2000 Chevrolet Tracker: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A surf-motif appearance option for the convertible heads the short list of changes to the 2000 edition of Chevrolet's smallest sport-utility vehicle. Tracker was redesigned last year to be slightly longer and wider, with rounded styling.
Tracker again offers a 2-door convertible and a longer 4-door wagon. Both have running gear and body-on-frame construction designed by Suzuki, which markets its own versions as the Vitara. Though the Japanese company offers a V6 Grand Vitara wagon, Tracker is limited to 4-cylinder power--for now. The 2001 Tracker is scheduled to offer the V6, as well. For 2000, the convertible has a standard 1.6-liter 4-cylinder and offers a 2.0-liter option that is standard on the wagon. Automatic transmission is optional only with the 2.0 liter. All models are available with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. The 4WD isn't for use on dry pavement, but does offer on-the-fly shifting between 2WD and 4-high, plus separate 4-low gearing. The new convertible option package is the Hang Ten Edition, which includes special headrests, floormats, spare tire cover, and decals.

COMPETITION

Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. The two current Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Though they don't offer true off-road ability, they mix the best ride, cargo, and comfort characteristics with all-weather traction.
Toyota's RAV4 , which used to be a Best Buy, falls to Recommended based on its noisy engine and cramped rear seating area. Toyota hopes that will change when an all-new RAV arrives in 2001.
As immovable as Mt. Rushmore, the Jeep Wrangler continues as our Budget Buy in this segment. Though it has become a status symbol of late, it's most at home crawling over rocks and fording river beds.