The Geo Tracker (and its corporate twin, the Suzuki Sidekick) is one of the most attractive options out there for a summer cruiser that can also venture off-road. A removable convertible top, optional hardtop, and respectable 4WD setup makes it a home run for anyone who does a bit of beach driving or tackles unpaved environments. The Tracker listed here on craigslist spent many miles being towed behind an RV, hopefully with the proper precautions taken to protect the 4WD components. These are getting incredibly hard to find in clean shape with the preferred 5-speed manual, and we expect this one to go quick at $7,000.
Geo as a company was one of the better ideas GM has come up with in recent years. In a sea of bad ideas and failed partnerships, the Geo product line – made up mostly of rebadged Suzukis, Toyotas, and Isuzus. While rebadged products are generally seen as a low-output way to bring in a vehicle or class of vehicles the large manufacturer is missing, it seemed like GM actually tried to make Geo into a brand consumers would find appealing. It wasn’t done solely to plug a hole in the lineup (well, I know that’s what the bean counters would say) but they injected some life into an otherwise ho-hum segment. Economy cars have never been given much personality, but Geo seemed to change that.
I mean, just look at those seats! Fun colors, graphics, and equipment specs made Geo products a perfect fit for people shopping for their first car. The Geo Storm, Prizm, and Tracker all offered sensible features like airbags and strong fuel economy, but they were also a hoot in other regards. The Storm was a rebadged Isuzu Impulse with strong handling and sharp looks; the Prizm was a lightly-massaged Toyota Corolla that seemed way more entertaining than its corporate counterpart; and the Tracker was a Suzuki Sidekick with merely a badge-swap to make it into something new. The Tracker, like Suzuki’s original Sidekick, was decently capable off-road despite its humble appearance.
The seller notes that the total mileage of 167,175 isn’t necessarily a fair representation of how hard it’s been worked since 40,000-50,000 of those miles were spent being towed behind the RV. Of course, you’ll want to ask if they dropped the driveshaft before towing (not necessary, I know, but it never hurts) if for no other reason than to ensure they know how to properly tow a 4WD vehicle. Otherwise, these are simple machines, powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder making 80 horsepower and 94 lb.-ft. of torque. The seller notes that “…everything works” and the top is new, but the hardtop will need some light repairs. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mike F. for the find.
You understand that if they dropped the driveshaft, the mileage would not increase when towed :)
Boss had one when we were stationed in Germany. It was his drive to the Alps to go skiing rig. He loved it and actually fit in it, I think he was 6-3″, 6-4″? Price is a little steep but I’ve seen these go up in value as well as clean Samurai’s.
FWD (4×4) was an option I believe?
Correct. They were rear-wheel drive otherwise.
These are a fun little rig. The 1.6 is not a powerhouse but will move it around just fine. Suzuki made a very capable machine. Open air weather is coming. This would be a blast.
Why is it that today no manufacturer offers a similar off road capable package? I love my 2005 TJ but if I could find something new, not bigger, easier on gas, 4×4 etc….I would definitely consider.
I think you answered your own question; you’d consider it. With the need to comply with all the governmental regs and the consumer demand for comfort, adaptive safety and integrated connectivity you just don’t see people lining up for a minimalist vehicle that costs 30-40 thousand dollars. I’ve seen first hand how your Wrangler has gone from being an attainable vehicle priced in the teens and twenties to where it is now. Sure, it’s a lot more vehicle but some of the charm is missing. We sell almost no standard no option Jeeps. People today want something else.
You are 100% correct! I am a rare (old) bird, content with basics, but my kids, in there ‘50s want more, always more, even features they have no use for, like heated seats in Arizona, screens bigger than my own tv….etc…and my grand kids “need” even more; their idea of “off roading “ implies a huge vehicle, with oversized tires, 50 airbags, in a fully closed in cabin, dark windows, AC full blast, ear pods on….etc…etc….all of these costly features have a cost of course………rant over, thanks for reading….😁
I might add one of these to the fleet, but I’d never get rid of my 2005 TJ.
Love these!! Always wanted one but… procrastination has now made it impossible without a fat wallet for a nice one.
I had a 1998 Tracker (and by then, “Geo” was gone and it was badged as a Chevrolet). Looking back, it is probably the #1 vehicle that I wish I’d have kept. Hindsight is 20/20.
I currently daily a 2002 Chevrolet Prism (as Jeff states, basically a Corolla, earlier models of which were also sold as Geos).
Badge engineering… :)
Good write up, Jeff.