1996 Geo Tracker Review
Price Estimate: $406 - $683





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
A new four-door model joins the lineup, and dual airbags are standard on all Trackers. Four-wheel antilock brakes are optional. Revised styling freshens the new exterior, and daytime running lights make the Tracker more conspicuous to motorists. Cruise control is a new convenience option.
For sale nearby
Vehicle overview
To the delight of Chevrolet dealers, Geo is introducing a new four-door hardtop variant of the cute little Tracker. For 1996, all Trackers get a revised instrument panel with dual airbags. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are optional. So equipped, the new Tracker should prove quite popular in the burgeoning mini sport-ute marketplace.
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 new four-speed automatic transmission saps much of that strength.
Short and stubby, these friendly little vehicles maneuver easily and handle with a light touch, whether on the highway or in more demanding situations. 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. Seats are firm but supportive, wearing nice-looking upholstery. Dual cupholders and a storage tray sit in the center console.
Convertibles have an "easy opening" top that erects 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. Several "expressions packages" feature color-keyed convertible tops and wheels, and a Tracker can be equipped to tow half a ton. LSi editions feature 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, and daytime running lights have been added to all Trackers. Styling is slightly revised, and alloy wheels have been restyled. New exterior colors subdue the former Sweet Tart-inspired palette. Cruise control is a new option.
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 keep the Tracker's breathless engine wound out tightly on slight inclines or at freeway speeds. With a bigger engine, the Tracker would certainly give the new Kia Sportage a run for the money.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$175/mo for Tracker LSi
Tracker LSi
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Geo Tracker Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Rust-A-Bout
4 out of 5 starsdavid augenstene, 11/01/2015
1995 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD
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.
Best Car Ever
4.88 out of 5 starsgeorgianna, 05/05/2011
1995 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
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
4.38 out of 5 starssteev, 02/05/2002
1995 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD
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.
Geo Tracker
4.5 out of 5 starsDave , 08/10/2009
1996 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
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
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Geo Tracker, so we've included reviews for other years of the Tracker since its last redesign.
1996 Tracker Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $175/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 32.9 cu.ft. |
rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver2 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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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