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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  Its no Suburban -- Its More FUN! - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By bob61 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my vehicle used just for the winter. This got me around in the snow and ice with no problem. It dug through a big 12" dump of snow -- sure it didnt plow through like a big Suburban, but for its size it did exceptionally well. What I dont like is the power of the engine. It gets off the line fine, but head on down the highway at 65 and the engine lets you know it. A 1.8liter engine, 88 horses under the hood, it has to crank some heavy RPMs at 65. Bottom line, this is a fun vehicle to drive. You looking to do some heavy hauling or travel in luxury, then spend more and get a mid-size or full sized SUV (and get about 8 mpg less too!).

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  Luv that Tracker o mine - 1992 Geo Tracker
  By LuvMyTracker - May 2 - 2:00 am

  The Tracker is a great small truck. I have not had a moment of forced down- time. And I have not had to spend a lot of money keeping it running, maybe $5000 in ten years. I had spent nearly that much on other cars over shorter periods. I would (and have) recommend the Tracker to most people who want a small vehicle that can comfortably carry 4 people.

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  92 geo tracker 4wd - 1992 Geo Tracker
  By gltpete - April 29 - 2:00 am

  simple, reliable, but fun? depends. it rides quite rough - but my wife loves it. I enjoy driving it occasionally, not all the time. I belive kids would love it.

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  the purple grape - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By BNWTempest - April 28 - 2:00 am

  My Tracker has been very reliable. Ive enjoyed seven good years and only a few minor automobile repairs. Its a fun car. I have only one complaint and that is that the car isnt the most reliable under strong winds.

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  Tracker - 1992 Geo Tracker
  By Pickupman116 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I really like the Tracker. Its fun to frive and fun to have. It has plenty of room for the things I need to do. Its a perfect vehical.

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  Didnt listen to others & took a chance - 1996 Geo Tracker
  By Frankie - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I just turned 70,000 miles on my 1996 Tracker and it is still running strong! Initially I was told not to purchase a Geo because they were not very reliable cars. Id have to say that based upon my Trackers performance that this is false. This is a wonderful little truck to own. It is great in the summer w/the top off and it plows through the snow w/the 4 wheel drive. If you can find one in good shape Id say go for it!

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  Very Dependable - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By Dina - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 4x4 Geo Tracker in Europe in 95. Thought it was a good looking, sporty, little vehicle. Although the price was a little high, I was satisfied. The vehicle I owned at the time was a Chevy G-20 conversion van. If youve ever driven and tried to park a car in Europe youd understand the setbacks to owning a huge vehicle. My Geo was great for these driving conditions. Although it does give you fits going up and down the mountainside, having a 5 spd allows you to use a lower gear and get the result you are looking for (making it to the top). Im buying another vehicle this year, but Im not getting rid of my Tracker!

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  Very Good Auto - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By steev - February 5 - 2:43 pm

  I bought my tracker used in 1998 and have not spend a penny on repair. Although small, it is a very reliabile and gets me around in the snow. I wish this year had on the fly 4WD.