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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  97 Geo in Florida. - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By Richard Smythe - February 23 - 12:11 pm

  I originally bought my 97 Geo Tracker LSI 4dr Wagon from a local auto recycler a little over 1 year ago. I replaced the fuel pump, tires and battery and have driven 12,345 miles since. The car had 111,567 miles on it when I started driving it. I like most of the cars features except for the constant headlights feature (I actually consider it dangerous because only the headlamps come on without the running lamps. I have several times driven without all the lights on). I feel the car is underpowered. I would trade a little gas mileage for more get up and go! I usually get 30-35 MPG. I love the car otherwise. The side opening rear door is great. I have had no breakdowns.

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  Love my tracker - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By Love the Tracker - December 24 - 6:28 am

  The Geo Tracker was my first new car and I still own it. Ive only had to change the Battery and tires so far in 10 years of owning it. Great, reliable and fun SUV.

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  The best car a woman could have - 1993 Geo Tracker
  By Lucille Leap - September 12 - 4:05 am

  I bought my Tracker with 554 miles on it and it was used. But I would not trade it for any other car. It is light weight which makes it a little hard to handle on ice but it is built to last. It has well over 200,000 miles on it and the only things that I have had done to it is new muffler and a cluch that was just done this year and brakes when needed but it has had only 5 tune ups. And it is running strong. They could give it a little more pick up when taking off but other then that I love it, wouldnt trade it for nothing!

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  Luvin it - 1996 Geo Tracker
  By Bill - June 20 - 4:00 pm

  Bought used with 133,000+ miles, automatic 4 cyl 4WD 4door, well preserved. Ive done timing belt, trans flush, full lubrication, and restore during the oil change. With a new set of AT tires, and maybe a luggage rack, Ill expect 200,000 miles plus!

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  Good mini SUV - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By snipes - April 30 - 11:53 am

  When I have taken it off road, it handled well. 4x4 is good in snow. My Tracker has 132,220 miles on it and it is still going strong.

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  Great First Car!! - 1996 Geo Tracker
  By DaytonasMom - April 28 - 1:02 pm

  Bought this car when I was 18. It was my first car and I absolutely loved it! Even though it didnt have air conditioning, the flip-up roof/convertible feature made it fun to drive. This is a very reliable SUV. The 4WD system is nearly flawless. I started driving to Boulder to see some friends and got caught in a blizzard. I started slipping so I pulled over and turned the 4WD system on - never slipped once after that!

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  Finally - 1992 Geo Tracker
  By trakinmd - April 11 - 12:52 pm

  After getting this cute SUV, had problems with what I thought was the fuel injector. Replaced injector (not a cheap item) but vehicle still wouldnt run. Later found out that computer module had burnt out (yet again not a cheap fix). Replaced computer and now it runs and I love it. Its fun to drive, with the 5 speed tranny, but sometimes wish it had a V-6. Plenty of power, though, for a four banger. Its sporty, fun to drive and I always get compliments about it.

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  Geo Tracker - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By tracker - February 20 - 6:54 pm

  I like being able to drive down the road and pull off on any gravel road and go for a ride. If you can see between two trees, chances are the geo tracker can drive there also.

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  97 Tracker - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By Brian - January 19 - 2:14 am

  I have put 200,000 miles on this 5 spd 4WD Tracker and consider it to be trouble free and cheap to drive. The worst that I have gotten was 27 MPG and that was in 4WD on snow. I get between 30 and 35 MPG with every tank. Maint: replaced the front brakes 3 times, rear brakes 2 times starter and alternator once tires every 45, just replaced the speedometer cluster because the speedometer quit working some light bulbs have never been replaced. If a vehicle lasts this long in WV its a good design. Ill be looking for a newer Tracker in another 50K or so.

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  Great starter/college car - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By leroy2812 - January 6 - 7:01 am

  I am soon to be getting rid of mine, but it has had a darn good run. 153k and still strong. The steering feel as accurate and good as it is with the power steering. It handles great in turns... once you get used to it, it wont tip over, the tires lose traction way before that happens (been there done that). I wouldnt call this car quick, but with the five speed, it aint bad... runs over zx2s and neons in third gear. It does sit up high, so it gets blown around A LOT on the highway. No major things have gone wrong with mine, just had to replace the water pump, but it was a slow death, so not bad. Edmunds has terrible prices for these. In the MidWst they are about $4K dealer w/good mileage.