Used 1997 Geo Tracker Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Tracker, so we've included reviews for other years of the Tracker since its last redesign.
Best Little Car On the Market
vw1973, 12/26/2011
1997 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
20 of 20 people found this review helpful
I bought my Tracker for $1750; it had 73,800 miles on it, ran awesome, and was in good shape for a 14 year old car. One of the best moves I've ever made. In the winter it's great because it has 4x4 and is amazing in the snow. In the summer it's great because it's a convertible and it's surprisingly phenomenal off-road, even when completely stock. It's durable and can handle lots of work. For such a small car it can fit 1/3 cord of wood, and you won't wreck the strong interior. It's uncomfortable and 55mph on the highway is 3K rpm, but it gets 35 mpg, it's amazingly reliable, and it has the heart and soul of a big truck.
A Steal of a Deal
GEO/Suzuki fan, 06/16/2003
1996 Geo Tracker LSi 4dr SUV 4WD
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
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.
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See all 0 listingsgreat car
dhopper, 08/25/2009
1997 Geo Tracker LSi 4dr SUV 4WD
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Had the car ten years, changed the oil and plugs every year, had 196,000 miles when I sold to co-worker in feb 2008, he is still driving it. It had no Major problems.
Geo Tracker
Dave , 08/10/2009
1996 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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
Luvin' it
Bill, 06/20/2007
1996 Geo Tracker 4dr SUV 4WD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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!
97 GEO LSI our Best Buy!
Barry Cantrell, 11/13/2006
1997 Geo Tracker LSi 4dr SUV 4WD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
We bought our LSI 4X4 4 Door. I wanted black but we ended up with the dull red one, my wife loves it, I accepted it, it is her car! We had them add remote locks, but it came loaded, CD prim, pwr everything except seats. It has 130k and we changed: brakes, front autohub to manual (auto were too expensive, though it came with auto) O2 sensors-2x, complete exhaust-converter, tires so over all that is great! We did have to redo the AC. The gate lift handle cover fell off, put back. Wife loves it, I am crippeled with bad back, more than 30 miles I have to have a pain hypo! Not good on windy days! Rust on bottom-rockers/quarters.
Too much fun
Colkoch, 04/10/2009
1996 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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
garfromchicago, 12/01/2002
1996 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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
SW, 04/10/2008
1996 Geo Tracker LSi 4dr SUV 4WD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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
Bruce Mossman, 11/16/2015
updated 11/23/2022
1996 Geo Tracker LSi 2dr SUV
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
97 Tracker
Brian, 01/19/2007
1997 Geo Tracker LSi 4dr SUV 4WD
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have put 200,000 miles on this 5 spd 4WD Tracker and consider it to be trouble free and cheap to drive. The worst that I have gotten was 27 MPG and that was in 4WD on snow. I get between 30 and 35 MPG with every tank. Maint: replaced the front brakes 3 times, rear brakes 2 times; starter and alternator once; tires every 45,; just replaced the speedometer cluster because the speedometer quit working; some light bulbs have never been replaced. If a vehicle lasts this long in WV it's a good design. I'll be looking for a newer Tracker in another 50K or so.
Not Flashy, but reliable
JOHNinNJ, 02/04/2004
1996 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.)
Great First Car!!
DaytonasMom, 04/28/2007
1996 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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!
geo delivers
denny, 10/09/2003
1996 Geo Tracker 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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
dissapionted, 09/29/2004
1996 Geo Tracker 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
So much fun to drive, roomy and great gas mileage at 26 for the 4x4
mickmarion, 04/24/2012
1997 Geo Tracker 4dr SUV 4WD
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
I owned this car second hand from Carmax and had it for 10 years, best little car ever. She was really roomy, loved taking the top off and yes she was noisy but who cares. Heater worked great when I needed it, never had too many issues. Gave her a bath every week and took care of every service that was needed. I would get another in a heartbeat !
Didn't listen to others & took a chance
Frankie, 04/09/2002
1996 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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!
A Useful Machine
Pioneer62, 08/26/2003
1996 Geo Tracker 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is hardly a flashy vehicle, but it has served faithfully and well since its purchase in 1996.
Fun car
shanesmith0922, 04/25/2013
1996 Geo Tracker LSi 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Fun Dependable SUV
dogwinblue, 09/22/2003
1997 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, great gas mileage, drives more like a car than a truck. Very dependable, had no problems. Rag top is great.
things wrong
forest, 05/30/2008
1996 Geo Tracker 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
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
Friend for life.
J-DeeZy, 12/06/2019
1996 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love my tracker
Love the Tracker, 12/24/2007
1997 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Geo Tracker was my first new car and I still own it. I've only had to change the Battery and tires so far in 10 years of owning it. Great, reliable and fun SUV.
Fun, Fun, Fun!
russ, 11/02/2008
1997 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this car because I need to rent a car for two weeks while my other was being repaired. It was only $1,400 and had been used as a tow vehicle behind a motorhome. Came with a soft and hard top. Gave my 15 year old his first driving lesson it it (has a 1.6L motor and 5 speed trans). When he gets his license he can buy it from me. I hyper mile better than 38 mpg out of this car around town, but freeways speeds can get scary. Overall it's a great little runabout. Too bad they don't make them anymore.
Great little "cute ute" (CUte Ute. Veh)
cski, 08/18/2009
1997 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this candy apple red little beauty from my neighbor who seemed to enjoy filling it with trash. It had no dents or dings and after we jump- started it, it ran fantastic. KNowing he bought a new car since his wife was pregnant, I immediately approached him and struck a deal for $500.00 dollars. The front drivers door hing failed, it had a hole in the exhaust, a check engine light was on, (o2 sensor)AND the rear window was stolen along with the Alpine stereo Steve put in (bad idea on a convertible) So, I put $500.00 in it and fixed everything it needed to pass emissions and inspection. After that..it has run FANTASTIC. I love it!!!! 30 mpg, new tires, just needs radio!!!
97 Geo in Florida.
Richard Smythe, 02/23/2008
1997 Geo Tracker LSi 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I originally bought my 97 Geo Tracker LSI 4dr Wagon from a local auto recycler a little over 1 year ago. I replaced the fuel pump, tires and battery and have driven 12,345 miles since. The car had 111,567 miles on it when I started driving it. I like most of the car's features except for the constant headlights feature (I actually consider it dangerous because only the headlamps come on without the running lamps. I have several times driven without all the lights on). I feel the car is underpowered. I would trade a little gas mileage for more get up and go! I usually get 30-35 MPG. I love the car otherwise. The side opening rear door is great. I have had no breakdowns.
97 tracker
Tazoncaffeine, 09/27/2003
1997 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle used and have had it 4yrs. It has needed nothing beyond normal wear and tear and continues to give excellent mileage (20/25) for an suv.
tracker
Fernada , 12/03/2004
1997 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am very proud of my Tracker. Even though it is not the most confortable car, it is very brave and reliable. Other than the oil change, this car has never had to make a visit to the mechanic, and it has 120K miles. I love it because it has never let me down.
Goes like a goat
Tease-a-Wrangler, 01/09/2004
1997 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Geo Tracker 2DR 4X4 is high on the list of fun to drive vehicles with a real off-road capability. 50 state legal catalytic coverter back exhaust to get a few HP to help pull a larger tire change that caused taller gearing. Just don't try to drive it like a sports car in the corners and hold on with both hands when driving in the wind. If you can live with the stiff ride, it's more fun than a barrel of monkeys. I'm assuming the 5 speed manual transmission.
hard to find troubles
allen, 10/27/2005
1997 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
zippy & fun- except for the impossible to fix idle stall issue. Dealer will gladly break your bank replacing everything and you will still have the problem, arghh! I think the culprit is carbon accumulating in the egr valve port.
Go little Tracker, GO!
Alecia Mason, 09/29/2005
1997 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Not bad for a such a tiny little truck. I recently bought a 1997 and I love it. Interior is comfortable, although for someone bigger than me (5'2" or taller) may find driver seat umcomfortable. Convertible top takes time to put up or down, but is very nice on those hot days. I drive an hour and a half to school or work everyday and highway driving is pleasant, however, high-speed passing power is only "acceptable" in my 5- speed. Gas mileage is a bonus, with the amount I save on gas from a V8 S10 pickup, my loan really does pay itself off! It's an awesome little truck, I must say. Unfortunately, all my friends with pickups have dubbed it "The little truck that thought it could....but couldn't"
It just doesn't stop
Katia Bannister, 08/18/2021
1997 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
For all the work I've had to do on my Geo Tracker (now 24 years old), and all the money I've spent diagnosing and fixing the various issues that come with these cars, my Tracker has never stranded me anywhere, and has always got me where I was going. It has its problems (like most old cars) but it's fun, dependable, and capable.
A Surprising Dependable little SUV
Gil, 07/21/2010
1997 Geo Tracker LSi 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
This SUV does what it is suppose to do, get you there on time every time whether it be the big snow storm or ice storm. It is very dependable for a 1997. Yes it rides like a truck or Jeep. The vehicle sits high so very high wind days are a no-no at high speeds on I87. Gas mile is great for a 1.6 liter 5 speed manual shift. 24-MPG city and 33 MPG on the highway. I get stuck doing stuff for my daughter who lives about 90 North and the vehicle has ample room for stuff like bikes, pallets, computers, snow blowers lawn mowers mulch etc. I have replaced these items, battery, muffler, brakes tie rod and a brake line, tuneup fluids and bulbs(easy jobs). I turned off the driving light to save energy
Small but love it
ronnieg1, 04/01/2008
1996 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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 Little SUV
Kmer, 10/05/2004
1997 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I haven't owned mine for 7 all most cost free years.
boy is this great
adventurer, 05/17/2003
1997 Geo Tracker LSi 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had my tracker for almost six years. I know it is getting old but if i sell it, theres no newer tracker to buy. I just gotta keep it.
Don't Count on This Vehicle
Don't Buy This, 12/18/2002
1997 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Many problems with this vehicle. Even though it was covered by the warranty for the first 50,000 miles; I had the radio go out, the a/c quit working, the cassette player broke and they refused to fix it, due to the daytime running headlights-the headlights were constantly being replaced. Right after 50,000 miles, the starter and ignition went out and also the transmission.
GREAT RUNNER!! WHAT A TROOPER!
buckaroo, 01/11/2003
1996 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
1 of 6 people found this review helpful
Ran great until it slung a rod at 25k miles...
BRAKES SUCK!!!
lukebecker, 04/25/2011
1997 Geo Tracker 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this for about 6K and Hated it. The 4x4 worked ok, but is sits low to the ground so when I tried to go over snow banks (WI) I would get hung up and which the 4 wheel couldn't pull me off of. I am 6 foot tall and talk about rough sitting in this thing. My leg was always pushing on the center counsel thing. No cruise. didn't hold its value for crap. And I (who has been driving sticks for his whole life) "Burnt the clutch out" before the car hit 100K. Only car that "I" have ever "broke."
Little grocery getter
Al , 03/24/2022
1996 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
GREAT RUNNER!! WHAT A TROOPER!
Buckaroo, 01/11/2003
1996 Geo Tracker 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Ran great until it slung a rod at 25k miles...