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2002 Chevrolet Tracker Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Tracker Full Review
7.
8.
2002 Chevrolet Tracker Review
Tracker offers a 2-dr convertible and a longer 4-dr wagon. Both have body-on-frame construction and are designed by Suzuki, which markets its own versions as the Vitara. Tracker is available with rear-wheel drive or with 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. A 4-cyl engine is offered in both bodies. A V6 is standard in ZR2- and top-line LT-model wagons. Automatic transmission is standard with the V6, optional with the 4-cyl in place of a 5-speed manual. For 2002, a CD player is standard, wagons get a standard roof rack, and ZR2s join the LT in offering optional leather upholstery.
Competition
Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. Though our Best Buys, the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class.
Another car-based mini-SUV, the Subaru Forester, is our Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.
Another car-based mini-SUV, the Subaru Forester, is our Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.
News
The SUV market's center of gravity seems to be shifting to smaller models these days, which partly explains why Tracker sales are up. On a calendar-year basis, Chevy's smallest SUV rose 20 percent in 2000, reaching just over 48,000. That compares with about 41,000 for the Suzuki Vitara/Grand Vitara. Tracker has continued gaining in 2001, with orders rising 6.9 percent through the end of the third quarter.
Tracker should see little further change through the 2004 model run. At that point, this truck-based SUV will reportedly be replaced by a car-based design on the new General Motors "Theta" platform that bows with Saturn's 2003 Vue. The Tracker name will likely be replaced too. Despite the more user-friendly underpinnings, styling is said to be inspired by the Tranverse concept of a few years ago, which looked rather more aggressive than Tracker. Like Vue, Chevy's new small SUV should offer a base 4-cyl front-drive model with manual or optional continuously variable automatic transmission, and an uplevel AWD V6 version with conventional automatic only.
Tracker should see little further change through the 2004 model run. At that point, this truck-based SUV will reportedly be replaced by a car-based design on the new General Motors "Theta" platform that bows with Saturn's 2003 Vue. The Tracker name will likely be replaced too. Despite the more user-friendly underpinnings, styling is said to be inspired by the Tranverse concept of a few years ago, which looked rather more aggressive than Tracker. Like Vue, Chevy's new small SUV should offer a base 4-cyl front-drive model with manual or optional continuously variable automatic transmission, and an uplevel AWD V6 version with conventional automatic only.
2002 Chevrolet Tracker Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Maneuverability | Ride |
| Cargo room | Steering/handling |
| Rear-seat room | |
| Rear visibility | |
| Acceleration | |
| Rear-seat entry/exit (2-dr) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Tracker or Vitara, this thrashy 4 cyl feels weak in the convertible and downright lethargic in the heavier wagon. The V6 is usefully stronger, but no ball of fire. The automatic transmission is well-behaved, but the manual suffers vague shift action and long throws.
| Base conv 2WD, man. | LT 4WD | Class Average |
| 2 | 3 | 3.5 |
Tracker or Vitara, this thrashy 4 cyl feels weak in the convertible and downright lethargic in the heavier wagon. The V6 is usefully stronger, but no ball of fire. The automatic transmission is well-behaved, but the manual suffers vague shift action and long throws.
Fuel Economy
Not great for bantam SUVs. Test averages ranged from 17.9 mpg in a V6 4WD wagon to 20.2 with a 4-cyl 5-speed 4WD convertible.
| Base conv 2WD, man. | LT 4WD | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 4.8 |
Not great for bantam SUVs. Test averages ranged from 17.9 mpg in a V6 4WD wagon to 20.2 with a 4-cyl 5-speed 4WD convertible.
Ride Quality
Uncomfortably choppy on all but smooth surfaces regardless of model, though wagons are slightly better than the shorter-wheelbase convertibles.
| Base conv 2WD, man. | LT 4WD | Class Average |
| 1 | 2 | 3.7 |
Uncomfortably choppy on all but smooth surfaces regardless of model, though wagons are slightly better than the shorter-wheelbase convertibles.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Handling is competent, but cornering grip only so-so. Overall driving feel is less-composed than most rivals.
| Base conv 2WD, man. | LT 4WD | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 3.7 |
Handling is competent, but cornering grip only so-so. Overall driving feel is less-composed than most rivals.
Quietness
Wind and road noise are constant intrusions, and both engines are gruff and loud in hard acceleration.
| Base conv 2WD, man. | LT 4WD | Class Average |
| 1 | 2 | 3.3 |
Wind and road noise are constant intrusions, and both engines are gruff and loud in hard acceleration.
Controls
Low radio and climate controls require long look away from road to adjust, and radio has annoyingly tiny buttons. Cabin is a study in thin plastics; even leather-upholstered Tracker LT/ZR2 and Grand Vitara Limited models have a low-budget feel.
| Base conv 2WD, man. | LT 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.8 |
Low radio and climate controls require long look away from road to adjust, and radio has annoyingly tiny buttons. Cabin is a study in thin plastics; even leather-upholstered Tracker LT/ZR2 and Grand Vitara Limited models have a low-budget feel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plenty of head room, adequate leg room, but hip and shoulder room are tight. Reasonable step-in height for the class. Rear visibility is poor, especially top-up in convertibles.
| Base conv 2WD, man. | LT 4WD | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5 |
Plenty of head room, adequate leg room, but hip and shoulder room are tight. Reasonable step-in height for the class. Rear visibility is poor, especially top-up in convertibles.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Rear bench in wagons is short on leg room unless front seats are well forward; convertible's back seat is cramped and hard. Step-in height moderate, but narrow rear doors impede access in wagons, and convertibles are hindered by their 2-dr design. Wide running boards on some wagons are difficult to step over.
| Base conv 2WD, man. | LT 4WD | Class Average |
| 2 | 3 | 3.7 |
Rear bench in wagons is short on leg room unless front seats are well forward; convertible's back seat is cramped and hard. Step-in height moderate, but narrow rear doors impede access in wagons, and convertibles are hindered by their 2-dr design. Wide running boards on some wagons are difficult to step over.
Cargo Room
Scant behind the rear seat, but the standard folding seatback (split folding on wagon) drops to increase space and versatility. Tailgate opens to right, hampering curbside loading.
| Base conv 2WD, man. | LT 4WD | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Scant behind the rear seat, but the standard folding seatback (split folding on wagon) drops to increase space and versatility. Tailgate opens to right, hampering curbside loading.
Value within Class
They have some off-road prowess going for them, but Tracker and Vitara are also-rans among compact SUVs in the kind of driving most people do. Rivals from Ford, Mazda, Honda, Subaru, and Toyota are more-pleasant, roomier, and have higher resale values.
| Base conv 2WD, man. | LT 4WD | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 5.4 |
They have some off-road prowess going for them, but Tracker and Vitara are also-rans among compact SUVs in the kind of driving most people do. Rivals from Ford, Mazda, Honda, Subaru, and Toyota are more-pleasant, roomier, and have higher resale values.
Total Score
| Base conv 2WD, man. | LT 4WD | Class Average |
| 27 | 30 | 44.6 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 27 | |
| Average Score | 44 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2002 Chevrolet Tracker Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/16/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 2-door convertible, 2WD | $16,100 | $15,166 | $475 |
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| Base 4-door wagon, 2WD | $16,790 | $15,816 | $475 |
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| Base 2-door convertible, 4WD | $17,200 | $16,202 | $475 |
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| Base 4-door wagon, 4WD | $17,890 | $16,852 | $475 |
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| ZR2 2-door convertible, 4WD | $19,060 | $17,955 | $475 |
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| ZR2 4-door wagon, 4WD | $21,510 | $20,262 | $475 |
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| LT 4-door wagon, 2WD | $20,835 | $19,627 | $475 |
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| LT 4-door wagon, 4WD | $21,935 | $20,663 | $475 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, cloth/vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat (wagon), folding rear seat (convertible), AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, map lights, rear defogger (wagon), rear wiper/washer (wagon), automatic headlights, cargo cover (wagon), floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack (wagon).
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plate, front and rear tow hooks, outside-mounted full-size spare tire, 195/75R15 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 205/75R15 tires.
ZR2 convertible adds to Base:
Powertrain
4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Wheel flares.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
215/75R15 white-letter tires, alloy wheels.
ZR2 wagon adds to ZR2 convertible:
Powertrain
2.5-liter dohc V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
LT adds to Base:
Powertrain
2.5-liter dohc V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
215/70R15 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Equipment Group 2
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Base convertible
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$1,470
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$1,308
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|
Base wagon
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$1,415
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$1,259
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Power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, cargo-storage compartment (convertible), alloy wheels.
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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Base, ZR2 convertible
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$1,000
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$890
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Safety |
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Antilock brakes
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Base, LT, ZR2 convertible, ZR2 wagon
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$595
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$530
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Leather upholstery
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ZR2, LT
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$595
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$530
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Lockable storage compartment
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Base convertible
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$125
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$111
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Spare tire cover
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Base
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$60
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$53
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Alloy wheels
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Base
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$365
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$325
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2002 Chevrolet Tracker Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Chevrolet Tracker 2-door convertible | Chevrolet Tracker 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 86.6 | 97.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 151.8 | 162.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.3 | 67.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.5 | 66.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2811 | 2987 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 33.7 | 44.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.8 | 17.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.9 | 39.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.5 | 39.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.9 | 35.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 2.5 /152 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 127 @ 6000 | 155 @ 6500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 134 @ 3000 | 160 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 23/25 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 22/25 | 18/20 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Chevrolet Tracker 2-door convertible | Chevrolet Tracker 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 | 5 |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Canada
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Tracker Full Review
7.
8.
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