1994 Geo Tracker rear wheel drive smallest made
Summary:
A dangerous expensive choice for the inexperienced driver
Faults:
New Engine at 95,000 miles.
New Transmission 100,000 miles.
New Starter 55,000 miles New starter at 235,000.
Rag top ripped 25,000 miles.
Rag top back window shattered in cold 20,000 miles.
Windows no longer roll unless using two hands 10,000 miles. Not fixed.
Front bumper fell off at 29, 000 miles.
Front grille fell out 50,000 miles.
First engine reconditioned 25,000 and 53,000 miles.
New Head gasket on first engine at 15,000 miles, 34,000 miles and 65,000 miles.
New wiring for electrical system at 85,000 miles.
Front seats torn at 25,000 miles.
Carpeting torn on front driver and passenger's side at 15,000 miles.
Rear door froze (3 door) at 34,000 mile.
Lock and hinges. Unable to be opened by body shop ever (2002 problem exists).
General Comments:
On the plus side, the Tracker has plenty of room.
Now for the negative:
It is not the car for emergencies or fast take offs when you need speed to avoid problems. Even new it lacked power.
The design and the lightness of the vehicle allows the wind and passing trucks to move the vehicle from it's lane. This causes the driver to fight to maintain control. I call it the kite.
It uses a large amount of gas for a light vehicle with a small engine. I expected better than 25 mpg open highway when the vehicle was new.
The design causes instability in driving. Since the weight is not distributed properly in the design it creates a problem when such actions as swerving occur due to objects on the road, an animal or if someone pulls out in front of you. The Tracker starts to "roll" by weaving from side to side requiring very experienced driving skills to recover.
It is extremely poor in rain or snow. Traction very poor even with new snow tires. Chains have been required by the tracker when another 2 wheel drive has not required it.
The rear wheel drive creates problems because it is on the body of what should have been a front wheel drive. It pushes when it should pull creating a greater skid which is harder to control. I have been in many of them with the tracker.
Body construction is very flimsy. Since it is suppose to be a utility/sport vehicle, I expected stronger construction. A neighbor backing into the front of the tracker while she was parking and took off the bumper. Due to this bump we had several problems caused by the design of the tracker. It was repaired by a very good body company.
First our grille fell out which was traced to the bumper falling off.
Our front passenger door later pulled loose and cannot be reattached properly. Rust got into the area where the bumper came off at and rusted out the panel. The door is hanging by it's main hinge and cannot be used unless someone opens the door for you.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 10th December, 2002
9th Jan 2003, 19:52
I say the Tracker is a good little car, but it was never meant for the off roading it was said to be for. The Tracker is best for people in high school or college. But not for the every day drive around to work or shopping and is definitely not the best for long trips.