As you venture into the world of off-road enthusiasts, you’ll discover a niche of cars similar to the Geo Tracker. With its 80-hp engine and crisp steering, the Geo Tracker is a reliable companion for rugged trails.
But what about the Suzuki Samurai, boasting 63 horsepower, or the Jeep Wrangler Islander with its 112-hp engine? These vehicles may have been overshadowed, but they’re solid options for those who crave adventure. What makes them stand out, and which one is right for you?
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Key Takeaways
- The Suzuki Samurai is a similar off-road vehicle with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 63 horsepower.
- The Suzuki Sidekick is another similar SUV that battled for sales in the 90s.
- The Isuzu Amigo, with its similar off-road capabilities, faced off with the Geo Tracker on the Mojave Road.
- The Jeep Wrangler Islander, with its 112-hp inline-6 engine, is a more powerful off-road vehicle similar to the Geo Tracker’s Suzuki-made sibling.
- The Daihatsu Rocky is a similar compact SUV that battled for sales in the 90s automotive market.
Geo Tracker Convertible Review
As you step into the Geo Tracker Convertible, you’re immediately struck by its modest pricing, with a base price of $8854 and an as-tested price of $9734.
Despite its affordable tag, the Tracker’s engine produces only 80 hp, but it’s less of a handicap than expected.
You’ll notice the Tracker’s steering is direct and crisp on paved surfaces, yet light enough for rugged trails.
With a solid and competent feel, even when perched on three wheels, the Geo Tracker Convertible is a great option for those looking for a Suzuki-made off-road vehicle.
Suzuki Samurai JL Comparison
While considering off-road vehicles similar to the Geo Tracker, you’ll likely come across the Suzuki Samurai JL, a Japanese off-road vehicle produced from 1985 to 1995. The Samurai’s 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine produces 63 horsepower, and its gear shift is light and smooth. However, its ride is affected by rough surfaces, causing abrupt ride motions and cowl shake.
| Feature | Suzuki Samurai | Geo Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.3L 4-cyl | Not specified |
| Horsepower | 63 | Not specified |
| Base Price | $8854 | Not specified |
| As-Tested Price | $9734 | Not specified |
Wrangler Islander Off-Road Test
When you’re in the market for a vehicle similar to the Geo Tracker, you’re likely to come across the Jeep Wrangler Islander, a rugged off-road machine that’s designed to tackle challenging terrain.
With its 112-hp inline-6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission, and 3420-pound curb weight, this Jeep Wrangler is built for adventure.
Off-road, the Wrangler Islander’s 8.1-inch ground clearance and short wheelbase make it feel unstoppable.
Its 4.2-liter engine produces 210 pound-feet of torque at 2000 rpm, making it suitable for off-road driving.
Expect a jittery ride, but one that’s up for the challenge.
Isuzu Amigo Desert Adventure
You’re about to set out on the Isuzu Amigo Desert Adventure, where off-road capabilities are put to the test.
On the 139-mile Mojave Road trail, you’ll encounter deep, soft sand and high-speed challenges that push the vehicle to its limits, all while enduring scorching temperatures that reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
As you navigate this unforgiving environment, you’ll stop at a motel to rest and cool off in the air-conditioned comfort.
Desert Adventure Begins
Mojave Road’s unforgiving landscape stretched before you, its 5200-foot peak a formidable challenge for any off-road vehicle.
You’re about to set out on a desert adventure, driving 139 miles of grueling terrain.
Your ride, equipped with snake-bite kits and CB radios, is put to the test.
The scorching July heat pushes temperatures to unbearable levels, forcing a motel stop for some much-needed rest.
As you venture deeper, you’ll tackle deep, soft sand and high-speed tests.
This desert adventure will push your vehicle to its breaking point.
Off-Road Capabilities Tested
How well would a vehicle perform when pushed to its limits in the scorching Mojave desert?
You’d be surprised by the Geo Tracker Convertible’s off-road capabilities. With an 80-hp engine, it surprisingly performed well, offering better observed fuel economy than the Suzuki Samurai.
Meanwhile, the Jeep Wrangler Islander‘s 112-hp inline-6 engine made it feel unstoppable off-road, thanks to its 8.1 inches of ground clearance and short wheelbase.
The Suzuki Samurai struggled with steep off-road grades and rough surfaces, while the Jeep Wrangler Islander had a jittery ride due to stiff springs.
Mojave Road Challenges
Four small sport-utility vehicles, including the Suzuki Samurai, Geo Tracker, Jeep Wrangler Islander, and Isuzu Amigo, faced off on a 139-mile trail in the scorching Mojave desert, where temperatures reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and C/D staffers took the wheel to put these vehicles to the test.
You’ll find the Geo Tracker, with its 112-hp inline-6 engine, solid and competent, even when perched on three wheels in the middle of the Mojave Road.
Its steering was easily the best in the group, making it a reliable companion on this grueling trek.
SUVs That Time Forgot
You might be surprised to learn that some SUVs, despite their ruggedness and capabilities, have been largely forgotten over time.
Take the Daihatsu Rocky, Suzuki Sidekick, and Jeep Cherokee, which battled for sales in the 90s.
The Acura SLX, a rebadged Isuzu Trooper, and the Dodge Raider, a rebadged Mitsubishi Montero, also fell into obscurity.
Other forgotten SUVs include the GMC Typhoon, a turbocharged powerhouse, and the Kia Borrego, a short-lived seven-passenger SUV.
These SUVs, despite their unique features, were ultimately forgotten in the ever-changing automotive landscape.
Mazda Navajo Overview
You’ll find the Mazda Navajo‘s engine and performance are closely tied to its Ford Explorer roots, with a 4.0-liter V6 engine under the hood.
In terms of design and features, the Navajo’s exterior is marked by a truck-like black plastic grille attempts to evoke a Mazda family look, but it’s clear not much effort was put into distinguishing it from its Explorer counterpart.
Engine and Performance
The Mazda Navajo’s engine and performance capabilities were largely inherited from its Ford sibling, featuring a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produced 160 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque.
You’ll find the same front and rear axles as the Ford Expedition, which isn’t surprising the Navajo’s shared platform.
The powertrain is capable, but not exceptional, making the Navajo more of a workhorse than a performance vehicle.
As a result, the Navajo’s acceleration is decent, but it won’t win any races.
Design and Features
During its production run from 1991 to 1994, the Mazda Navajo‘s design and features failed to impress, resulting in poor sales.
You’ll notice its truck-like black plastic grille, but it doesn’t exactly scream “Mazda family look.”
In reality, not much effort went into differentiating the Navajo from its Ford Explorer roots.
As a compact SUV, it lacked the luxuries buyers were starting to expect.
With a focus on being fast rather than fancy, the Navajo’s design and features just didn’t cut it, making it a rare sight on roads today, and many car enthusiasts didn’t get a chance to examine or investigate the vehicle thoroughly.
Daihatsu Rocky Vs Geo Tracker
In the small 4×4 market, Daihatsu’s Rocky battled Geo’s Tracker, each with its unique strengths and limitations.
You’ll find the Rocky priced slightly higher, but its engine options differed from the Tracker’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder making less than 100 hp.
Both share compact size and limited production runs, but the Rocky’s brand reputation and pricing set it apart.
Today, you’ll rarely spot a Tracker on the roads due to low sales, while Rocky enthusiasts still own and maintain their vehicles, despite Daihatsu dealerships for parts and maintenance.
GMC Typhoon Performance Review
As you step on the gas, the GMC Typhoon’s turbocharged and intercooled 4.3-liter V6 engine releases 280 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque, making it a force to be reckoned with.
You’ll feel the rush, but the four-speed automatic transmission may not be as responsive as you’d like.
With only around 5,000 units produced, the Typhoon is a rare find, and its condition can vary greatly depending on how its previous owners treated it.
Despite its limited production run and mixed reception, the Typhoon remains an impressive performer that still turns heads.
Conclusion
As you venture into the domain of cars similar to the Geo Tracker, recall that these off-road vehicles are like hidden gems – they may be overshadowed, but they shine bright with their unique features and capabilities. From the Suzuki Samurai’s 63 horsepower to the Wrangler Islander’s 112-hp inline-6 engine, each one is a reliable companion on rugged trails, waiting to be discovered and taken on an unforgettable adventure.
