Value packed adventure - 2003 Chevrolet Tracker SUV
For 2003, the folks under the sign of the bowtie continue to compete at the budget end of the SUV market with the four-door Tracker SUV. Built by CAMI, a join venture of GM and Suzuki in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, the Chevrolet Tracker four-door hardtop is available in two- or four-wheel drive. Chevrolet offers the small SUV in base, sporty ZR2 and luxury LT models.
Engine choices include the standard L34 2.0L inline four-cylinder and the powerful LE8 2.5L V-6. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard for the base model with the four-speed automatic standard on ZR2 and LT.
As the sportier version, the ZR2 adds equipment such as charcoal grill, vinyl spare tire cover, wheel opening moldings, five-spoke aluminum wheels, wider tires, and power mirrors and windows.
The LT adds top-of-the-line features including a CD player, chrome grill, silver body-side cladding, five-spoke aluminum wheels, wider tires, spare tire cover, standard color-keyed power mirrors, running boards and optional leather seating surfaces.
On the road, the V-6 is powerful, nimble and smooth. The SUV is easy and fun to drive at speed. The heart of the Tracker hardtop is a sturdy, full ladder-type frame with boxed side rails and seven crossmembers for added reinforcement. An anti-flex bar located in the engine compartment, coupled with a steel cross-truck beam located underneath the instrument panel, provide solid on-road ride while adding rigidity and helping reduce squeaks and rattles.
In addition to the chassis hardware, a protective impact guard protects the fuel tank on all models. Skid plates, designed to fend off attacks from rocks, stumps and other debris, protect the engine and transfer case on ZR2 models. An advanced suspension system has been engineered to assure the Tracker is at home on or off road.
The front suspension features long-travel MacPherson struts with coil springs positioned separately from the gas-filled shock absorbers. The lower control arms are cast iron for strength and toughness, and a lateral stabilizer bar tunes body roll characteristics during cornering.
The rear suspension is configured with a five-link system that combines coil springs and low pressure gas filled shock absorbers to control the rear axle. The Chevrolet Tracker is equipped with tires depending on model: P195/75R15 (2wd), P205/75R15 (4wd) and P215/75R15 (LT/ ZR2).
The automaker designed a friendly cabin maximizing available space in an efficient package. The passenger cabin is attractive with well chosen fabric textures and materials complementing the leather seating surfaces. Displays and controls are good with decent outward visibility.
The rear seating area will carry two adults comfortably. Grab handles at each door, including the driver's, facilitate entry and exit from the vehicle.
The rear seat folds flat in a three-step procedure. Pull up on a strap to move the rear seat bottom forward; remove the head rest and place it in the holder in the seat bottom and pull up on the latch on the back of the split-rear seat back to fold it flat with the cargo floor.
Quick vehicle specifications
Two-wheel drive -- Wheelbase: 97.6; overall length: 162.6; width: 67.3; height: 65.6, measurements in inches
Four-wheel drive -- Wheelbase: 97.6; overall length: 162.8; width: 67.3; height: 66.3, measurements in inches
Engine: (L34) 2.0L four-cylinder -- 127 hp at 6,000 rpm and 134 lbs-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm; (LE8) 2.5L six-cylinder -- 165 hp at 6,500 rpm and 162 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm
Transmission: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy -- 23 city/26 highway for the four-cylinder, 19 city/21 highway for the six-cylinder. Both engines use regular unleaded gasoline.
Cargo capacity: 23.4 cubic feet with the rear seat up; 50.2 cubic feet with rear seat folded flat
Maximum payload: 947 pounds
Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
Safety features
Dual front airbags, daytime running lights, rear-mounted full-size spare tire, front and rear tow hooks (one each), front and rear side market lamps and side-impact beams. LT adds power door locks with remote keyless entry. Optional equipment includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes ($595). A limited slip differential is not offered.
Warranty
Basic: 3 year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper
Corrosion: 6 year/100,000 mile
Roadside assistance: 3 year/36,000 mile, 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker four-door hardtop SUV starts at $17,070 for two-wheel drive and $22,270 for the four-wheel drive LT. Destination charge adds $475.
As tested
2003 Chevrolet Tracker LT 4WD four-door hardtop
Exterior color: Silverleaf Metallic
Interior color: Medium Gray
Base price $22,270
Destination charge $ 475
Leather seating $ 595
Deep tinted glass $ 115
Total as tested: $23,455
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