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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  Cool Little Buggy - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By Jacob Marley - August 7 - 2:00 am

  The most reliable vehicle Ive owned besides my VW Bug. Travels well in all road conditions, but requires two hands on the wheel in a big wind. Rides like a truck at times, but hey, what a hoot to drive in the summer! Fuel economy could be better Ive started giving it premium grade gas and has made a big difference on the highway and as with any car...youve got to change the oil. Im changing mine at every 2500- 3K now. Will probably last well over 200K miles -)

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  Tracker - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By Dude20 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Tracker was very reliable, fun to drive in college. Never had any problems besides normal maintenance. Kept it for probably a year or two longer than I would have if I didnt like it so much.

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  4 Wheeled Wonder! - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By tummykitten - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a disappointment when it comes to riding comfortably on the highway, too much interior niose, is overly affected by wind, has too small a gas tank and didnt get the gas mileage one wouldve thought. However, its four-wheel drive capabilities are awesome as long as it has clearance. Engine had no problems starting in -20 degree weather. Very reliable and definitely takes a beating(but at the risk of denting).Consistantly got 28mpg in city and hwy. This is fun in the snow and on beach with the top down, but dont buy this vehicle for your everyday, highway vehicle.

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  Bought as 3rd car, now favorite vehicle - 1990 Geo Tracker
  By Elliot - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Had it five years, since 70K miles. Now has 110K+ miles. Gas, oil, wiper blades, front brake pads, and one $57 emissions sensor. Slightly oversized tires have been so understressed, were getting fantastic mileage from them. Most reliable vehicle Ive owned in 30 years of driving.

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  A Steal of a Deal - 1996 Geo Tracker
  By GEO/Suzuki fan - June 16 - 2:00 am

  An excellent vehicle. I got what I expected and more. I expected good japanese quality (we all know they are Suzukis) and have gotten it. I bought my Tracker in 1997 with 17k miles and have added over 21k miles a year and have never had any mechanical problem. The gas mileage has been good and everyone who has driven it admitted it is fun to drive. Sure it is not a power machine, but you know that when you buy it. I have the 4dr 4x4 Automatic and even with 95 horsepower I can make it up any hill between San Francisco and Reno/Tahoe. I am sure this car will keep going for another 100k miles.

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  boy is this great - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By adventurer - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had my tracker for almost six years. I know it is getting old but if i sell it, theres no newer tracker to buy. I just gotta keep it.

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  Mighty Mite - 1990 Geo Tracker
  By Aztroboy - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Cool design, very utilitarian. Four wheel drive is great. Hard top is very safe. I like all the amenities of a larger SUV, but with the effeciancy and logic of a small car. The LSI model is the best way to go. Lots of upgradable parts available, even on e- bay. Rally wheels are cool on the LSI. Insurance is great and costs are minimum to keep this little truck. Great truck for smart drivers.

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  Small, Light, Plastic, but Rock Solid! - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By riceowl03 - April 15 - 2:00 am

  There is a lot not to like about this vehicle. Its terrible on the highways, the wind noise is overpowering and the wind will bat it around the road. There is a lot of exposed metal, plastic, and a lack of "finish" inside the car. The gas mileage sucks for the size of the engine, and the range is pitiful. But you forget all of this as a poor student when the thing gets you through high school and college without fail. Never left me stranded, unbelievably reliable even when I just got rid of it (about a month ago).

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  Ive ALWAYS wanted one. - 1995 Geo Tracker
  By LiquidSunshine - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Found this on autotrader.com. Ive wanted a Tracker since I was 3 years old, finally got it. I drive it all the time, and I get a lot of compliments on it. Real nice looking, black with black soft top. Theres so many mods I can do to it :D I only wish it was a 5 speed and not an automatic.

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  Great Toy - 1994 Geo Tracker
  By pagemaker45 - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my 1994 Tracker. It has never left me stranded. It always starts and I have never been stuck in Northern NY snow.