- suv 127,549
- Woodburn, OR
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- autoshopper.com
2001 chevrolet tracker review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. But that doesn't make it the most ideal companion for the backwoods, or even the back streets. Chevrolet's tracker, on the other hand, is a fully trail worthy suv that's not much bigger than the car-based compact suvs. Yet it's not much more expensive than a well-equipped compact car. the current-generation tracker, which debuted in 1999, is far more refined than before. Now, the 2001 models offer attractive new trim options and an all-new v6. The tracker makes a lot of sense for a lot of people. lineuptracker prices begin at $15,235 for the two-wheel-drive, two-door convertible. That's about $1,300 more than last year, but it buys a significantly upgraded vehicle. Last year's standard 1. 6-liter inline-4 is now history; and the previously optional 2. 0-liter inline-4 is now included in the base price. Lt trackers trade the zr2's sporty fender flares for classy contrasting bodyside cladding and a chrome grille surround. Lt trim levels pack all the same functional features as the zr2 (including the v6 and automatic transmission) and add lower-profile tires, a luggage rack, cd player, color-keyed mirrors, and full-cloth upholstery. a flagship 4wd lt lists for $21,230. walkaroundlike previous-generation trackers, the current model shares its mechanical platform with a suzuki mini-utility. Earlier trackers were badged as geos. Tracker was promoted to full chevrolet status in 1998, but by then it was losing ground to newer, more car-like compact suv's like the toyota rav4 and honda cr-v. so one of the goals of the current design was to achieve more car-like refinement, without sacrificing tracker's off-road ruggedness. As if to reinforce its intent, tracker is distinguished with unique styling cues that give it a more rugged appearance than the other mini-utilities. And we think the chevy design looks a little cleaner than the suzuki vitara and grand vitara, which share the new platform. interiorat the same time, however, chevrolet and suzuki gave the tracker more competitive creature comforts. It may look like a truck from the outside, but the tracker feels like a car on the inside. front seats put driver and passenger high behind the wheel with plenty of headroom, although the seats are a bit narrow and spongy for truly good support. The tracker's nose slopes away for good road visibility, important when driving off road, while narrow roof pillars allow panoramic vision, important on busy streets. The spare tire is set low enough on the back door to see out the rear, though the rear head rests can block vision when they are in place. Instruments are highly legible and the switchgear operates with the finesse of a toyota or honda. If it weren't for the tiny little buttons on the radio, the tracker's dash would be an unqualified success. now standard, the air conditioning automatically activates whenever the windshield defroster is turned on, which provides dry air for quicker defogging action. Flipping the rear seats down provides a large cargo area capable of holding a big dog cage. Convertible models can be ordered with a lockable storage compartment. fabrics, plastics and materials are first-rate. They don't shout economy like the vinyl of past trackers, and the dark gray provides a lighter ambiance. The doors thunk firmly in place, and the seams inside are small and unnoticeable. Of all the changes chevy has made to the tracker, the upgraded fit and finish is the most convincing and thorough. the tracker automatically turns on the headlights and all exterior lights when it detects darkness. With its relatively broad power band, the tracker can pass with confidence on interstates, and there's no fear of getting run over when pulling away from busy intersections. The tracker's five-speed manual shifts smoothly, and combines with a light clutch for easy drivability. The tires squeal easily, even when making a low-speed u-turn. Like many small suvs, the tracker lacks grip on wet pavement; the rear tires tend to spin when turning and accelerating briskly away from a stop sign. We suspect the uniroyal tiger paws may be the culprits. The independent front suspension does a good job of damping out tar strips and other medium-sized bumps, and improves the trackers agility. The ride quality is not bad for a vehicle with a short wheelbase. The track, the distance between the left and right tires, is 2. 4 inches wider than in the old geo trackers, which improves stability. the latest tracker's rack-and-pinion steering does provide a more precise feel and better responsiveness than the recirculating-ball system used on the old geo models. Still, as with many suvs, the steering response is a little mushy on center. That's probably due to the wide p205/75r15 tires that come with the 4x4, but those tires offer a good compromise of off-road traction and on-road grip. braking is a pleasant surprise, with firm pedal feel. But with its tall roof and 4x4 capability, the tracker makes a strong case as an all-in-one vehicle that suits a wide range of needs. the tracker handles off-road duty, hauling small loads of furniture, and the daily commute. Power Windows✔ Power Mirrors✔ Power Locks✔ Cruise Control✔ Air Conditioning✔ CD Player✔ Alloy Wheels
Woodburn, ORWoodburn, OR at autoshopper.com