Has anyone seen that Chevy Tracker commercial on TV? You know, the one where the accommodating, but matter-of-fact, Tracker owner comes to the aid of a truck driver broken down on the side of the road. He reminds the trucker, "don't forget to take off the parking brake" as he prepares to tow the semi with his mini-ute. We like that commercial. Like the Tracker it advertises, it's kinda cute (although that's a matter of debate among staffers here at Edmunds.com). While we usually view car and truck commercials through jaded, automotive journalist eyes, this one usually evokes a little chuckle.
Of course, the Chevy Tracker doesn't actually have the capability to tow a semi (a fact provided by a small-print disclaimer in the ad itself); it can tow only a maximum 1,500 pounds. We find even this paltry figure a little surprising, considering the less than enthralling performance of the vehicle's engine.
Our four-wheel-drive, four-door tester was endowed with a 155-horsepower, 2.5-liter V6, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Despite the upgrade from the 1.6-liter four-cylinder, which -- shockingly enough -- used to be the only engine choice in the Tracker (the base engine is now a 2.0-liter), performance was decidedly unimpressive. Tracker's newly offered LT trim level graced our tester with a single CD player, remote keyless entry and automatic front and rear windows. On top of that, it boasted leather seating and antilock brakes, each option running $595.
This compact SUV imparts a pleasingly lightweight feel, yet pull from the engine is stubbornly sluggish, as if it were powering a much heavier truck. Quite a racket ensued when the engine approached redline, and powering up an incline literally felt like an uphill battle. Transmission performance, on the other hand, was decent; shifts were usually tight and accurate. Tracker's brakes were also up to par; the pedal communicated plenty of road feel and stopping action was always immediate and progressive.
Aside from its anemic go power, the Tracker wasn't a bad ride. Considering its Suzuki Vitara-based body-on-frame construction, we expected its handling capabilities to be uninspiring and uncommunicative. To our delight, however, Tracker felt well planted and delivered decent road feel, through the steering wheel as well as the rump. Rather than the floaty, isolated feel we've come to expect from truck-based utes, this Chevy felt more like a lofty economy sedan, which is similar to the impression we got when we recently tested the car-based Toyota RAV4.
We even found the Tracker to be surprisingly competent on curvy roads, with minimal body roll and limited tippiness around corners. Steering is both communicative and responsive, although the wheel itself feels a little too thin in the hands. Mid-corner bumps did upset the vehicle's course somewhat, but for the most part we felt in control. Even in very strong winds, Tracker remained composed. We wouldn't take on the twisties at 70 mph, mind you, but this Chevy can hold its own in the canyons.
A comfortably low step-in height contributes to the Tracker's car-like charm. We believe it renders the clumsy-looking running boards an unnecessary affectation. Furthermore, they'd likely impede off-road performance, which would already be tricky considering this sport-ute's relatively scant 8 inches of ground clearance. In fact, several of Tracker's exterior styling cues contradict its off-road aspirations; one editor pointed out that the disproportionately long hood and short rear overhang make for an awkward-looking vehicle that doesn't exactly conjure up images of "go anywhere" capability. Then again, Tracker's body-on-frame construction is strong testament to an ability more rugged than that of most mini-utes.
If Tracker were to venture into the wilderness, its occupants would be assured generous views of their bucolic surroundings. Outward visibility is remarkable, thanks to a high ceiling, expansive windows and large side mirrors - they lend a pleasant, airy feel to the cabin's environment, as well as a good view of the road (or trail). Our only contention was with the backseat headrests, which hinder rearward viewing.
Unfortunately, Tracker's seats aren't as amiable as its greenhouse. Front seats lack lumbar support, making for aching backs after a mere half-hour in the vehicle, and backseat accommodations are frugal, to say the least. Try crunching five full-size adults in this cute ute, and you'll most definitely get an earful of bitching. Cargo volume in the four-door model is an acceptable 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seat in place (44.7 with it stowed), and Chevy generously provides a privacy cover and net for the cargo area.
While the inside of the Tracker is uninspiring in terms of design and materials - hard plastic and cheap leather abound - there are a several handy amenities that make life in its cabin a little more pleasant. Nooks are plentiful in the center console and top of the center stack to swallow sunglasses, cell phones and the like. Four oblong-shaped cupholders initially seemed odd, but proved useful for holding onto various little knickknacks, as well as medium-sized drinks. The front door bins are thoughtfully divided in two, making it easy to store both CDs and maps without mixing everything into a senseless muddle. Another thoughtful accoutrement is the sun visor extenders, although they're practically a necessity in a vehicle designed to allow so much sunlight to pour in.
Unfortunately, the driver's side visor doesn't have a vanity mirror - a reprehensible oversight, as far as we're concerned - and the reading lights are located on the bottom of the rearview mirror, thus making it far too easy to turn them on accidentally while making adjustments.
Most primary and secondary controls in the Tracker are ergonomically sound, if unimaginative and chintzy. Except for the illogical placement of climate controls over stereo controls, most switches and dials are intuitive and simple to use. The slide lever for temperature control was especially unattractive, but the tuning knob on the stereo was well appreciated as always.
While this erstwhile Geo proved to be far from perfect, we were for the most part favorably impressed with the car-like handling of the truck-based sport-ute. While we didn't initially relish the thought of taking charge of the Tracker over the holidays, we ended up with a certain respect for its unpretentious and capable nature. Then again, with more refined contenders like the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute on the market, it would take a serious Chevy fanatic to pay over $20K for an essentially outdated and outclassed vehicle.
Of course, the Chevy Tracker doesn't actually have the capability to tow a semi (a fact provided by a small-print disclaimer in the ad itself); it can tow only a maximum 1,500 pounds. We find even this paltry figure a little surprising, considering the less than enthralling performance of the vehicle's engine.
Our four-wheel-drive, four-door tester was endowed with a 155-horsepower, 2.5-liter V6, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Despite the upgrade from the 1.6-liter four-cylinder, which -- shockingly enough -- used to be the only engine choice in the Tracker (the base engine is now a 2.0-liter), performance was decidedly unimpressive. Tracker's newly offered LT trim level graced our tester with a single CD player, remote keyless entry and automatic front and rear windows. On top of that, it boasted leather seating and antilock brakes, each option running $595.
This compact SUV imparts a pleasingly lightweight feel, yet pull from the engine is stubbornly sluggish, as if it were powering a much heavier truck. Quite a racket ensued when the engine approached redline, and powering up an incline literally felt like an uphill battle. Transmission performance, on the other hand, was decent; shifts were usually tight and accurate. Tracker's brakes were also up to par; the pedal communicated plenty of road feel and stopping action was always immediate and progressive.
Aside from its anemic go power, the Tracker wasn't a bad ride. Considering its Suzuki Vitara-based body-on-frame construction, we expected its handling capabilities to be uninspiring and uncommunicative. To our delight, however, Tracker felt well planted and delivered decent road feel, through the steering wheel as well as the rump. Rather than the floaty, isolated feel we've come to expect from truck-based utes, this Chevy felt more like a lofty economy sedan, which is similar to the impression we got when we recently tested the car-based Toyota RAV4.
We even found the Tracker to be surprisingly competent on curvy roads, with minimal body roll and limited tippiness around corners. Steering is both communicative and responsive, although the wheel itself feels a little too thin in the hands. Mid-corner bumps did upset the vehicle's course somewhat, but for the most part we felt in control. Even in very strong winds, Tracker remained composed. We wouldn't take on the twisties at 70 mph, mind you, but this Chevy can hold its own in the canyons.
A comfortably low step-in height contributes to the Tracker's car-like charm. We believe it renders the clumsy-looking running boards an unnecessary affectation. Furthermore, they'd likely impede off-road performance, which would already be tricky considering this sport-ute's relatively scant 8 inches of ground clearance. In fact, several of Tracker's exterior styling cues contradict its off-road aspirations; one editor pointed out that the disproportionately long hood and short rear overhang make for an awkward-looking vehicle that doesn't exactly conjure up images of "go anywhere" capability. Then again, Tracker's body-on-frame construction is strong testament to an ability more rugged than that of most mini-utes.
If Tracker were to venture into the wilderness, its occupants would be assured generous views of their bucolic surroundings. Outward visibility is remarkable, thanks to a high ceiling, expansive windows and large side mirrors - they lend a pleasant, airy feel to the cabin's environment, as well as a good view of the road (or trail). Our only contention was with the backseat headrests, which hinder rearward viewing.
Unfortunately, Tracker's seats aren't as amiable as its greenhouse. Front seats lack lumbar support, making for aching backs after a mere half-hour in the vehicle, and backseat accommodations are frugal, to say the least. Try crunching five full-size adults in this cute ute, and you'll most definitely get an earful of bitching. Cargo volume in the four-door model is an acceptable 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seat in place (44.7 with it stowed), and Chevy generously provides a privacy cover and net for the cargo area.
While the inside of the Tracker is uninspiring in terms of design and materials - hard plastic and cheap leather abound - there are a several handy amenities that make life in its cabin a little more pleasant. Nooks are plentiful in the center console and top of the center stack to swallow sunglasses, cell phones and the like. Four oblong-shaped cupholders initially seemed odd, but proved useful for holding onto various little knickknacks, as well as medium-sized drinks. The front door bins are thoughtfully divided in two, making it easy to store both CDs and maps without mixing everything into a senseless muddle. Another thoughtful accoutrement is the sun visor extenders, although they're practically a necessity in a vehicle designed to allow so much sunlight to pour in.
Unfortunately, the driver's side visor doesn't have a vanity mirror - a reprehensible oversight, as far as we're concerned - and the reading lights are located on the bottom of the rearview mirror, thus making it far too easy to turn them on accidentally while making adjustments.
Most primary and secondary controls in the Tracker are ergonomically sound, if unimaginative and chintzy. Except for the illogical placement of climate controls over stereo controls, most switches and dials are intuitive and simple to use. The slide lever for temperature control was especially unattractive, but the tuning knob on the stereo was well appreciated as always.
While this erstwhile Geo proved to be far from perfect, we were for the most part favorably impressed with the car-like handling of the truck-based sport-ute. While we didn't initially relish the thought of taking charge of the Tracker over the holidays, we ended up with a certain respect for its unpretentious and capable nature. Then again, with more refined contenders like the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute on the market, it would take a serious Chevy fanatic to pay over $20K for an essentially outdated and outclassed vehicle.
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