Chevrolet Metro: How to Remove the Bumper

Below are the diagrams for bumper mounting. The arrows indicate the locations of screws, nuts, and clips.

Front Bumper

Rear Bumper

History and General Description

The Chevrolet Metro is a compact car produced in the USA from 1998 to 2001 as part of General Motors' lineup. In reality, it was a rebadged Suzuki Swift, as GM owned a stake in the Japanese company at the time. The Metro was offered in sedan and hatchback body styles, as well as a convertible version called the Geo Metro (prior to 1997).

Interestingly, despite being an American-branded car, it was designed and manufactured in Japan and later in Canada. This explains its high reliability and fuel efficiency, typical of Asian compact cars.

Technical Features

The Chevrolet Metro was equipped with modest yet efficient engines:

• 1.0L 3-cylinder (55 HP) – The most fuel-efficient but underpowered for dynamic driving.
• 1.3L 4-cylinder (70–80 HP) – A more balanced option.

Transmissions included a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. Fuel consumption was remarkably low: around 5–6 L/100 km in mixed driving and as low as 4.5 L/100 km on the highway.

The suspension was simple but reliable: MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam in the rear. The steering was light, but due to the car's low weight (under 900 kg), it was sensitive to crosswinds.

Advantages of the Model

• Fuel efficiency – One of the most fuel-efficient gasoline cars in US history.
• Reliability – Thanks to the Japanese Suzuki Swift platform, the Metro rarely broke down.
• Compact size – Ideal for city driving and easy parking.
• Low ownership cost – Cheap parts (due to the widespread availability of Suzuki Swift components).
• Eco-friendliness – The small engine meant low emissions.

Disadvantages

• Weak acceleration – 0–100 km/h takes about 13–15 seconds (1.3L engine).
• Noise – The 3-cylinder engine vibrates and is loud at high RPMs.
• Basic interior – Cheap materials and minimal amenities.
• Limited safety – Average crash test results for its time.
• Small trunk – Especially in the hatchback (around 200 liters).

Interesting Facts

• In the 1990s, the Geo Metro (predecessor to the Chevrolet Metro) was popular among Canadian taxi drivers due to its fuel efficiency.
• There was an experimental hybrid version (electric + gasoline engine), but it was rare.
• In 2001, Chevrolet discontinued the Metro due to low demand—Americans preferred larger cars.
• Some enthusiasts modify the Metro by adding turbocharging or engines from the Suzuki Swift Sport.

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Metro is a classic example of an affordable and practical compact car. It wasn’t known for comfort or power but offered exceptional fuel efficiency and reliability. Today, it’s a rare sight but is valued by collectors and enthusiasts. If you need a no-frills city car with low running costs, the Metro could be an interesting choice—though it’s not suitable for long trips or families.