1990-1998 Geo/Chevrolet Tracker: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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1990-1998 Geo/Chevrolet Tracker
- Price Range: $600 - $2,300
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Pros
- 4WD traction (4WD)
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Ride
- Noise
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Originally marketed under the Geo name by Chevrolet dealers, this 4-wheel-drive (part-time) compact sport-utility came in 2-door wagon and 2-door convertible bodystyles. Suzuki marketed its own version as the Sidekick. Hardtop and convertible Trackers came in base and LSi trim levels. Both use a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. Power steering was not available, but Trackers had 5-mph bumpers and rear shoulder belts. Convertible tops fold backward part way, to produce a sunroof style effect.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Geo Tracker 2-door Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 1 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 29 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1990-1998 Geo/Chevrolet Tracker includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1998 Geo/Chevrolet Tracker and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1998 Geo/Chevrolet Tracker is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
More modern and refined than the paramilitary Jeep Wrangler, Trackers are appealing in many ways. Still, Trackers and Suzuki Sidekicks are just too rough and noisy for service as daily drivers.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Geo Tracker 2-door Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 1 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 29 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $980 |
| Alternator | $395 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $740 |
| Brakes | $370 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $600 |
| Exhaust System | $475 |
| Radiator | $665 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $270 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $210 |
| Universal Joints | $175 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1998 | |||
| Tracker 2WD | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
| Tracker 4WD | $2,500-3,200 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| 1997 | |||
| Tracker 2WD | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Tracker 4WD | $2,200-2,800 | $1,600-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1996 | |||
| Tracker 2WD | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Tracker 4WD | $1,900-2,500 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1995 | |||
| Tracker 2WD | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Tracker 4WD | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Tracker 2WD | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Tracker 4WD | $1,700-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Tracker 2WD | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Tracker 4WD | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Tracker 2WD | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Tracker 4WD | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Tracker 2WD | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Tracker 4WD | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Tracker 4WD | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 86.6 | 97.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 143.7 | 158.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 64.2 | 64.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.3 | 65.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2246 | 2434 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 32.9 | 45.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.1 | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.5 | 40.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.1 | 42.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.0 | 40.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.6 | 32.7 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 80-95 | 94-98 | 5-speed manual: 24/26 3-speed automatic: 23/24 4-speed automatic: 22/25 |
5-speed manual: 24.8 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 24 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 Tracker |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 2 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.







