1998 Chevy Tracker Review
1998 Chevy Tracker Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Rugged styling. Cheap top-down thrills. Great off-road capability.
Cons
- Sewing machine engine.
What’s new
Geo is gone, so all Trackers are now badged as Chevrolets. The LSi models are dropped, though an LSi equipment package is available on Base models. Two new colors are available. Second-generation airbags are standard.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Chevrolet Tracker 2dr SUV w/Soft Top and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$196/mo for Tracker Base
Tracker Base
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
To the chagrin of Chevrolet dealers, the redesigned Tracker has been slightly delayed. As a result, the 1997 model is carried over until an all-new design arrives early next year. The new truck will be slightly larger and more powerful, but is not slated to get the V6 engine that will be optional in its twin, the Suzuki Sidekick. That's too bad, because the Tracker is quite underpowered, particularly in four-door guise.
Due to its carryover status, changes for 1998 are limited. Since General Motors decided to kill the import-oriented Geo brand, the Tracker now wears a Chevy bowtie on its bonnet. The uplevel LSi trim level has been dropped, though most of the items from that model are available on base Trackers for 1998. Purple Graphite and California Gold have been added to the color chart. Prices have been set at or near 1997 levels in an effort to make the Tracker more attractive to folks cross-shopping the hot-selling Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Fun-in-the-sun takes on fresh meaning behind the wheel of a snug-but-cozy Tracker convertible, whether its engine is driving two wheels or four. A 16-valve engine powers all Tracker models, sending out 95 horsepower. Naturally, the optional automatic transmission saps much of that strength.
Short and stubby, these friendly little vehicles maneuver easily but handle with a very light, sometimes twitchy touch on both the highway and off-road. They're more solidly built than they appear at first glance--not at all like a toy--and deliver a passably pleasant ride most of the time. Differing little from the Suzuki Sidekick, Trackers look and feel substantial, though during off-road driving, the door frames on the four-door shudder just enough to let in a fine silt of dust that coats every plastic interior trim piece. Front seats are firm but lack leg support, and wear nice-looking upholstery. The rear seat of four-door models is surprisingly comfortable for two adults. Dual cupholders and a storage tray sit in the center console.
Convertibles have an "easy opening" top that folds in two ways: either the front half folds back like a sunroof, or the entire canvas top can be stowed for fully-open motoring. Though improved, putting the top up and down still isn't exactly a quickie operation. "Expressions packages" feature color-keyed convertible tops and wheels, and a Tracker can be equipped to tow half a ton. Optional are automatic-locking hubs, which are nice to have if you switch often between two- and four-wheel drive.
Four-door models can be equipped with power windows, door locks and mirrors. Child security rear door locks are standard on the four-door, and daytime running lights are standard on all Trackers. The 1.6-liter engine provides barely enough power in convertibles; in the four-door the engine is severely overmatched. Interstate cruising requires putting the pedal nearly to the metal just to maintain speed.
Would you want the convertible as your sole vehicle? Probably not, but a soft top Tracker in the garage just might turn sunny summer days into a veritable binge of adventure. Practical-minded folks, on the other hand, might prefer the weather-tight construction of a hardtop model. Sadly, we can't recommend using a Tracker for anything but light duty in the flatlands. The 1.6-liter motor is zippy enough to keep up in city traffic, but a heavy load of passengers or cargo keeps the Tracker's breathless engine wound out tightly on slight inclines or at freeway speeds. With a bigger engine, lightly equipped Trackers would certainly give the competition a run for the money.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Chevrolet Tracker.
5 star(40%)
4 star(60%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
5 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
98 Chevy Tracker auto 4x4
GUS ALLEN, 11/11/2005
1998 Chevrolet Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
This is the best little car for running errands , fishing, hunting. All around vehicle for just driving. 33 mpg and 4x4 is almost unheard of. Easy to service and granddaughter loves it.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Chevy Tracker is my favorite vehicle.
Karl, 04/24/2010
1998 Chevrolet Tracker 4dr SUV
I bought my Tracker in 1998 and it has been fun, reliable and a work horse. It has traveled across the country...twice. Seen both east coast and west coast. Gone up mountains and through deserts. It has 146,000 miles and still running strong today. Only problem is its rusting and the parts are becoming hard to fine. It still a great car and I would love to buy another one new.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Great little car
Ranradio, 08/26/2009
1998 Chevrolet Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
This has been a no problem car since new. 4 wheel drive works great. Use it for driving to work and back, has never let me down yet!
4.25 out of 5 stars
Great little 4X4
sunfun, 05/31/2003
1998 Chevrolet Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
This is our second tracker. Having a
great time zooming around town in this
one.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Chevrolet Tracker, so we've included reviews for other years of the Tracker since its last redesign.
1998 Tracker Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $196/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 8.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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