Common problem with the Geo auto trans. If you can manually put the car in 1st gear and start off, then manually shift it into 2nd, then Drive with no problems......Your issue is most likely the 1st to 2nd shift solenoid inside the trans. I had the same problem with my 1st Metro (Auto Trans). Mine got worse and eventually would only start out in the Drive gear unless I shifted the car manually. But at the prices their selling "Low Mile" JDM Automatic transmissions on E-Bay ($
175.00+).....Buy one and replace the whole trans yourself, It's cheaper!!! Here's the E-Bay link
E-Bay - JDM Automatic transmissions