1998 Chevrolet Tracker 2 dr 4 X 4 1.6 16v 4 cylinder
Summary:
A reliable, fun, small,4 X 4 truck that I would not hesitate to take anywhere.
Faults:
Auto hub on driver side went out was replaced under warranty.
Radio didn't work when purchased, repaired by dealer.
Battery died, replaced under warranty.
Clips that hold bar rear window attaches to replaced by dealer 2 X under warranty. After warranty fabricated metal replacements no breakage since.
Brakes redone at 50,000 miles.
Seat belt latch on passenger side broke at about 5,000 miles replaced under warranty.
Top replaced at 55,000 miles due to rear window being stolen and couldn't buy just a replacement rear window. Was not covered by insurance, but entire new top from Bestop less than $300.00.
Timing belt replaced at 60,000 miles cost $45.00 for part.
New tires about 50,000 miles.
Other than routine maintenance nothing else has gone wrong or had to be fixed.
General Comments:
Vehicle has been very reliable. Most problems occurred when vehicle was new and were corrected under warranty.
The Tracker is just a re-badged Suzuki Sidekick, I liked the vehicle well enough that it influenced me to purchase a 2002 Suzuki XL7 which I also love.
The vehicle has very quick steering and you have to be careful about trying to corner or change lanes like a sports car, it is after all, a 4 X 4, with a high center of gravity. Once you make those adjustments it is very fun to drive.
I have joined an Arizona Suzuki 4 X 4 club and am going to begin to modify my tracker into a more serious off road vehicle. Suzuki's are as good or better than Heep's off road and a heck of a lot cheaper.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st March, 2005
15th Nov 2009, 21:39
In 2005 I sold this vehicle to my son, who had his truck stolen. I liked it well enough to turn around and buy a 90 Tracker 2 door hardtop, which I have been fixing up and going off road with. He still has the Tracker and it now has more than 120,000 miles on it. He's had to replace the battery, starter and have the speedometer fixed along with a new speedo cable. Other than tires and brake pads and having the AC recharged, he's had no repairs, and it's still running strong.