Overview & Reviews

As part of its affordable new "international" line of vehicles, the Geo Tracker was introduced in select markets as a rebadged mini SUV and marketed through most of the 1990s at Chevrolet dealers across the U.S. Although the Tracker was eventually discontinued, it lived on well into the new millennium as a Chevy as well as the Suzuki Vitara, the vehicle that served as the basis for the Tracker all along. Confusing, yes, but as long as you recall the Tracker as a funky but flawed four-wheel-drive runabout, you'll understand it well enough.

Most Recent Geo Tracker

The Geo Tracker was offered for the 1989-'97 model years as both a convertible and a hardtop. Two trims were available -- base and LSi. Base models offered little more than cloth seats and power brakes. LSi Trackers added amenities like a clock and an AM/FM audio system. Options included air-conditioning and power steering.

Power from the Tracker's 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine was modest to be sure, initially delivering just 80 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque, but fuel economy with the standard five-speed manual transmission was in the mid-to-high 20s, good for a vehicle with four-wheel-drive capability. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, but a three-speed automatic was available as an option. A floor-mounted two-speed transfer case made it relatively easy to select 2WD or 4WD operating modes.

Inside, surprisingly comfortable bucket seats greeted the front occupants and faced a basic instrument panel with decent controls placement and a sound system offering listenable quality. The rear bench seat had room for two, though in this mini SUV they got to know each other perhaps too well and didn't receive much support even on a quick trip to the store. Folding the rear seatback down and flipping it forward revealed more than 32 cubic feet of storage. On drop-top models, this proved to be a real chore with the convertible top in place.

The Geo Tracker wasn't at its best in urban situations. Its engine was underpowered when driven on the highway; also, its ride was jarring, and its tall stance and high center of gravity created an unsettling degree of body roll in turns. Additionally, both versions exhibited quite a bit of engine and road noise. Still, there was a place for the Tracker as a no-frills 4x4 toy geared toward jumping in with a friend and heading off for a fun spin off-road.

As for the exact model changes, an upscale Tracker LSi trim debuted for 1990, and air-conditioning and an automatic transmission were made available across the lineup. In 1991, rear antilock brakes joined the standard features list on 2WD models, and four-wheel-drive LSi models benefited from auto-locking front hubs. The following year, Trackers got a revised dashboard and center console, and a tilt steering column was added to the options list. The next changes of note came in 1994, when four-wheel-drive models switched from on-/off-road tires to all-season rubber tires that provided a better ride. A CD/cassette player became available, and more sophisticated multipoint fuel injection was added to clear emissions hurdles in California and New York Trackers -- resulting in a power bump to 95 hp.

In 1995, the 95-hp engine made its way under the hood of all 4WD models and all Massachusetts-bound Trackers. The ute's convertible top was also redesigned for simpler operation. In 1996, the Geo Tracker family welcomed a new four-door model. Dual airbags became standard on all Trackers and four-wheel antilock brakes and cruise control were optional. Revised styling also graced the exterior, and daytime running lights made the tiny Tracker more conspicuous to motorists. After this heavy makeover, the last of the Geo-branded Trackers hit the streets relatively unchanged in 1997.

The one thing the Geo Tracker has going in its favor is price; it was cheap as a new SUV, and as a used one, it's even more so. Still, there are other compact SUVs that offer great value and a better ride around town; we recommend that you investigate other choices in this segment. If you have your heart set on a Geo Tracker, keep in mind that since the Geo brand has long since closed shop, not all Chevrolet dealerships will be able to service the Tracker; given that it's pretty much a rebadged Vitara, going to a Suzuki dealership should probably suffice.

User Reviews:

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  A Surprising Dependable little SUV - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By Gil - July 20 - 10:27 pm

  This SUV does what it is suppose to do, get you there on time every time whether it be the big snow storm or ice storm. It is very dependable for a 1997. Yes it rides like a truck or Jeep. The vehicle sits high so very high wind days are a no-no at high speeds on I87. Gas mile is great for a 1.6 liter 5 speed manual shift. 24-MPG city and 33 MPG on the highway. I get stuck doing stuff for my daughter who lives about 90 North and the vehicle has ample room for stuff like bikes, pallets, computers, snow blowers lawn mowers mulch etc. I have replaced these items, battery, muffler, brakes tie rod and a brake line, tuneup fluids and bulbs(easy jobs). I turned off the driving light to save energy

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  Purple Tracker in South Florida - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By QUINNSTIGATOR - March 8 - 8:51 pm

  I now own the 1995 Geo Tracker that my dad bought new off the showroom floor. Its almost at 180k. Nothing beats it in the city. It zips through traffic. Even with a 2wd, it climbs better than my 4x4 truck. With the 235/65/R15 tires it rips corners to pieces, and wind sheer is eliminated. Any more power and Id be drifting with the 5spd. Its the most reliable car/ truck Ive ever owned. And who needs the highway when you can take the beach with the top down.

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  Best vehicle for the money, ever - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By Chris - September 17 - 4:39 pm

  My friends always ask me if I still have The Tracker. You better believe I do! I bought this in 1994 with about 30 miles on it and have just recently passed 336,000. I am not good with vehicle maintenance and upkeep, so the fact that this is still running is a miracle. Only major work done is a new transmission (after about 250,000). I still have it, and wouldnt give it up for anything.

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  great car - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By dhopper - August 24 - 9:03 pm

  Had the car ten years, changed the oil and plugs every year, had 196,000 miles when I sold to co-worker in feb 2008, he is still driving it. It had no Major problems.

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  Great little "cute ute" (CUte Ute. Veh) - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By cski - August 18 - 11:58 am

  I bought this candy apple red little beauty from my neighbor who seemed to enjoy filling it with trash. It had no dents or dings and after we jump- started it, it ran fantastic. KNowing he bought a new car since his wife was pregnant, I immediately approached him and struck a deal for $500.00 dollars. The front drivers door hing failed, it had a hole in the exhaust, a check engine light was on, (o2 sensor)AND the rear window was stolen along with the Alpine stereo Steve put in (bad idea on a convertible) So, I put $500.00 in it and fixed everything it needed to pass emissions and inspection. After that..it has run FANTASTIC. I love it!!!! 30 mpg, new tires, just needs radio!!!

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  Geo Tracker - 1996 Geo Tracker
  By Dave - August 10 - 12:57 pm

  Personally I wanted to buy a truck with good gas mileage but 4wd to have sum fun on the trails on weekends. When I had bought this one I had driven one before, so it wasnt a surprise but this thing really goes any where

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  will never buy another one - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By kjfogge - May 7 - 11:50 am

  have owned about 4 years now...started having an ongoing problem 2 years/$800 dollars ago of hesitating/violent bucking while driving. It does not always happen, nor is there any one condition to make this happen. We have stumped even the Chevy garage on this one. The gas tank is quite small...only 11 gallons. And worse still is originally it got only 20 mpg, now since this problem started 2 years ago, it is down to 15 mpg. Really liked the look and feel of this vehicle when I bought it. But I will NEVER buy another one, NOR would I recommend it to anyone! Will be getting rid of this one SOON!

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  Too much fun - 1996 Geo Tracker
  By Colkoch - April 9 - 10:06 pm

  I bought this vehicle used with a hard top. I have had so much fun with this vehicle I sold it and then bought it back. I have put Jeeps to shame with the ability of this Tracker in 4WD. You can park it in a dumpster, its so small and agile. Due to its center of gravity I would not recommend this for new drivers, but experienced off road drivers will have a fun economical time with it. In a 117K miles I have had to replace the battery, other than that its been maintenance free, and it has very few computer chips, which is an asset as far as Im concerned. This is perfect for someone who wants to tow a vehicle behind an RV and doesnt need room for more than two.

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  A Bucket of Fun - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By gottatracker - January 13 - 12:21 pm

  I bought my Tracker 5 years ago and I would never sell it. It has 158,000 miles on it and the only thing that ever went wrong were the hubs, so I just had them replaced. I give it regular oil changes and it just goes and goes. I have taken it rock crawling and it loves the mud. Any chance I can get to go off road, I do. It is great in the snow as well. This is the most fun vehicle I have ever owned! I love my tracker, but I see rust appearing here and there. Living in the northeast is taking its toll. I have replaced the top twice since I owned it. Each top had a different quality and I noticed this last one is lasting so much better. When this Tracker rusts away, I will be sad!

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  Great Vehicle - 1991 Geo Tracker
  By Diane - November 4 - 11:13 am

  I have had my Tracker since it was new. My husband bought me the hard top for Christmas back in 93 and it is probably why we still own it. It is and has been an economical vehicle and very functional. A great buy way back when!