The stripped down 2-door version of the Metro does get excellent mileage. However I'd have safety concerns about driving in such a small car with very little steel around me. Also I have a family and carting kids around in a two door car is impractical. There is a 4-door version of the Metro. The following is the fuel economy report:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/13348.shtml

Based upon this report, the 4-door Geo Metro is not as good as the Saturn SL-1. My wife's Saturn has way too many miles on it and is long past its expiration date. Consequently I've done too much repair work on it (I've replaced the starter, alternator, head, fuel pump, fuel injectors, suspension system, etc.). I like working on old cars (my daily driver is a 1964 Rambler American). Based upon up close and personal experience, I've been very impressed with the Saturn's engineering. Our Saturn was very reliable when its mileage was under 150,000 miles. Our Saturn's initial purchase price was low and still has good fuel economy.

Gary