1994 Geo Tracker Convertible 8-valve 1.6
Summary:
It's a fun, reliable vehicle that's cheap to operate
Faults:
I had to replace the muffler at 150,000 miles.
The turn signal and multi-function switch on the steering column failed at 175,000 miles.
The water pump failed at 195,000 miles.
General Comments:
This is far and away the best vehicle that I have ever owned. It's nimble, economical (for an SUV), and reliable as a stone. I found the acceleration to be reasonably quick, and the handling (in dry weather) to be better than one is lead to believe. The two-wheel drive versions (like mine) are lighter and have a lower center of gravity than the 4-wheel drive models. If equipped with mud and snow tires, even the two-wheel drive models get around well in the snow. All-season radials will NOT do the job. The vehicle is moved around by the wind, which is not surprising given it's tall profile, light-weight, and short wheelbase. One must use care on low-speed, off-camber corners in the rain, as it is easy to spin the vehicle if you jump on the gas in the middle of the turn. The ride is rather rough, and the interior noise is higher than in a larger, better-insulated vehicle.
I liked this vehicle so much that I bought a 2003 version. My daughter now drives the 1994 model. I have no doubt that if I had continued to drive the '94, it would have made 250,000 miles. It doesn't smoke and uses very little oil. I have always used synthetic oil, and feel that this has contributed to the engine's long-life.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th May, 2003
22nd Aug 2015, 08:37
That is a very good review and I'm in agreement with all your points except one. It's not a fast one. Sure you can get around no problem, but you need a lot of RPM. In 5th gear at 3500 RPM, you're barely doing freeway speed. So, if you wanna cruise down the road at 75 mph, this is not your vehicle of choice. Same is true for the acceleration; sure you can get up to speed fairly quick, but you need to gun the engine. I love it, it works in town just fine and the seats are amazing, you can see everything with the big windows and there's plenty of space for 2 people. You could squeeze a couple of people in back, but it wouldn't be fun ride.