Against 250 other 4-cyl cars rated 1999–2001, the Metro beats their 24.5 mpg average by 3.5 mpg, about $196 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1988, the 1L 3-cyl Hybrid (1988–1998), does 43.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.3L 4-cyl (1998–2001), 33: $281 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet Metro engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1L 3-cyl Hybrid | 40 / 47.5 | 1988–1998 | $883 | |
| 1L 3-cyl | 33 / 41.5 | 1999–2000 | $1,052 | |
| 1.3L 4-cyl | 30.8 / 36.8 | 1998–2001 | $1,164 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2001) | $0.114 |
| Fuel per year | $1,371 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,855 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1999–2001 | −$196 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $1,744 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2001 Chevrolet Metro gives up 5 mpg in town: 31 on the highway against 26 in the city, $238 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2001) | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (19%) | Typical for its type |
How the Metro changed over the years
The Metro peaked in 1988 at 47 mpg (44 city, 51 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2001 at 28 — 19 mpg apart, or $554 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2001 car does 28. The 2001 model loses 7 mpg against 35 for the 2000, with 1 version instead of 2.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2000 | 31.5 / 39.5 | 2 | $1,097 | |
| 1999 | 33.5 / 40.5 | 2 | $1,067 | |
| 1998 | 34.5 / 41.5 | 2 | $1,024 | |
| 1988 | 44 / 51 | 1 | $817 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 8 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Metro — 3 engines across 1988–2001. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $1,744. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2001 Chevrolet Metro get?
28 mpg combined, 26 city and 31 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1988 the Metro has averaged 36.5 mpg.
Is the 2001 Metro more efficient than the 2000?
No: 28 against 35 mpg combined, about $274 a year more to run.
Which Metro year has the best gas mileage?
The 1988, at 47 mpg combined (44 city, 51 highway).
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