehicle, focused on affordability, fuel efficiency, and basic transportation needs.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles such as the Geo Metro (its predecessor), Honda Civic, Toyota Tercel/Echo, Ford Festiva/Aspire, and Nissan Sentra.
Key Features:
Lightweight construction, excellent fuel economy, maneuverable for urban driving, surprisingly spacious interior for its size (due to clever packaging).
Coverage Areas:
All major mechanical, electrical, and body systems; maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.
Page Count:
Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual in digital format)
Manual Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
PDF Download (Software/Online Access)
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Electrical System (Ignition, Lighting, Power Accessories, Battery, Charging), HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Body & Frame, Interior Components, Body Control Modules, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II).
Procedures Included:
Scheduled Maintenance, General Repairs, Component Replacement, Engine Tuning, Diagnostics and Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Exploded Views, Torque Specifications, Special Tool Usage, Emissions Control System Service.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repairs, including engine rebuild procedures and advanced diagnostic strategies.
Primary Engine:
1.0L 3-cylinder (G10A)
Engine Displacement Primary:
993 cc
Horsepower Primary:
53 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Primary:
57 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Optional Engine:
1.3L 4-cylinder (G13BA)
Engine Displacement Optional:
1298 cc
Horsepower Optional:
76 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Optional:
79 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Engine Type:
Inline 3-cylinder (1.0L), Inline 4-cylinder (1.3L)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Ignition System - DIS on some models)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual
Optional Transmission:
3-speed Automatic
Transmission Features:
Lightweight and compact design for fuel efficiency and space saving.
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate (Manual)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not consistently rated for this specific model year, but generally performed poorly in early tests due to lightweight construction and basic safety features.
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Not consistently rated for this specific model year.
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Optional on some trims, Power front disc / rear drum brakes.
Passive Features:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags, Three-point Inertia-reel Seatbelts (front), Lap belts (rear).
Child Safety Anchor Points:
LATCH system not standard; typically relies on seatbelt securing for child seats.
Infotainment:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player or premium speaker system on higher trims.
Driver Assistance:
Minimal. ABS was optional. No electronic stability control, traction control, or advanced driver-assistance systems.
Connectivity:
No factory connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II compliant (On-Board Diagnostics II) for emissions and engine fault code retrieval.
Service Intervals Oil Change
Service Intervals Oil Change:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used).
Service Intervals Air Filter
Service Intervals Air Filter:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Service Intervals Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (refer to specific plug type recommended).
Service Intervals Timing Belt
Service Intervals Timing Belt:
Critical: Typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil:
API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 (or SAE 10W-30 if operating temperatures are consistently above 0°F).
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Fluid Specifications Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues:
Rust and corrosion (especially on wheel wells, rocker panels, and exhaust system), premature clutch wear (due to lightweight design and urban driving), occasional electrical gremlins (e.g., window regulators, central locking), potential for head gasket issues on high-mileage engines, timing belt failure if not replaced per schedule.
Fluid Capacity Engine Oil
Fluid Capacity Engine Oil:
1.0L: Approx. 3.2 quarts (3.0 liters) with filter; 1.3L: Approx. 3.7 quarts (3.5 liters) with filter.
Fluid Capacity Coolant:
1.0L: Approx. 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters); 1.3L: Approx. 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters).
Tire Size Standard:
155/80R13 or 165/70R13 (depending on trim and market)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100mm
Brand Heritage:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM), has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from economical compacts to heavy-duty trucks.
Model Evolution:
The Chevrolet Metro was a rebadged version of the Suzuki Cultus (also sold as the Geo Metro). It was part of GM's strategy to offer smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles in the North American market, often through partnerships with Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki.
Production Years:
1985-2001 (as Geo Metro/Chevrolet Metro).
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, and in Japan.
Market Introduction Geo:
Introduced as the Geo Metro in 1989.
Rebranding To Chevrolet:
The Geo brand was phased out in 1997, and the vehicle was rebranded as the Chevrolet Metro.
