There are certain vehicles whose greatness lies within very abstract qualities that are difficult to explain to anyone who hasn’t driven one. When it comes to old-school 4x4s like this nicely preserved 1992 Geo Tracker, the driving experience isn’t all that memorable when it comes to acceleration, braking, and comfort. Its charm lies in the short wheelbase, tight turning radius, and ideal weight distribution, along with its ability to be surprisingly capable off-road, which makes it popular among anyone who has experienced one. Find this Tracker listed here on craigslist for $7,500.
I liken the Tracker to my 1989 Isuzu Trooper RS, a limited-production model with a dramatically shorter wheelbase than the standard truck. It’s not fast, and the engine is, well, suited to a truck, but there’s something about an open vent window and being able to touch the windshield with your free hand while driving that makes for a memorable experience. Despite being a truck, the truncated wheelbase of trucks like my Trooper and this Tracker makes it feel far more sporting than it actually is, to the point that some owners have called the Tracker a “4×4 Miata.”
Is that an exaggeration? Perhaps – but the logic is sound, in my opinion. Any time you remove unnecessary mass from the equation, a vehicle is going to feel athletic. The Tracker, however, did have a few downsides, mostly due to poor rust protection, and you’ll see plenty of otherwise good trucks in the salvage yard with rusted-out quarter panels. Really, aside from that, it’s mostly good news when it comes to a Tracker, especially since it was considered a “world car” which means they made so many different variants in a variety of markets that parts supply will likely always be robust. This example features the preferred 5-speed manual.
And, of course, it’s a convertible. Life is always better when the top goes down, and good news for the next owner: the soft top has recently been replaced. Lots of new parts have been thrown at this truck, including shocks, a radiator, and a new fuel hose. While it has higher miles, with 162,335 on the clock at the moment, the Tracker’s appearance suggests it hasn’t led a particularly hard life. The all-important Tracker decals are still affixed to the sides, and it sounds like the maintenance is up to date. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Barney for the find.
This is a great find. I owned a 4 door 2000 Tracker and it was a great little trucklet to get me back and forth to work. Especially if there was snow. Which, unfortunately due to road salt, rotted the frame out, along with the quarter panels and rockers etc. Just like my ’90 Trooper, another one I miss. I had a chance to drive one like this and it was fun, maneuverable, economical too. There’s just not many of these left in good rust free condition. The mileage doesn’t scare me, I had close to 200K on mine with the original clutch water pump fuel pump etc. All it ever needed was basic maintenance. Hope it goes to a good new home. Great write up Jeff.
Calmini had lots of parts available to make these pretty capable off road machines back in the day.
I forgot all about them. They made parts for Isuzus too I think.
Love these Trackers!! Nice all around tinker toy!!
With the car manufacturers’ obsession with SUVs nowadays, I really don’t understand why none of them are making a vehicle like this. Small, fun, and utilitarian. I’d buy one in a heartbeat.