Used 1996 Geo Tracker Consumer Reviews
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Rust-A-Bout
I bought this in 2009 and didn't expect to keep it more than 2 years. I kept it 5 until it rusted out underneath. One of the most fun cars I ever owned. The only repair problems I had with it were due to rust. I'm parting it out to keep for spares and looking for another. It had only 82000 on it. (Everybody is taking these rusted out Trackers and running them off road on farms and as super ATVs.) If you are buying one have it put up on a lift and look over the whole underside very carefully.
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Best Car Ever
I bought this little guy new off the lot. I thought it was so cute that I fell in love with it. Now, 16 years later, I have to say that I am more than just impressed with it's looks. I have never had to do any repairs. All it has ever needed is gas, oil, brake pads and air filters. Oh, and tires - because I have run the wheels off of it. I replaced the soft top twice. For the past 10 years, I have considered putting on a hard top but always thought that the car was too old to put that much money into it. Then, considering I have never even replaced a fan belt, finally decided the car is not going to break anytime soon so decided to go ahead. I think I'll keep it forever!
Very Good Auto
I bought my tracker used in 1998 and have not spend a penny on repair. Although small, it is a very reliabile and gets me around in the snow. I wish this year had on the fly 4WD.
A Steal of a Deal
An excellent vehicle. I got what I expected and more. I expected good japanese quality (we all know they are Suzuki's) and have gotten it. I bought my Tracker in 1997 with 17k miles and have added over 21k miles a year and have never had any mechanical problem. The gas mileage has been good and everyone who has driven it admitted it is fun to drive. Sure it is not a power machine, but you know that when you buy it. I have the 4dr 4x4 Automatic and even with 95 horsepower I can make it up any hill between San Francisco and Reno/Tahoe. I am sure this car will keep going for another 100k miles.
Geo Tracker
Personally I wanted to buy a truck with good gas mileage but 4wd to have sum fun on the trails on weekends. When I had bought this one I had driven one before, so it wasn't a surprise but this thing really goes any where
Best vehicle for the money, ever
My friends always ask me if I still have The Tracker. You better believe I do! I bought this in 1994 with about 30 miles on it and have just recently passed 336,000. I am not good with vehicle maintenance and upkeep, so the fact that this is still running is a miracle. Only major work done is a new transmission (after about 250,000). I still have it, and wouldn't give it up for anything.
Luvin' it
Bought used with 133,000+ miles, automatic 4 cyl 4WD 4door, well preserved. I've done timing belt, trans flush, full lubrication, and restore during the oil change. With a new set of AT tires, and maybe a luggage rack, I'll expect 200,000 miles plus!
Too much fun
I bought this vehicle used with a hard top. I have had so much fun with this vehicle I sold it and then bought it back. I have put Jeeps to shame with the ability of this Tracker in 4WD. You can park it in a dumpster, it's so small and agile. Due to it's center of gravity I would not recommend this for new drivers, but experienced off road drivers will have a fun economical time with it. In a 117K miles I have had to replace the battery, other than that it's been maintenance free, and it has very few computer chips, which is an asset as far as I'm concerned. This is perfect for someone who wants to tow a vehicle behind an RV and doesn't need room for more than two.
Reliable but unsafe - get 4wd or skip
2wd version of the car shouldn't be sold north of Atlanta ! This car car is terrible in ice, snow. Bought a Subaru second time around but still have my trusty Tracker for those perfect Summer days. Still a joy to drive although underpowered on those days. Never given any major mechanical problems. Great city car for parking.
Inexpensive car but has problems
I have owned this car since 1999 and bought it used at 38,000 miles. I now have 85,000 miles which was done mainly in a small (60,000 people) town. It gets around 20 mpg in town, and about 24 mpg on the highway at 70 to 75 mph. As a city car it does just fine, on the highway watch out. This car is light and is blown around in strong crosswinds. I have had a transmission problem since I bought it which has persisted even after being repaired three times. I have a EGR problem that was diagnosed to be a computer problem, but that did not go away when I bought a used computer module. Other than those two problems the car has been reliable although it is now burning oil on startup though.
4 door 2WD Tracker
Does what I want: 26-28 MPG ,lots of space and turns on a dime. Great for camping,simple to repair.After recent tune-up I am getting 29-30 mpg. Had to fix a few items to pass smog, cleaned air intake , then passed with flying colors
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Great First Car!!
Bought this car when I was 18. It was my first car and I absolutely loved it! Even though it didn't have air conditioning, the flip-up roof/convertible feature made it fun to drive. This is a very reliable SUV. The 4WD system is nearly flawless. I started driving to Boulder to see some friends and got caught in a blizzard. I started slipping so I pulled over and turned the 4WD system on - never slipped once after that!
Not Flashy, but reliable
I have owned this car since new, and driven it almost every day. It's not a race car, but it starts every day, in any temperature. I have not been stuck in snow or ice, even with the 2WD. I also use it as a 'truck' and have hauled everything from furniture to loads of paving bricks without a problem. At 105K, it still has the original clutch and rear brakes, and I have had no major repairs - just normal maintenance. (PS - I got rear- ended by a Caddy and it only scratched the bumper cover.)
Purple Tracker in South Florida
I now own the 1995 Geo Tracker that my dad bought new off the showroom floor. It's almost at 180k. Nothing beats it in the city. It zips through traffic. Even with a 2wd, it climbs better than my 4x4 truck. With the 235/65/R15 tires it rips corners to pieces, and wind sheer is eliminated. Any more power and I'd be drifting with the 5spd. It's the most reliable car/ truck I've ever owned. And who needs the highway when you can take the beach with the top down.
need owners manual
Just bought a 1995. Getting to like it alot, but I don't have a manual. How can I get one?
geo delivers
this car has been extremly reliable one idle adjustment, works well as a basic transportation we oown both covetrilbe and 4 door 4 wheel drive actualy we drive car in 4 wheel drive quite often in heavy snow it does exremly well since it's light it pull 1200lbs problem with no issues
The 96 Geo Tracker's worth more recycled
I have owned this vehicle for a short amount of time and put enough money in repairs and parts to buy it a second time. It breaks down quite frequently and would probably have better luck with public transportation. I recommend this vehicle to nobody. The car sees more time at the garage than on the road. I only drive it back and forth on paved roads 30 minutes round trip to work 5 times a week. This vehicle only has 88,000 miles and had almost half of all its parts replaced. This week alone it broke down three times. As soon as I can afford it I'm buying a much more reliable vehicle.
I cried when my Geo Tracker died.
My Geo Tracker, lovingly nicknamed Mitzi, was my first car and baby. I got her used for $1600 in 2002 and she was worth tenfold that. I ran her ragged but she was always faithful, though often in need of some sort of work due to my own lack of car savvy, and felt like a member of the family. She served me well for 6 years until her brakes began to fail and it was no longer worth the cost of replacement. I literally cried when Mitzi died and I hope that I can find another car I love as much.
A Useful Machine
This is hardly a flashy vehicle, but it has served faithfully and well since its purchase in 1996.
Fun car
I bought this car at around 120,000 miles and immediately took a road trip from Salt Lake to Mesa, Arizona. It handled it like a champ. I have also taken it four wheeling several times and this car can climb! It has been a year with minor repairs. I had a tune up, belts replaced, and so on. (the previous owner did not seem to ever do this) I hope I can have this fun car for many more years.
Didn't listen to others & took a chance
I just turned 70,000 miles on my 1996 Tracker and it is still running strong! Initially I was told not to purchase a Geo because they were not very reliable cars. I'd have to say that based upon my Tracker's performance that this is false. This is a wonderful little truck to own. It is great in the summer w/the top off and it plows through the snow w/the 4 wheel drive. If you can find one in good shape I'd say go for it!
things wrong
My brother owns a mechanic shop and when I put my tracker on the lift I heard crunching upon looking further into this noise I took off the lower molding and found major body rot. The power Windows are loose on the tracks the rear end sways real bad I think the rear sway bars are bad not sure, sometimes rain leaks in thru the tops of the doors the locking hubs don't work so no fwd the differential work but not the hubs I want to do work to this but I cant find any replacement parts do they still make body parts for my model or do you know of some fixes that I can do one last item sometimes the radio wont adjust and all the speakers are blown
will never buy another one
have owned about 4 years now...started having an ongoing problem 2 years/$800 dollars ago of hesitating/violent bucking while driving. It does not always happen, nor is there any one condition to make this happen. We have stumped even the Chevy garage on this one. The gas tank is quite small...only 11 gallons. And worse still is originally it got only 20 mpg, now since this problem started 2 years ago, it is down to 15 mpg. Really liked the look and feel of this vehicle when I bought it. But I will NEVER buy another one, NOR would I recommend it to anyone! Will be getting rid of this one SOON!
Great starter/college car
I am soon to be getting rid of mine, but it has had a darn good run. 153k and still strong. The steering feel as accurate and good as it is with the power steering. It handles great in turns... once you get used to it, it won't tip over, the tires lose traction way before that happens (been there done that). I wouldn't call this car quick, but with the five speed, it ain't bad... runs over zx2s and neons in third gear. It does sit up high, so it gets blown around A LOT on the highway. No major things have gone wrong with mine, just had to replace the water pump, but it was a slow death, so not bad. Edmund's has terrible prices for these. In the MidWst they are about $4K dealer w/good mileage.
Geo Tracker
I like being able to drive down the road and pull off on any gravel road and go for a ride. If you can see between two trees, chances are the geo tracker can drive there also.
Small, Light, Plastic, but Rock Solid!
There is a lot not to like about this vehicle. It's terrible on the highways, the wind noise is overpowering and the wind will bat it around the road. There is a lot of exposed metal, plastic, and a lack of "finish" inside the car. The gas mileage sucks for the size of the engine, and the range is pitiful. But you forget all of this as a poor student when the thing gets you through high school and college without fail. Never left me stranded, unbelievably reliable even when I just got rid of it (about a month ago).
Good, yet bad Safe, yet still dangerous
This car is definately a descent car all around. The gas mileage is descent, the car rides pretty well, and it definately has many good points. 2 reasons I would definately never get one again... 1, its very slow. And 2, it is also quite dangerous. It is very easy to flip one of these things, and it sais just that on the sun viser in the car. Its a good car, but just be careful when driving it
Friend for life.
Bought mine with 120k miles. Just rolled it to 700k last month. Change that oil and timing belt religiously. Early maybe. But jeeze that baby will go almost anywhere you want it. No bigger than 32's on a 2 inch lift w/snorkel. 2 ton pully on the front. Took out the back seat, and installed a removable 4 subwoofer radio on 20 ft wires for partying at the river. Just unstrap it, swap power and leave it at another car and go mudding. Lived in it for 2 years. It will be 16 years in February. Still cranks before i can back off the key.
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Built to last and last
I bought my GEO new back in 1995. My GEO has NEVER seen the inside of a mechanic's shop. This car is very easy to maintain. I've replaced the alternator in 2007, clutch cable in 2007, my water pump in 2008,I've also replaced my hubs and rear shocks. All of which I didn't mind doing myself. Parts are very inexpensive and this engine / car is very easy to work on yourself. I currently have over 120k on it and it still runs very strong. I'm still averaging 30+ MPG. With gas being so high I'm gonna hold on to my GEO as long as I can...
good but bad
it gives a horrendous ride. its very uncomfortable. its very vulnerable to winds and feels like a wind could take you across the road. the fuel economy isnt bad. the convertible top is a pain to take on and off. however the reliabiltiy is very good.
cool ride
This has been one of the funnest little rigs I've ever had. Have changed mine a little, my little tracker looks like a little pickup. Got rid of the bubble top and put on tonneau, windjammer, and sun top. All an come off or just a piece at a time. Have added tube bumpers front and rear. Added aggressive tires and chrome wheels. Everyday someone says to me how nice it is. Have had people offer to buy it right on the spot. Believe me I wouldn't spend the money if it wasn't worth it. The only other thing I have to say about it is:it's not a Jeep thing!
Little tank that just kept going!
I've never had a vehicle like this before it or after it! The 4 wheel drive was simply amazing! It pulled me out of snow deeper than it's doors up a steep incline with bald tires! It was amazing, there's no other way to put it! Oil changes and basic maintenance was all I did and the gas mileage was awesome! I want to get another one but 16K for a 1995?? Wow! You all are crazy! LOL! I guess if I had it to spend, I probably would, but with this economy, WHO HAS THAT?? Not me. Oh and mine had the hard top.
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Small but love it
Well my Tracker I love it cause its an awesome little car and yeah it may not be a fast car but I love driving it as well as taking it off road and the tops kinda a big pain but other than that I have not had any problems with it but also its a wonderful car in the snow and it's not too big or too small of a car it's just right for me. I love the top as well as how it looks and the performance of these little cars are great and if someone were to ask me if I would suggest they buy a tracker I would say yes definitely
GREAT RUNNER!! WHAT A TROOPER!
Ran great until it slung a rod at 25k miles...
Long Haul Quality
Wow, has this little SUV suprised us. Over 158k miles and no problems. Great gas mileage, 28-30 mpg. Fun on the beach with the top back. With alittle preventive maintenance this is one good vehicle. Just don't expect a quiet ride, or storage for more than two.
Little Truck that Could
Very reliable and fun. The only problem I've experienced has been with the electrical wiring (battery), otherwise no other repairs. Easily fits 4 adults. Handles great in snow.
Very fun, go anywhere vehicle
I bought my Tracker from my brother, who has had it since '97. Overall, it is a great little vehicle. I recommend getting the 16-valve for more power. Mine is a 5-speed and gets 28 mpg. At 135k miles, all I've done to it besides routine maintenance is replace the hubs. For some reason, mine also needs a rotor cap and button about every 30k miles. It can be a handful on windy days, but no worse than I expected of a small SUV. It's loud inside, but replacing the soft top with removable hard tops definitely helped. I would highly recommend it as a first car or something just to drive around town. Almost every week someone offers to buy mine, but I'm not selling!!
Not A bad little SUV off the Highway
Other reviews on the money. A decent vehicle around town with a bit of a rough ride. On the highway it is underpowered, real noisy (even with hard tops) and affected by winds and semi-trucks. It has been fairly reliable, needing battery (wiring) work, some seal maintenance and an EGR valve. The gas mileage could be better for a 4 cylinder. But if you want a 4 wheel drive, none of them get fantastic mileage. The engine is noisy, sometimes I wonder if the accelerator is a noise generator because while the engine gets louder, it has little pep. It is a good choice for a small SUV, just dont plan on lots of HWY road trips.
Amazingly fun go anywhere anytime car.
I've owned 4 trackers 94 to 96 autos and manuals. My 4x4 is my all time favorite. I can do anything with this car. It's cargo ability with the top off is endless. Strong engine, Off road it is amazing. It scampers up hills and around sharp turns like no other. Summer driving is like heaven with the top down, sun warming your body and good music taking you down the road to the beach. Ground clearance and noise (good radio fixes the noise issue) are its only draw backs.
I've ALWAYS wanted one.
Found this on autotrader.com. I've wanted a Tracker since I was 3 years old, finally got it. I drive it all the time, and I get a lot of compliments on it. Real nice looking, black with black soft top. There's so many mods I can do to it :D I only wish it was a 5 speed and not an automatic.
the purple grape
My Tracker has been very reliable. I've enjoyed seven good years and only a few minor automobile repairs. It's a fun car. I have only one complaint and that is that the car isn't the most reliable under strong winds.
Tracker
Tracker was very reliable, fun to drive in college. Never had any problems besides normal maintenance. Kept it for probably a year or two longer than I would have if I didn't like it so much.
A Bucket of Fun
I bought my Tracker 5 years ago and I would never sell it. It has 158,000 miles on it and the only thing that ever went wrong were the hubs, so I just had them replaced. I give it regular oil changes and it just goes and goes. I have taken it rock crawling and it loves the mud. Any chance I can get to go off road, I do. It is great in the snow as well. This is the most fun vehicle I have ever owned! I love my tracker, but I see rust appearing here and there. Living in the northeast is taking it's toll. I have replaced the top twice since I owned it. Each top had a different quality and I noticed this last one is lasting so much better. When this Tracker rusts away, I will be sad!
good but bad
it gives a horrendous ride. its very uncomfortable. its very vulnerable to winds and feels like a wind could take you across the road. the fuel economy isnt bad. the convertible top is a pain to take on and off. however the reliabiltiy is very good.
Little grocery getter
Small but with rear seats down the back portion gives ample room for sacks of planting material plus. Grocery bags fir well and are very easy to load and unload. Also, it’s a dream to park.
Cool Little Buggy
The most reliable vehicle I've owned besides my VW Bug. Travels well in all road conditions, but requires two hands on the wheel in a big wind. Rides like a truck at times, but hey, what a hoot to drive in the summer! Fuel economy could be better; I've started giving it premium grade gas and has made a big difference on the highway and as with any car...you've got to change the oil. I'm changing mine at every 2500- 3K now. Will probably last well over 200K miles ;-)
I wish that Chevy / Suzuki would have never stoppe
I have a 1995 Geo Tracker convertible that I absolutely love. It is 4-wheel drive, you can park anywhere it's good in the snow, good on gas and is fast! My son always laugh at me when I say it's fast ,but it has great acceleration, very reliable, I wish that they would continued to make them. The only thing that's bad is the rust and they aren't the safest car in the world. But I love them. I've owned it since 1997 so I know how good it really is. The only problem with the trackers was the rust situation. They are awesome cars I wish they still made them. I still own three of them
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The Best 4 wheel drive ever made !
I just love these Trackers I have two of them. I am a auto mechanic and have driven them all, this is the most reliable four wheel drive vehicle you will ever own thats made in North America Cammi plant in Ontario, Canada they are really Suzukis with Cosmetic differences only. I have only done basic upkeep(Oil,tune up and battery ect.) and fixed week fuel injector of which they only have one (less problems). In 50,000 miles of use and I bought it used with 145,000 miles. You have to watch out for Kids that have owned them and abused it offroad thats Or anybody else who has. Do not buy ones that have rust under the doors or where the doors mount. Thats there flaw rust.
GREAT RUNNER!! WHAT A TROOPER!
Ran great until it slung a rod at 25k miles...
4 Wheeled Wonder!
This vehicle is a disappointment when it comes to riding comfortably on the highway, too much interior niose, is overly affected by wind, has too small a gas tank and didn't get the gas mileage one would've thought. However, it's four-wheel drive capabilities are awesome as long as it has clearance. Engine had no problems starting in -20 degree weather. Very reliable and definitely takes a beating(but at the risk of denting).Consistantly got 28mpg in city and hwy. This is fun in the snow and on beach with the top down, but don't buy this vehicle for your everyday, highway vehicle.