Chevy Tracker

smmhc · April 2004

What's the average MPG for a 6 cyl engine, AT, in a Tracker. Both city/highway? Met a Grand Vitara owner who said about 25 MPG. Have asked several Tracker owners (all of them women) who answer: "I go to my grandmother's, then to the grocery store, then around town and I use about...oh...I don't know...maybe a tank or less or something like that." Test drove a unit last week and truly it fit me like a glove, tilt down, seat slightly reclined and pushed back almost to the limit of the track. Pickup something like a very large puppy trying to run on a waxed hardwood floor...kinda slow start but once going runs great. Appreciate any information.

nortsr1 · April 2004

I have had my 2002 LT V6 FWD two years and always average about 24 to 25 highway and 20 city {mpg} and I have a heavy foot.

smmhc · April 2004

Thanks for the response to my question. By the way, I actually met a woman who knew her MPG...about 23 MPG with a GV 6 cyl/AT.

tracking · April 2004

Please give me some insight. I am looking at a used, 2002, ZR6 with about 25,000 miles on it. What questions should I ask and what problems should I look for. Anyone with a good or bad experience with this model. What kind of repairs can I look forward to or anticipate and take care of before it hurts?

Appreciate any help.

axel_rose · April 2004

This is my second Tracker...my first was a 1993 2dr soft top with 4wd. I bought it for $7995 in 1996 with 60,000 on it. The 2000 I bought tonight is a 4dr, 4wd, 2.0 with 32,000 on it. I paid just over 8k for it. Refinement wise it has come along way since the '93. I cannot get over how quiet it is inside and how smooth it idles. It has cruise, auto, CD and AC...no power windows or locks...no remote keyless entry...which is really a step down for me but, when I drove the little guy last night, it felt comfortable and it reminded me so much of my 93, yet better! The fit and finish, and quality of materials is far better than what it was in the early 90's. The doors close nicely and the auto-on headlights are a nice touch. I have been a big fan of Suzuki since the Samurai and I am disappointed with GM because they are no longer going to offer this model. I am glad that Suzuki will continue to import the Vitara...I guess the majority of car buyers want a bloated car with 4wd...what a shame...

wugges · April 2004

I have an "03 Tracker, 2dr. and would like to put larger tires on. What is the largest tire e.g 235/75-15, any help would be appreciated for I could use a little more ground clearance when I'm off-roading.
Thanks

criptor · May 2004

Hi, Does anyone know the wiring schematics for the A/C on a 2000 tracker? My A/C quit a couple weeks ago and I have it narrowed down to a wiring problem but can't find where. I've tested the wiring under the hood where the A/C fuse is with a multi-meter and I don't have any power there. I've also tested the actual AC button on the dash with the multi-meter but it works....my problem is between the AC button and where the fuse is under the hood. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

cosmo · May 2004

As gas prices continue to skyrocket, I'm reminded every two weeks why I chose a Tracker. I've owned my four-door 4WD 4 banger with manual transmission for five years and 72,000 miles now. I have averaged 25-26 MPG per tank driving 75% city and 25% secondary highways, my typical routine as I use the Tracker primarily for work during the week. That average per tank excludes fill-ups for out-of-town trips and weekends in the rough. At freeway speeds of 65-75 MPH my Tracker averages only 27 MPG. Driving secondary highways at speeds of 40-60 MPH it average 30 MPG. My best mileage ever occurred on a 300 mile one day round trip in a blizzard over a mountain pass. I was in 4WD and driving 30-45 MPH 80% of the time, and got 33 MPG. I'd buy another one if they were still being made and had a Select-Trac type drivetrain as an option. A Select-Trac type drivetrain would have made the Tracker/Vitara a much better all-weather rig to compliment the offroad capabilities.

arkainzeye · May 2004

i recently got a shocking increase in my gas mileage and my performance of my 1999 2.0 litre 2-door tracker (4x4) i ran a full can of this additive called SEAFOAM. i use this as a re-carbonizer in my motorcycle. so i thought i would give it a try in my tracker. it also works as a fuel injector cleaner. this is pretty extreme stuff. unlike that $.99 STP cleaner.. lol well my miles is way higher than it has ever been b4.

arkainzeye · June 2004

does anyone know of a website where i can buy chevy tracker parts online. example. i need a new gas cap door. it's almost falling off the car! i know the stealer will charge the most they can for it. I know with my motorcycle, i can purchase O.E.M. parts for it and alot cheaper pricing! just wondered if this was true for our trackers.

infinia1 · June 2004

i replaced my tracker with an equinox recently. i was offered a lowball price of $5900 for trade for my 01 4 dr 4wd 4cyl 5spd 43k all power etc...in almost perfect condition. i said thanks, but no thanks. i sold it yesterday for $8400. while i will miss it dearly, i needed something a little bigger.

i will miss the occasional offroad adventure that i can't do in the nox, and the simplicity of the tracker design. it was easy to work on.

arkainzeye · June 2004

i dont know much about the equinox, are they built on a truck frame? do they have 4low? i guess i could look on their website, but im too lazy... lol

infinia1 · June 2004

no, the nox is not built on a truck frame, but rather on the theta platforn shared with the saturn vue. so, there is no 4 low, just an auto awd that kicks in when the front wheels slip.

kmag · June 2004

looking at the ads and an 03 Tracker caught my eye. Im basically a car guy, so these are probably some really dumb questions here....

1)Will a bicycle fit INSIDE a 4 door Tracker? Im talking about your average mountain bike with 26" wheels.

2)Is insurance cost high, low, average?

3)Does the 4 cyl. engine have a timing belt or a chain?

4)Is a 2WD Tracker front-wheel drive or rear wheel drive?

6)What kind of gas mileage does the 4/auto get on the highway at 65MPH?

7)How is the highway ride? Im used to cheap small cars, Escort, Saturn, so I dont expect much...

8)The tracker I saw advertised is an 03 base model, silver, 2.0L, automatic, CD Player, AC, cruise control, with 9K miles, priced at $9999. Is this a decent deal?

Thanks for any help.

mopar67 · June 2004

Tracker 4 cyl motor has timing chain
Its Rear wheel drive no matter if it comes with 4wd or not
Erie hits me up 800/year on my Vitara 4 door (same rig as a tracker)
MPG with 5 speed is around 23-25 town, 26 during dedicated hiway cruising.
Rides like a log wagon. If the road is good, so is the ride. Rough spots are not this rigs forte.
Dunno on the bike. I would think it would.
Yes, that seems to be a good deal. Is this a 2 door rig or 4 door?

kmag · June 2004

I really shouldn't trade now but I am tired of shifting, and sitting low on the uncomfortable seats of my Saturn. Which will probably run forever and I am upside down, but I am itching for something different. and I'd borrow the money from myself this time.

I am also considering small pickup trucks like the Ranger, and the PT Cruiser might be in my price range, it looks like they all have about the same mileage, mid 20's. Thats a consideration, with the prices as they are and my Saturn getting nearly 40.

I am not too concerned about the bike fitting in, just an idle thought. If there was another inch of space under the shelf and two inch wider trunk opening it would fit right in my Saturn with the seats down.

Id rather have an engine with a timing chain so that's good, less maintenance costs. RWD is not, I would not expect good traction in the snow with RWD on such a small car. But that's why they make 4wd....The one I listed is a 4 door. I have not seen too many 2 doors for sale.

mopar67 · June 2004

and yes, the don't go well in winter unless your run 4wd. Part of the problem is the back end is very light plus the rear differntial is an open case model. Which means the tire with the least resistance to ground will spin uselessly.
However, in 4wd, they are tanks. Especially the 2 door units. I have ridden all over W PA in a two door in winter with a buddy going hunting and such and not once did it get stuck.

The engine is lacking in refinement when compared to Toyota and Honda models however, it runs a timing chain, alum block and head (easier on the head gasket) cast iron liners that are cast into the cylinder walls, not pressed in. It has a bedplate that holds the crank as opposed to 5 saddle clamp bearings like on other engines. This makes for a very strong bottom end.
It also has coil on plug ignition...no secondary wires to mess with.
It runs a MIkuni TB with Mitsubishi injectors and 4 valves per cylinder. Below 3K, you wonder if there is anything under the hood besides an underfed hamster. Over 3K on the tach and it comes to live. And she makes her voice knowns as the revs approach the 6K redline.
The frame is fully boxed, very sturdy and solid.

Go for this rig. You will like it.

alr · July 2004

Good day.
Can anybody advise which exactly model of Suzuki GV is analog for my Chevy-Tracker:
Year/Make/Model: 2001 CHEVROLET TRACKER
Body Style: 4 Dr. Wagon/Sport Utility
Engine Type: 2.0L L4 MFI DOHC
Manufactured In: CANADA
Thanks in advance. My question caused by absence of such vehicle model official GM import to Russia, where I live. So some difficulties to find spares are obvious. Hope it is easier to find them at local Suzuki dealers.
Especially interested spare's name of driving belt for pump/a.c. - 5 streams not GM but Suzuki's one.

Aleksandr

alr · July 2004

Hi, CRIPTOR.
If you reach a success with wir.dia. please advise me also - have the same problem - light is on, but plus does not coming to compressor's coupling.
Thanks.

alr

mopar67 · July 2004

except for the HVAC layout, Suzuki used pushbuttons, chevy stayed with sliders.
Tracker has armrests zuke has none.

OTherwise, same rig......oh, tires will be different, 16s on the zuki, 15s on the tracker.

myfirsttracker · August 2004

I am hoping someone can help me out here. I have my first tracker it is a 2000. I am getting ready to give it up for the high risk rollovers... I was told no quick maneuver or excessive speed. So here is the question. If someone is about to go through a stop sign and I swerve too quick it can flip??? How about the winds... was told one heavy gush of wind will flip it over... I love this tracker are these facts.... I can get into small spots and it gets around very well aside from power pick up... I hope someone can answer my questions before I go back to a car...

idntnvu · August 2004

I had a '98 Sidekick (my first car, got it when I was 16), and I drove that thing like a sports car, and never, never even had it offer to tip over. The fact is, ALL SUVs are more prone to rollover than cars, because they are much taller. The same goes for trucks, vans, anything that is more than 5 feet tall. I took a 20 mph curve doing 50 in my Sidekick and while the body leaned, it didn't come off the ground. I'm sure luck had a lot to do with it, but still, I don't think the "rollover risk" is bad enough to get rid of it. The main piece of advice I can give you is, don't do like I did and drive like it was a sports car. Keep in mind that you're driving a vehicle with a higher center of gravity. As long as you use common sense, you'll be okay. If the rollover risk was extreme, I'm sure Consumer Reports would have made a big deal about it like they did about the Suzuki Samurai, Isuzu Trooper and Mitsubishi Montero. Those are the only 3 SUVs that come to mind where they were a definite rollover risk. The big deal over the Ford Explorers definitely made the news, but that was due to the tires, not the vehicle. My 2 cents is that you keep it. It's not enough of a risk to get rid of a car that you otherwise like. There are tons of trackers and Sidekicks/Vitaras on the roads, and if the rollover risk was that bad, number one you'd be hearing about it on the news every night like the Explorer ordeal. Use your common sense and continue to drive the vehicle you love.

myfirsttracker · August 2004

Thanks for a very quick response, and you made me feel 100% better than what I was feeling. I really don't want to part with it....

cosmo · August 2004

A stock Tracker rates as a low to average risk for rollover when compared to other SUV's. Remember the rollover risk is related to center of gravity and tire adhesion. You can lower your center of gravity by installing skid plates and a trailer hitch. You will raise your center of gravity by using roof racks. Actually ,any weight added above the axles raises your center of gravity, so be cautious when your rig is fully loaded. Switching to taller tires or installing a lift kit also raises your center of gravity. Wider tires with highway or all season tread may increase tire adhesion, thus increasing rollover risk. It's better to skid than to roll. So, keep it stock, drive intelligently, and don't worry. Add skid plates for extra security if you want. If you modify your Tracker for off roading, drive with extra caution.

upandaway1 · August 2004

Anyone know if a trouble condition is fixed on a 2000 2.0 liter tracker, will the trouble light eventually go out, or does it have to be reset?

Suspect mass airflow sensor may be out of spec, maybe dirty filter.

Thanks

arkainzeye · August 2004

i had this happen to my 1999 tracker twice. here it was BAD gas. what you can do to get that light to go off is. unplug the battery for 10 sec then reconnect it. if the light comes right back on, then you have a REAL problem. UNlike my problem which was bad gas. also something else. i just want to share. recently i ran a Full can of this stuff called SeaFoam in my gas tank. and WOW it gave back all the power that slowly over time went away. it also cleans injectors and decarbonizes the engine.

upandaway1 · August 2004

I disconnected the battery cable for 10 seconds like you said, after I replaced the air filter. Trouble light went out and didn't come back on.
Good advice.

arkainzeye · August 2004

I had to do that 2 times to my tracker in the past. The only downfall is resetting the radio.. lol what you did was RE-set the computer. Thats all.. Glad it worked for ya...

tommc · August 2004

Sis in law just came by in a new Tracker, 04 ZR model. Have to say I was pretty impressed with the machine considering the money. Dealer made her a real deal on it. Really smooth V6, lots of power, good ride for the size. Note the Edmunds site has listing for the 05 model? GM seems to be cutting older models, new names with higher prices seems to be the focus. Anybody seen a new Colorado today? Now there's a rare vehicle around here.

hooch · August 2004

I'm looking for a tracker spare tire cover but they are so expencive. anyone know where there might be some sold cheaper? My Tracker is brand new 2004. Thanks email me at ubu22@aol.com If any ideas.. Carrie

idntnvu · August 2004

You might try Ebay. They have everything you can think of on there. Are you looking for a hard or soft cover?

vixi · August 2004

I have a 2001 Ford Edge extended cab with 27,000K that I am looking to trade-in on a Tracker 2WD/4 door, with 24,000K. I am getting approx. 15/16 mpg with the Ford. I'm being offered a straight across trade valuing both vehicles around 12,000. With the Tracker being discontinued I'm worried about the trade-in value I'll get in 4 or so years. I'm looking for some advise...should I trade in my Edge for the Tracker?

arkainzeye · August 2004

trade in value was never to great for a tracker. Even though they are great and strong runners. they are in many ways like metric motorcycles. Very well built, but low on the resale value.

trentonn · September 2004

I currently own a 2004 4dr LT model Chevy Tracker. Upon consulting with GM, CAMI and a local auto installer, I was told that a sunroof would not be recommended to install.

Has anyone had any success in having a sunroof placed in a 4dr Chevy Tracker?

Feel free to reply to trentsmith81@hotmail.com

carls · October 2004

i have a 2001 tracker 2.0 it has worked flawlesly. the first set of plugs i replaced around 35,000 they did look worn i replaced them w/bosch plats. now at 67,000 i replaced them again these looked great but i don't like to go longer than 30-35k. is there a rotor to replace? if there is i cant find it myself thanks
carl

tidester · October 2004

Feel free to reply to ******@hotmail.com

Feel free to stick around and participate in the discussion which, afterall, is the purpose of message boards. Invitations to email defeat that purpose. I'm sure others would like to know the answers to your question.

tidester, host

arkainzeye · October 2004

No rotor. it is digital. I like the bosch plugs also. i've tried a few different versions. I wanted NGK plugs but they are hard to find..

camillo99 · October 2004

Have a 2000 Tracker. About six months ago the lights (interior & exterior) began blinking. Not going completely off but dimming and going bright again in rapid succession. After a little while it stops and lights are fine again. Occurences of this are random, sometimes won't happen for days, other times happens two or more times within an hour trip. Of course did not happen while at the shop so no diagnosis. Anybody else experience this? Any ideas as to cause?

mopar67 · October 2004

has coil on plug ignition. The only thing "digital" about it is the SMFI system.

arkainzeye · October 2004

isnt the timing digital? digitally controlled?

mopar67 · October 2004

these days. The PCM uses digital algorithms to track and respond to inputs from the various sensors. The PCM also has the ability to compensate for engine wear by "learning" (which is why it can be flashed with new firmware) different input values and calculating the optimum injector pulse width and spark advance.

Digital means no more or less......its like saying "wet" water vs "dry" water.

arkainzeye · November 2004

so it is digital then? I can't think of any newer car that isn't digital, in terms of fuel dilvery and ignition. My motorcycle is all digital. these trackers are pretty cool as far as their technology is concerned. when i bought my 1999 2-door tracker (4x4) i never knew it had coil-pack in place of spark plug wires. double steel timing chain. which is self adjusting. high Quailty struts, along with other great features, frame, 4x4 system etc. i bought it used for $10k. and it has been well worth it. i've driven when they called for a state of emergency "winter". it went through the snow like nothing. the tires did help.. B.F.Goodrich all-terrains.... i love these tires. this coming feb they will be 3 YEARS old. and still have more than 70% of their tread left and recently passed inspection!

http://groups.msn.com/NationalRegistryParamedic/samsnewride.msnw?- action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=228

mopar67 · November 2004

sure do look good on your rig.

arkainzeye · November 2004

i think it gives the tracker Not only the best traction it can. But it gives the tracker a more "truck" look. instead of the car look. the trend is squared on the edges. I can not talk enough about these tires. i am still in shock that they will be 3 Years old this feb. and the traction in snow is truly unreal! and water traction is the best i ever had also. i was worried about how a off-road type tire would handle on the road and during heavy rain. i have never hydro planed "yet". when it is time for a new set of tires. i will be purchasing these again! not only unblieveable wet and dry traction, but longer life than i ever hoped for...

woody72 · November 2004

haven't posted in a long while. Still have my 01 4dr 4wd Tracker with about 63k. Check engine light came on, diagnosed as the heater portion of both oxygen sensors. My mechanic said don't worry, it only effects the first 2 minutes during warm up, though my gas mileage is down a bit. These sensors are expensive, around $125 each, easy enough to put in with a special socket (about $20). Anyone have experience with these sensors?

Received NGK platinums from sparkplugs.com, claim to be good for 80k miles

Had BFGoodrich AT, great tire, all I got was 30k miles with no mileage warranty. Bought Sumutomo HTR Sport 6 ply with 50k mile warranty, not quite as beefy tread. Not a whole lot of choice in LT series in 215/75/15 in AT tread especially with a mileage warranty.

wannagt · November 2004

Hello.......i have a 96 suzuki sidekick sport with the 16 inch wheels......would like to change these to 15 inch and put on bigger tires........will the 15 inch wheels off a Tracker fit on my vehicle? If so will any year fit or do i have to get specific ones?

arkainzeye · November 2004

i think you can find detailed info on the bolt patterns and distance between the bolts.. i remember i looked this up one time when i had a ford ranger. i wanted aftermarket wheels.. if i was you and you didnt yet have 15 wheels. i would go with aftermarket wheel.. cause stock wheel, even if you get them from a junk yard are insanely expensive. I had slightly damage wheel, and the replacement for it at the stealer was $385 a piece! junk yards wanted something in the $200+ a piece... where as you can go to a pep-boys or another place and get a whole set of wheels for $300 give or take a few $$$ then you add the distance of your 16 with the tire on it. and then add up what a over sized 15 would be and match them up. it would work. might be a little expensive at first from including the wheels. but it would look nice..

arkainzeye · November 2004

i had this fear since the day i bought my used 1999 (2-door) tracker.. someone broken into my tracker this past weekend.. and it being a softtop made it so much easier for them. all they did was unzip one of the side windows and unlocked my door.. they got $7 in change and a expensive cell phone. I look at it like this. It's my fault! i shouldn't of left it out in clear site.. i got what i asked for. I've owned this tracker for 3 years this week.. and i think i just got to comfy and forgot about the dangers of a softtop. at least they opened it instead of slashing it! so i re-install my factory rear security "door/hatch", and now I will not be so forgetful.. 8(

stever · November 2004

Bummer; maybe one of those locking consoles like the Wrangler folks get should be in your list for Santa?

Steve, Host

ckyeung · November 2004

I had a 2001 Tracker LT 4x4 for about 4 years with 51,000 miles. I bought it new then and had no problems so far, except with 2 tire punctures (one was caused by a broken beer bottle, and the other by a piece of metal chip.) Just plain unlucky. I still have the original tires, but I am now thinking about getting some new tires, preferably with good snow traction, but dont really want to get snow tires. Any suggestions on all-season tires or all-terrain tires? How much should I spend on them?
Those BF Goodrich all-terrains look great!

I think Chevy stops making the Tracker in 2005. That's sad.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Chevy Tracker

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