Market Segment:
Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers seeking a versatile, small SUV for light off-road use and city driving.
Key Competitors:
• Suzuki Vitara/Grand Vitara (platform sibling)
• Honda CR-V
• Toyota RAV4
• Ford EcoSport (later models)
• Nissan Xterra (smaller trims)
Vehicle Type:
Body-on-frame SUV, often with 4-wheel drive options, offering good ground clearance for its class.
Design Philosophy:
Practicality, affordability, and basic off-road capability, derived from its Suzuki origins.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, basic maintenance, fluid types, fuel system, air intake, battery.
Chassis:
Brake system overview, steering system overview, suspension system overview.
Electrical:
Instrument cluster functions, lighting controls, power accessories, basic electrical system warnings.
Body And Interior:
Door locks, security system (if equipped), seating adjustments, seat belts, climate control operation, infotainment system basics.
Routine Maintenance:
Checking and topping off engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid; checking tire pressure; basic cleaning.
Basic Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking, using various controls and features.
Safety Features:
Proper use of seat belts and airbags, child restraint system installation guidance.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic user-level troubleshooting for common alerts.
Depth:
User-focused; covers operation, owner maintenance, and general vehicle information. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostic procedures.
Searchable Text:
Likely searchable, depending on the quality of the OCR scan from the original.
Print Quality:
Digital reproduction of the original factory manual. Clarity will depend on the source scan.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Software Requirements:
PDF Reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Engine Code:
J20A (Suzuki G16B was also common in earlier models, but J20A likely for 2000)
Horsepower:
Approximately 127 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 134 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 (Regular)
Timing Drive:
Timing Chain (for J20A engine)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 98.4 inches (2500 mm)
Length:
Approximately 161.4 inches (4100 mm)
Width:
Approximately 66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Height:
Approximately 66.1 inches (1679 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 17.7 cubic feet (501 Liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approximately 41.3 cubic feet (1170 Liters)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2700-2900 lbs (1225-1315 kg), depending on drivetrain and options
Towing Capacity:
Approximately 1500 lbs (680 kg) (check specific configuration and local regulations)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Four-star (as tested in some configurations of this generation).
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some trims/configurations.
Traction Control:
Not typically standard on base models; may have been optional or part of higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners; three-point rear seat belts.
Child Safety:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats; child safety door locks.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette tape player. Basic speaker setup.
Dashboard Display:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel, engine temperature. Warning lights for various systems.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Aux Input:
Not standard; aftermarket stereo upgrades are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for this era, but always check manual).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (recommended).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Approximately every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or Conventional
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, GM Color Specific (e.g., orange or green, check manual for exact spec)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Dexron III/Mercon compatible Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 recommended).
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent.
Common Wear Items:
• Clutch wear (manual transmission)
• Suspension bushings and ball joints
• Exhaust system components
• Ignition coils and spark plugs
• Alternator
Potential Electrical:
Occasional issues with power window motors, door lock actuators, and instrument cluster illumination.
Engine Considerations:
The J20A engine is generally reliable, but like any engine, regular maintenance is key. Timing chain stretch can occur over very high mileage.
Oil Filter Example:
AC-Delco PF2047 or equivalent (e.g., Fram PH10575, Wix 51042)
Air Filter Example:
AC-Delco A1790C or equivalent (e.g., Fram CA8028, Wix WA8440)
Spark Plug Example:
AC-Delco 41-930 or equivalent (e.g., NGK Iridium)
Chevrolet SUV History:
Chevrolet's entry into the compact SUV market aimed to compete with popular models, leveraging GM's partnership with Suzuki for platform development.
Tracker Generation 2:
The second generation (1998-2004) featured a redesigned, more rounded body, improved interior, and a larger standard engine (2.0L) compared to the original sidekick-based models. It was available in soft-top convertible and hardtop variations.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily assembled in Japan by Suzuki and also in Canada.
Second Gen Production:
1998-2004
General Market Reception:
The Tracker was generally well-received for its affordability and practicality in the compact SUV segment, though it was often outclassed by newer, more refined competitors towards the end of its run.
Consumer Reports:
Historical data suggests average to below-average predicted reliability ratings for this era of Tracker, particularly concerning electrical components and drivetrain (e.g., automatic transmission).
Epa Fuel Economy:
Estimated 20-22 MPG City / 24-26 MPG Highway (for 2.0L engine with 4WD, varies by transmission and driving conditions).