TRACKER 4x4

This vessel formerly belonged to my First Mate, who nicknamed it the "Dust Bunny"; it has since been reassigned to my son, Alex, who is busy learning the ins and outs of Navigation with it. Unaltered except for some oversized Swampin' Tyres, this suprisin' little Beasty has opened a lot of Jeepers eyes and even shamed a few who weren't so good at drivin' their rigs. The extreme light weight, super short wheelbase, tiny dimensions, and solid construction (built by Suzuki, on a frame, not a unibody) all combine to help this little Toy out-perform many 4x4's and go places no Hummer would dare to (or be able to fit!). On 4x4 trips, many have compared it to an "ATV with a roof".

SPECIFICATIONS - 1996 GEO TRACKER:

ENGINE:

  • 1.6L inline 4 cylinder

  • 16 Valve Head

  • TBI Fuel Injection System

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION:

  • 3 Speed Automatic Transmission with 2H-4H-4L Transfer Case

  • IFS/MacPherson Strut with manual locking hubs(Front)

  • Solid Axle w/Coil Springs (Rear)

  • 30.5x9.50 Mud Terrain Tires

BODY UPGRADES:

  • Fold Down/Removable Convertible Top

  • Bikini Top

RECOVERY GEAR:

  • First Aid Kit

  • 20 ft Tow Strap

  • Tool Kit

  • Folding Shovel

ELECTRONICS:

  • 40 Channel CB Radio

 

I frequently get asked by people what a good 'starter' 4x4 would be. This little critter (Also known as the Suzuki Sidekick), and its cousins the Suzuki Brute and Samurai, win my vote hands down. No, they are not brimming with testosterone like a Wrangler with 37 inch tires or a Monster Pickup Truck, but they have some distinct advantages.

Consider:

  • You can match a Jeep's performance for a fraction of the cost - Sammy's and Trackers can be often found in decent shape for less than $2K.
    • A stock Sammy or Tracker will follow a stock Wrangler almost anywhere
    • A modified Sammy or Tracker will follow a similar modified Wrangler almost anywhere
    • Because they are smaller, they can sometimes go where a Wrangler can't fit!
  • They get better gas mileage than a Wrangler on and off road
  • Even though the engine is small, the vehicle is lighter, so it has a decent horsepower-to-weight ratio and gearing.
  • Lots of modified parts are available for them, often less expensive than the same gear for a Wrangler.

They do have faults, of course, which many Die Hard Jeepers will be quick to point out - lighter construction means they bend easier (but are still pretty tough), lower horsepower means there are a few places that lots of power is required - such as climbing tall, soft dunes - where they grunt a bit. But dollar for dollar against a Jeep or any other 4x4, they win hands down in the bang for your buck department. If you've never driven one off road, you really have no clue. Having owned and driven both a Tracker and a Wrangler on a variety of trail rides, I'd pick my stock Tracker over a stock Jeep any day. Yes, I prefer my very capable Wrangler, but it also cost several times the price of the Tracker in parts alone.

If you still have any doubts, check out the slideshow below of a few modified Trackers proving they are no slouch on the trail!