2000ChevroletMetroChevrolet Metro2000 Chevrolet Metro Base CoupeCoupeCoupeFWDIngersoll, Ontario, CanadaTwo new colors help buyers differentiate between 1999 and 2000 Metros. Inexpensive base model, great gas mileage, large dealer network.Inexpensive looking inside and out, buzzy motors, low equipment levels, poor value when equipped with options.General Motors calls the 2000 Metro "a low-cost vehicle that provides new-car peace of mind and excellent fuel economy to the buyer shopping for reliable transportation." Fair enough, being that most small cars are cheap and get good gas mileage. But what we have here is automotive transport in its most basic form competing with larger, more powerful Korean entries and certified used cars from big-brand Japanese automakers. This market climate does not spell success for Metro. As any good comparison shopper will tell you, a bargain is only a bargain in comparison to what else is available for the same price. So what other new vehicles are even available in this class? Chevy lists only three direct competitors for the Metro, all of them imports: the Hyundai Accent, the Kia Sephia and Metro's twin, the Suzuki Swift. True, Hyundai's reliability record is unimpressive, but recent indicators point to improved build quality in the Accent, which has a longer list of standard equipment and a far better warranty than the little Chevy. Plus, it's been redesigned for 2000, and improved in every way. And for our money, Kia's Sephia feels more substantial than the Canadian-built Metro. In contrast, the Metro comes across as a tinny, bare bones econocar. Finally, the Swift is essentially identical to the Metro, but without the Chevy's roadside-assistance coverage or extensive dealership network. On the used-car market, a buyer could select a certified used Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla and get more passenger room, more powerful engines, and world-renowned reputations for reliability. Metro does feature dual depowered airbags, but in the way of standard equipment the base hatchback comes with little else. LSi models add a few convenience items, but this trim level is the ticket to many much-desired accessories such as remote exterior mirrors, a rear wiper/washer and an automatic transmission. A tiny, 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine attempts to motivate the base Metro with its 55 horsepower, but we know of some personal watercraft with more oomph. The LSi gets a 79-horsepower four-cylinder. Still, the Metro LSi is no stoplight sprinter, and the base hatchback is pathetically sluggish. We don't recommend the Metro, and new paint colors for 2000 aren't going to do much to change our opinion of the baby Chevy. Why not? Because a fully loaded LSi Sedan tops $14,000 with an automatic transmission and antilock brakes. That's Chevy Prizm and Ford Focus territory, folks, and they are both in a different - and, let's face it, a much better - league than the Metro. Our advice in this low-cost segment remains to try the Accent or Sephia. If a Korean-assembled car doesn't sit well with you, get a nice used Honda or Toyota. You will probably be happier with it. Daewoo LanosHonda CivicHyundai AccentSuzuki Swift336,000336,000336,0006100,000NANANA31 litersInline55 hp @ 5700 rpm58 ft-lbs. @ 3300 rpm149.4 in.62.6 in.54.7 in.1895 lbs.93.1 in.39.1 in.36 in.48.9 in.48.9 in.47.2 in.43.9 in.42.5 in.32.8 in.8.4 cu.ft.OptionalStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = GoodRating = GoodNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested10.3 gal.41 mpg / 47 mpg422 mi. / 484 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$8,699$9,2357.35%$400N/A3% of the Total MSRPBASE COUPE (5M): 1.0L I3 SOHC SPI 6-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; 390-amp battery; 55-amp alternator; front-wheel drive, 4.39 axle ratio; partial stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; manual rack-and-pinion steering; front disc/rear drum brakes; 10.3 gal. capacity fuel tank; front and rear black bumpers; monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps with daytime running lights; driver's and passenger's manual black outside mirrors; front and rear 13" x 4.5" steel wheels; P155/80SR13 A/S BSW front and rear tires; inside under cargo mounted compact steel spare wheel; radio prep, 4 speakers, and manual retractable antenna; 1 power accessory outlet, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes water temperature gauge; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, lights on, key in ignition; driver's and passenger's frontairbags; tinted windows, fixed rear windows; seating capacity of 4, front bucket seats, fixed headrests, driver's seat includes 4-way direction control, passenger's seat includes 4-way direction control; full folding rear bench seat; cloth seats, vinyl door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering, plastic/rubber gear shift knob; interior lights include dome light; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, glove box, front cupholder, instrument panel bin, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, plastic trunk lid; black side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and black door handles.
LSi COUPE (5M) (in addition to or instead of BASE COUPE (5M) equipment): 1.3L I4 SOHC MPI 16-valve engine; 3.79 axle ratio; front and rear body-colored bumpers; black bodyside molding; instrumentation display includes trip odometer; premium cloth seats and passenger's side vanity mirror.
LSi SEDAN (5M) (in addition to or instead of LSI COUPE (5M) equipment): Child safety rear door locks and manual front and rear windows.