Overview & Reviews

After a heavy makeover for 1996, changes for 1997 are limited. Convertibles get a standard fold-and-stow rear bench seat along with an enhanced evaporative emissions system. All Trackers can be painted Sunset Red Metallic or Azurite Blue Metallic for the first time.

• Low price, cute styling, excellent visibility, performs well off-road

• Underpowered engine, small cargo area, tippy handling, convertible top is difficult to manage

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 20.00

• 

  Best Little Car On the Market - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By vw1973 - December 26 - 3:18 pm

  I bought my Tracker for $1750 it had 73,800 miles on it, ran awesome, and was in good shape for a 14 year old car. One of the best moves Ive ever made. In the winter its great because it has 4x4 and is amazing in the snow. In the summer its great because its a convertible and its surprisingly phenomenal off-road, even when completely stock. Its durable and can handle lots of work. For such a small car it can fit 1/3 cord of wood, and you wont wreck the strong interior. Its uncomfortable and 55mph on the highway is 3K rpm, but it gets 35 mpg, its amazingly reliable, and it has the heart and soul of a big truck.

• 

  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

• 

  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.

• 

  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!!!

• 

  Fun, Fun, Fun! - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By russ - November 2 - 1:44 am

  Bought this car because I need to rent a car for two weeks while my other was being repaired. It was only $1,400 and had been used as a tow vehicle behind a motorhome. Came with a soft and hard top. Gave my 15 year old his first driving lesson it it (has a 1.6L motor and 5 speed trans). When he gets his license he can buy it from me. I hyper mile better than 38 mpg out of this car around town, but freeways speeds can get scary. Overall its a great little runabout. Too bad they dont make them anymore.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  97 GEO LSI our Best Buy! - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By Barry Cantrell - November 12 - 6:33 pm

  We bought our LSI 4X4 4 Door. I wanted black but we ended up with the dull red one, my wife loves it, I accepted it, it is her car! We had them add remote locks, but it came loaded, CD prim, pwr everything except seats. It has 130k and we changed: brakes, front autohub to manual (auto were too expensive, though it came with auto) O2 sensors-2x, complete exhaust-converter, tires so over all that is great! We did have to redo the AC. The gate lift handle cover fell off, put back. Wife loves it, I am crippeled with bad back, more than 30 miles I have to have a pain hypo! Not good on windy days! Rust on bottom-rockers/quarters.

• 

  hard to find troubles - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By allen - October 26 - 10:22 pm

  zippy & fun- except for the impossible to fix idle stall issue. Dealer will gladly break your bank replacing everything and you will still have the problem, arghh! I think the culprit is carbon accumulating in the egr valve port.

• 

  Go little Tracker, GO! - 1997 Geo Tracker
  By Alecia Mason - September 29 - 10:22 am

  Not bad for a such a tiny little truck. I recently bought a 1997 and I love it. Interior is comfortable, although for someone bigger than me (52" or taller) may find driver seat umcomfortable. Convertible top takes time to put up or down, but is very nice on those hot days. I drive an hour and a half to school or work everyday and highway driving is pleasant, however, high-speed passing power is only "acceptable" in my 5- speed. Gas mileage is a bonus, with the amount I save on gas from a V8 S10 pickup, my loan really does pay itself off! Its an awesome little truck, I must say. Unfortunately, all my friends with pickups have dubbed it "The little truck that thought it could....but couldnt"