2001 Chevy Tracker LT

They say timing is everything. That would explain why I find so little to brag about in this Chevrolet Tracker LT with four-wheel drive. Coming on the heels of a week's test drive in the new 200-horse Mazda Tribute ES-V6 -- the top of this class in my opinion -- this Tracker comes off as a second-class citizen in every way. Had it followed a long-in-the-tooth (albeit best-selling) Honda CR-V or a 4-cylinder something or other, my impressions might have been more favorable. But because the Tracker does offer a more economical route to compact 4WD, it certainly shouldn't be dismissed.
THE GOOD NEWS
The good news is that the Tracker LT I tested was red, which gave me a cheerful ride and affords us a touch of seasonal art on this news page. The better news is that the Suzuki-made Tracker finally gets the 2.5-liter twin cam 24-valve V6 power this year, an engine heretofore Grinched by Suzuki's Grand Vitara. Now that the Tracker can boast V6 power, too, it stands to get a little more respect. The best news, however, is how much stuff you get for what you pay in this Tracker. Included in this LT trim package are power windows and mirrors, air conditioning, AM/FM with CD player, cruise control, automatic headlamp off/on, remote keyless entry and a host of other goodies. The only items adding cost to my tester were 4-wheel antilock brakes and leather seats, options that added $595 each.

Also of note are this Tracker's off-road trappings. It features a full ladder-type frame, steel fuel tank shield plate and real shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive with a selectable low gear. Compared to those compact SUV's based on car platforms with slightly variable all-wheel drive systems and no low gearing, this Tracker looks like a Hummer.

THE BAD NEWS
Even though the Tracker now has a V6, it only manages 155 horses. That's not much grunt vis-à-vis the 200-horse V6 in the Tribute and Ford Escape, and really not that much more muscle than those vehicles' 130-horse 4-cylinder. Where this really presents a challenge is if you're considering the rugged offroad in this Tracker. It even seemed overtaxed climbing up my steep driveway.

The recent slippery road conditions also allowed a first-hand taste of the Tracker's foul weather capabilities. While icy surfaces are not fair test for even four-wheel drive, I was disappointed. Its lack of significant weight makes it something of a skater and especially reluctant on the hills. It would likely do better in snow.

It must be said that the V6 power, mated to a four-speed automatic as standard equipment, accelerates competently around flat town in fair weather. Overall, however, the Tracker is just not energetic and fun to drive like the Mazda. I also think this particular Tracker's exterior looks junky. I can do without all the contrasting cladding, which clutters an otherwise perky-looking vehicle. If you're into perky, that is.

And inside, roominess suffers compared to the Tribute/Escape. After being in the Tribute, which is almost as wide as a Ford Explorer, this Tracker's passenger accommodations feel cramped.

The cargo bay is worse. Maximum cargo space is 45 cubic feet, compared to 67.2 in a CR-V and 64.8 in a Tribute or Escape. There wasn't nearly enough room for my Christmas loot.

GAS MILEAGE
EPA rated at 18 mpg city/20 highway

PRICE
Manufacturer's base, $22,420;
Price as tested, $22,845

IS IT WORTH IT?
For all its amenities plus real four-wheel drive, the Tracker sports a reasonable price. The Mazda Tribute I tested that didn't have four-wheel, but did have things like power sunroof, topped out at $24,275. The less-fancy Ford Escape, again in two-wheel drive, was $19,435.

The Tracker is one of those vehicles that compares reasonably well at the sticker, but not when you drive it. In power, roominess, fun-to-drive factor, looks and overall quality (even the leather seats look thin), I found it so much less satisfying than the Escape/Tribute and some other compacts that I would pass up its savings. That's not a choice everyone has, I realize. So it's nice of Chevy to offer the Tracker to the customer on a budget. Let's look at it as four-wheel drive for those who otherwise might not have one.