I just purchased a 1999 Chevy Tracker. It is a one owner and only has 60K miles. It has the 2.0 Suzuki engine. Is the tranny made by Suzuki also?
Also wanted to know general info about the Tracker (good years, bad years, problem spots?). Are there any problems specific to the 99 year models?
Also wanted to ask a specific question. I have an automatic transmission with over-drive. The over-drive can be switched off with a button on the shifter. On the hiway, I keep my speed to 65 MPH for fuel economy reasons. Even on a slight incline, the vehicle seems to rev to 4k rpms and doesn't want to shift unless I cancel the cruise control. Are the engines just not that powerful or is this a potential tranny problem?
Also, I have the 4 Speed Automatic, I think. My MPG is running about 22-23 MPG hiway. Is this standard?
Any input is greatly appreciated.Thanks!

That's good mpg for a 4x4, most only get 7 to 14 mpg. Don't believe the dealers on mpg. The automatic trans is a Chevy type, its an excellent piece of machinery. My Kick has a 1.6L engine and runs pretty well, Suzuki has never been known for tremendous power, just get a header and K&N air filter and you'll get some more ponnies. Did I say these engines last forever like the Toyotas? Well, they do. I made mine into a dune buggy and I now have ample power since I took 700 pounds off the vehicle.

I had heard that the Suzuki engine is very durable and lasts forever. One gentleman told me that he had put 200k on his, gave it to his brother who put another 80k and then gave it to a friend who is still driving it. That is very reassuring.
Now, forgive the dumb question, but what is a deader?
Thanks for the replies, by the way.

OK, I think I got it right... Header I meant, computer error... I just got a set of Pro-Comp Xtreme Mud Terrains and I feel this rig is going to work a lot better with these tires.

Any input on the tranny? With the cruise control on, it seems to "tach out" around 4k rpm and does not want to shift down.Otherwise, it seems to shift fine.

Yeah, mine does the same thing, I've made it go into lower gear by hand, but the rpm's did go up pretty high. The red line on the Suzuki for rpm's is pretty high and it will hold up pretty well, but one time, I did break a piston on a Samurai for revving it up for a really long time trying to keep 80mph on 4th gear. The piston broke in Mexico and it made it all the way to Houston at good speeds still.

Maragues,
Thanks for the feedback. It is greatly appreciated. I've only had my Tracker for a little over a week. I really enjoy driving it. It has the soft top on. It also came with a rear hardtop. I ordered the front hardtop section from a place in Tennesse. I think I'll really enjoy it when I get the hardtop installed.
I heard that Trackers do really well in snow and mud. I almost can't wait for a decent snowfall now.
One more question if I may: What tire pressure should I run. The recommended pressure on the placard inside the door is 26 psi. Is that what I should go with?
Many thanks!

If you have the 205 stock tire, don't go below 26 lbs or you'll break a tire when hitting something hard. With 235-75-15 you can go down to 22 pounds and get a much better ride. I have 31's and I run at 17 pounds and since I converted my Sidekick into a dune buggy and took off about 700 pounds, I can go all the way down to 10/12 pounds with no problem. I would reccommend getting a limited slip for the rear differential to greatly aid in traction. It will be like night and day when it comes to traction control. They have them at Calmini.com.

I noticed today, if I keep the speed up aboce 65MPH, it does not seem to tach out or struggle with hills. I am guessing that as far as fuel economy goes, I am better to keep the speed up rather than run it 65 and have it not shift or have to cut the cruise control all the time.

That's because you are keeping the RPM's up there where there is more power. Though that will cause you to lose mpg's.