1997 Geo Tracker from North America - Comments

(take into consideration that the car received regular maintenance and all belts and seals were replaced at appropriate times)

At roughly 30,000 miles:

1) Entire transmission failed and was replaced.

2) Torque converter clutch, solenoid, fuel pump all replaced.

3) Mount for soft top began falling apart.

4) Alternator replaced. Malfunction caused two batteries to die.

5) Front brake pads replaced.

6) A/C began too leak forcing me to refill the freon every few months.

At roughly 50,000 miles:

1) Torque converter clutch, solenoid, fuel pump all replaced.

2) Alternator replaced.

3) Battery replaced.

4) Car began leaking water in driver side and trim had to be replaced. Still leaks intermittently.

5) Original soft top fell apart and had to be replaced.

6) ABS stopped functioning and had to be disabled.

7) Paint began pealing off most of the car despite being washed and waxed regularly. I had to repaint it myself. Fortunately, the car is black and I was able to do a good job without too much trouble.

8) LED lights inside car began to die and had to be replaced.

At roughly 75,000 miles:

1) Alternator replaced

2) Battery replaced

3) Front brake pads and rotors replaced.

4) A/C completely failed, even after $500 of work it still doesn't work properly.

General performance of car is terrible. It cannot accelerate out of harms way. It lurches forward slowly after stopping at lights. It can suddenly spin out of control when braking. Turning at speeds that would be reasonable for other small SUVs will cause this one to flip over. Position of spare tire in back deters from visibility and can be dangerous.

The gas mileage of the car is terrible, even on the highway. When I had to use it for transportation to and from school I was spending $60 to $80 on gas weekly. The mileage was initially better when the car was newer, but quickly declined.

It looks "cute". Its easy to park due to its small size. You don't have to worry about anyone stealing it because it has negligible re-sell value. Its great practice for mechanics.

I guess there are lemons in every batch. Bought mine brand new in 1996, now has 153,000 miles on it. NEVER in the shop for anything!! Sounds like who ever is driving it doesn't know what they are doing either. Have driven this vehicle in the worst possible conditions... snow and ice covered roads. It doesn't spin out of control when you brake and it doesn't try to flip over. It's been driven in 50MPH winds which are real common in this part of the US and it's as stable as can be. Wouldn't trade it for most of the junk out there today. Oh... we have an 87 Samari, too with well over 250,000 miles on it and it has never been in the shop either...HMMMMMMMM.

I have purchased mine recently a must say the 4x4 still works perfectly, it handles great in all weather conditions, I am more careful in bad weather in my vehicles. I love that it sips gas. Haven't had any work done on it. Has been a delight for the price I have been blown away, I thought it would be a winter toy, but now I store it in the winter and drive in the summer to keep it nice.

I would suggest you try a different mechanic, I hope you try another one that is sure to be a pleasurable and inexpensive ride.

I do appreciate your honest answers and will keep it in mind, as I am currently looking for another.

I wondered if anyone has ideas on how finding replacement parts if I need them, is there a supply?

Finally, TO CHEVY; BRING BACK THE TRACKER!!!

This guy must have just got a lemon. I bought my 97 Tracker in 2004 with 75,000 miles on it. It now has 105,000. I love this car!

I have had 2 problems with it. The transmission slips once in a while. I had it looked at and they could "fix it" for about $1200. After saying no thanks to that, I have figured out on my own that it is a sensor problem. If it slips, I simply stop and turn the car off and it resets the sensor and I'm good to go for several more months.

The other problem I am having now is the check engine light staying on. I had it read and they replaced the O2 sensor, but the light came back on. I've been doing some reading in forums and I don't think I'll spend much more money on the stupid light, the car is running just fine!

Every time I drive another vehicle I am so happy to get back in my Tracker. I feel like I'm riding down the road on a park bench. I'll keep it until it dies!

I am currently on my second Tracker, third Geo. My first purple tracker was a 98 2 door soft top which I got for only $600 after my metro died at 270k miles. The 4 wheel drive was shot but I drove it through 5 New England winters and besides typical maintenance I only replaced a ball joint and an alternator. I also learned how to drive stick in the car so it took a hard beating right off the bat.

I loved my Tracker so much I hunted for another one (purple just like the first) The Tracker I'm driving now I got for $1000 with only 70k miles on it. I have driven it for 3 years and only 2 months ago made my first repair of an alternator belt and a wheel bearing. I am in love with my Tracker and only hope that Chevy will bring back the tracker before this one kicks it.