1996 Geo Tracker

Summary:

Cutest SUV ever made -- if it runs well and still shines, keep it

Faults:

Check Engine Light went on. Needed new O2 sensor.

Stalled when rolling to a stop. I bought it with 106,000 miles. Still had original battery (believe it or not) and never had a tuneup. Got a new battery and a thorough tuneup. Now runs great.

General Comments:

This Geo looks brand new. Still shines. I love it. The only way I will sell it is if my wife forces me. She wants a "real jeep". But this car is much cuter and works just the same as a "real jeep". I love it just fine. No regrets on buying it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th November, 2005

1996 Geo Tracker

Summary:

This car is great, especially for your first car!

Faults:

The only thing that I ever needed to replace was the exhaust.

General Comments:

This car handles great, in rain or snow.

It gets great gas mileage.

The inside might be a little small, but it is very comfortable.

Not many blind spots; only one (where the back tire is)

It always starts, even when it freezing outside.

The convertible top is very easy to take on and off.

Easy to maintain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th November, 2005

1996 Geo Tracker lsi

Summary:

My third one and I love this car because it loves me back

Faults:

Nothing other than Ac needed recharging.

General Comments:

These cars are built tough. I am a previous jeep wrangler owner and if you want headaches get a jeep.

If you want reliable transportation and good gas mileage buy a Geo Tracker or Isuzu.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th October, 2005

22nd Mar 2006, 18:19

My engine failed at 188,350, and I took it to an independent garage for a rebuild. The problem was a warped and cracked crankshaft. A search for a used crankshaft from a 96 turned into a headache, as many owners had the same problem as me and snatched the used ones up. Often we would find one, used, but discovered it wasnt any better than my old one, warped. Several people have stated, well you got 188 thousand before you had to rebuild the engine - others say the engine should have lasted longer than that. comments?

27th Jan 2007, 16:31

I have a '96 Tracker, and I have had lots of troubles with it, but I still love her. I bought her for $600.00, which is a great price, but altogether put $3000.00 in it. I have replaced the heads and valves on her, which was $1100.00. Then I had a front seal that was leaking oil, EGR valve went, water pump, and now I believe that my throttle body spacer is going now, which is a $700.00 part. It's definitely not a highway driving vehicle, but they are GREAT for offroading. Mine loves the water!! Had water up to the top of the head lights now. Fun times, but now the transmission is leaking from the shifter seal... it's never ending problems, but I still LOVE her.

1996 Geo Tracker V4

Summary:

Great little car for zipping around town

Faults:

The air conditioners main gasket broke at about 60,000 miles. Fortunatley the cost of fixing it was minimal, only $35.00.

The convertible top had to be replaced at 50,000 miles, it was kept well, but normal wear and tear had gotten to it. It wasn't much, about $150.00, from an on-ddline retailer.

General Comments:

This car is a good little car, its convenient and realiable. Not so comfortable for long distances, but for short trips, it is perfect.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th August, 2005

15th Aug 2005, 11:56

Other owners for the same make model and year have said that the automatics are fairly good on gas and yet others agree with you. Why would you say that it is so bad on gas? Do you leave the 4WD hubs locked in? Do you leave it in 4WD all the time? I am getting one primarily because I believed that it would be better on gas than my 1990 Chrysler New Yorker. I hope I am making a good decision.

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1996 Geo Tracker LSI 4 cylinder

Summary:

Love my Geo Tracker!!

Faults:

For the past 4 years, I've had trouble with my Tracker cutting out during slow stops. For example, I'll be pulling up to a red light, and as the engine goes to idle, it cuts off. Or I'll slow down for a turn and then it will cut off. I can either use the key ignition or "jump-start" it to get it going. I've had the Tracker in the shop 6 times (4 times at the Chevrolet dealership) to correct this "elusive" problem. They have readjusted the Throttle Adjustment several times, and eventually the same problem starts to happen again. Has anyone else had this problem?

General Comments:

Love my Geo Tracker!! This is my second one, we live near the beach and take all the tops off, except the main shell.

The best thing about the Tracker is it has a "car" feeling instead of a bare "jeep" feeling about.

Like the convenience of being able to flip the front top back without removing the rest of the windows.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th June, 2005

23rd Jun 2005, 01:37

First try fuel system cleaners, and a fuel filter replacement. If no good, then try cleaning your EGR valve, or replacing it. also do all your basic maintenance. I've got a lot more mileage on my Tracker, and it runs great, still getting 30 MPG in the city.

13th Nov 2005, 18:57

I had the same problem with stalling. I had a major tuneup done just to make sure everything is taken care of, and had the EGR valve cleaned. Never had the problem again. After 107,000 miles I guess some maintenance is expected. Great little car. Cute as a button too (if the paint still shines).

26th Nov 2006, 09:04

I, too, have the "stalling" problem. My Geo is a 1996 Tracker and has stalled continuously. I've had the ERG valve replaced twice and to no avail the "Check Engine" light comes on within 25 miles of driving it away from the maintenance garage. Have tried to find out if there is a recall because I know of three others who have the same issue. I love the car, but it's costing a lot of money to try and figure out. Also, some day they're not going to pass the inspection on it! Am frustrated!

24th Jan 2007, 07:28

Take a good look at the rubber intake duct work. I had small cracks in the flex tube that caused similar issues. Replaced the duct work and all is good now.