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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  Gave The Big SUV to Mom - Kept the Geo - 1992 Geo Tracker
  By Rockitdoc - March 26 - 8:33 pm

  Fist drove the thing on rocky carribean roads. I was so impressed, bought it as a second vehicle. I have had it for 13 years, and it still runs like a top, and can get out of most any mess I get it into off road. The only car that comes close is the Landrover Freelander for triple the price. I go a long way on a $20.00 bill.

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  Nothing to break - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By mridgwaycan - December 24 - 7:12 pm

  Zero options beyond both hard and soft top. Added CD, hood shield, vent-visors and fog lights later. Paid $12,500 Cdn (about $8000 US at the time.) Great runabout. Easy to park. Still factory exhaust, suspension and rear brakes after 10 years / 200,000 miles. Uses 1 cup oil / 3000 miles. Not a lot of power, but will slowly get up to about 90 mph if necessary. Hauls a surprising weight without bottoming out. Handles like a big go-cart (no p/s). In snow or muck the front goes up and the back digs in. Incredibly easy to do own maintenance. Nearly all parts are cheap and readily accessible. Can lift transmission without a jack! Boy, did they screw up a good thing by changing this design to rounded and then discontinuing it to become the Chevy Equinox for more than twice the price. Closest vehicle now is Kia Sportage.

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  tracker - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By Fernada - December 3 - 3:49 pm

  I am very proud of my Tracker. Even though it is not the most confortable car, it is very brave and reliable. Other than the oil change, this car has never had to make a visit to the mechanic, and it has 120K miles. I love it because it has never let me down.

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  Great Little SUV - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By Kmer - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I havent owned mine for 7 all most cost free years.

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  The 96 Geo Trackers worth more recycled - 1996 Geo Tracker
  By dissapionted - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for a short amount of time and put enough money in repairs and parts to buy it a second time. It breaks down quite frequently and would probably have better luck with public transportation. I recommend this vehicle to nobody. The car sees more time at the garage than on the road. I only drive it back and forth on paved roads 30 minutes round trip to work 5 times a week. This vehicle only has 88,000 miles and had almost half of all its parts replaced. This week alone it broke down three times. As soon as I can afford it Im buying a much more reliable vehicle.

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  Excellent for students - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By loaizarayas - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck is excellent for students and to ride it with your friends. Its my first car and I love it. I havent had any major problems since I have it. Its small, tall, everybody looks at you, and future collectible car, a "micromachine"!

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  Been in the Family for 10 years! - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By djh - May 17 - 2:00 am

  My sister bought the 94 Tracker, drove it to Florida w/family of 4. Sold it to me in 99. The Tracker has never let me down. It has taken me through the worst winters! My door locks froze, but if you keep it in the garage, or dont lock the doors, its fine. Its been the most dependable vehicle Ive ever owned. Great on gas, easy to maneuver and park. Sold it to my daughter in 03. The vehicle is still in great shape and runs like a charm, even though it just got t-boned by another driver and the Insurance Company says its totaled. Drove it away from the accident! You just cant kill these Trackers!!!

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  great car - 1990 Geo Tracker
  By ctotal - May 11 - 2:00 am

  this is one of the best cars i have ever owned. it is great on gas 27+ mpg and now has 130,000 miles on it . and still running strong doesnt burn a drop of oil between oil changes.

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  1994 Tracker - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By ejdeno - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Used as a tow vehicle behind a motor home.

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  Long Haul Quality - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By JShaffer - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Wow, has this little SUV suprised us. Over 158k miles and no problems. Great gas mileage, 28-30 mpg. Fun on the beach with the top back. With alittle preventive maintenance this is one good vehicle. Just dont expect a quiet ride, or storage for more than two.