Model Years Covered:
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Vehicle Platform:
GM Theta Platform (First Generation)
Oem Manual Part Number Example:
15272444 (Note: Specific part numbers can vary by region and specific vehicle configuration)
Market Position:
Compact SUV/Crossover positioned as an affordable, versatile, and capable vehicle for urban commuting and light off-road use. Competed with models like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Subaru Forester.
Competitive Analysis:
The 2000-2004 Chevrolet Tracker (part of the second generation) was a rebadged version of the Suzuki Vitara/Grand Vitara. It offered a balance of compact SUV practicality with available 4WD, appealing to buyers seeking a more rugged, yet still relatively compact, vehicle than a traditional car. Its strengths included affordability and off-road capability for its class, while its weaknesses often related to interior refinement, power, and fuel economy compared to some Japanese competitors.
Key Features:
Available 4WD/AWD, compact footprint, comfortable ride for its class, available convertible/soft-top variants (on earlier generations, though less common in 2000-2004 models), practical cargo space, generally good reliability owing to its Suzuki origins.
Coverage Areas:
Operation, Maintenance, Safety, Features, Specifications, Troubleshooting
Page Count:
Approx. 300-350 pages (estimated for typical owner's manual of this era)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine operation and indicators, transmission control, braking system, steering, suspension, climate control, audio system, lighting, power windows/locks, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), dashboard and controls, instrument panel, fuel system, exhaust system, electrical system overview, tire information, fluid checks, basic maintenance procedures, warning lights and messages, towing information, emergency procedures, theft-deterrent system.
Procedures Included:
Starting and operating the vehicle, understanding dashboard indicators and warnings, adjusting seats and mirrors, operating climate control, using the audio system, filling the fuel tank, checking and adding engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, changing wiper blades, tire inflation and pressure checks, changing a flat tire, jump starting the battery, safe driving practices, basic troubleshooting of common issues (e.g., warning lights), proper vehicle cleaning and care, towing procedures, emergency tool usage.
Technical Depth:
Owner-level information focusing on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures, component-level repair instructions, or electrical schematics, which are typically found in a Service Manual.
Primary Engine:
2.5L V6 (J25A) Suzuki-sourced engine
Horsepower:
155 hp @ 6,500 RPM (approx. for 2.5L V6)
Torque:
160 lb-ft @ 3,000 RPM (approx. for 2.5L V6)
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Variant 2000 2001:
2.0L 4-cylinder (J20A) engine, 127 hp
Engine Displacement V6:
2498 cc
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Less common, primarily on 2.0L models in earlier years/specific trims)
Drive Type:
Available 2WD (RWD) or 4WD (Part-time 4WD with electronic transfer case and optional low-range gearing).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (Consult specific manual for exact spec, e.g., Dexron VI is often backward compatible).
Transfer Case Fluid:
GM Auto-Trak II Transfer Case Fluid or equivalent
Wheelbase:
98.2 inches (2494 mm)
Overall Length:
169.7 inches (4310 mm)
Overall Width:
66.7 inches (1694 mm)
Overall Height:
65.9 inches (1674 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 27.8 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approximately 53.9 cubic feet
Curb Weight Approx:
3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg), varies by configuration
Towing Capacity:
Up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg) with trailer brakes, 1,000 lbs (454 kg) without trailer brakes (Consult manual for exact specifications).
Standard Tire Size:
P235/60R16 (Common for 2.5L V6 models)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)
NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating:
2/5 Stars (4WD models) - Typical for SUVs of this era. Owners should be aware of higher center of gravity.
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), available Traction Control System (TCS).
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, side-impact door beams, child seat LATCH anchors (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).
Child Safety Seat Provision:
Rear seats equipped with LATCH system for child safety seat installation.
Rollover Precaution:
Manual emphasizes caution when driving at high speeds, on uneven surfaces, or when cornering to minimize rollover risk, especially for 4WD models.
Infotainment System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player. Basic climate control dials and indicator lights.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited. ABS and optional Traction Control were the primary electronic aids.
Connectivity Features:
No integrated Bluetooth or advanced connectivity features. Optional satellite radio may have been available on higher trims.
Lighting Features:
Halogen headlights, standard daytime running lights (DRLs) on some models, manual adjustment for headlights.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for this era).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)
Engine Coolant Replacement:
First at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter (typical for Dex-Cool or similar long-life coolant). Check manual for specific recommendation.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped spark plugs (if equipped).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 API SJ or higher (Consult manual for specific viscosity and API rating).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter for 2.5L V6.
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 10528025 or equivalent (Dex-Cool, Orange/Pink) for later models, or traditional green ethylene glycol coolant for earlier models. Always confirm with the manual.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid:
GM P/N 1050313 or Dexron III/VI automatic transmission fluid.
Known Issues:
Potential for exhaust manifold cracks (especially 2.5L V6), catalytic converter issues, minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan, ABS sensor failures, and some electrical gremlins. Regular maintenance is key to longevity.
Filter Part Numbers Example
Oil Filter Part Number:
Wix 57060, Fram PH7317 (Always verify with parts catalog for exact fitment).
Air Filter Part Numbers Example
Engine Air Filter Part Number:
Wix 49060, Fram CA8067 (Always verify with parts catalog for exact fitment).
Brand Heritage:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM), has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from trucks and performance cars to SUVs. The Tracker nameplate was used for a compact SUV that was often a rebadged Suzuki model.
Model Evolution:
The 2000-2004 Chevrolet Tracker represents the second generation of the Tracker, which began in 1998. This generation saw a significant redesign, moving from a body-on-frame construction to a unibody construction, becoming more of a compact crossover. It also received updated styling, powertrains (including the introduction of a V6 option), and interior amenities. It was a collaboration between GM and Suzuki.
Production Location:
Primarily manufactured by Suzuki in Japan, and also assembled in Canada by CAMI Automotive.
Production Years:
1989-2004 (Global variants), North American models specifically 1989-1997 (Geo Tracker, first gen) and 1998-2004 (Chevrolet Tracker, second gen).
Recognitions:
While not a recipient of major accolades in its class, the Tracker was recognized for its affordability and utility as a compact SUV. Its Suzuki heritage often meant good marks for reliability in consumer surveys for its class and era.
Consumer Ratings General:
Received generally average to above-average ratings for reliability and value from consumer publications of the time, often outperforming some domestic competitors in its segment.
