Hi all, I'm looking for some opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of this vehicle. It has the 2.5 v6 with 4wd and antilock brakes.



Anything in particular to watch out for?

Are the stock tires (Goodyear Wranglers) good for winter driving? Is the v6 engine as reliable as the 4cyl I currently have?

Thanks in advance  for all replies.

 From what I've been told from a buddy of mine that is a service writer at the local Suzuki dealer, he says the 2.5 v6 is a great engine. It's pretty bulletproof as long as you religiously change the oil using the suggested viscosity. The power is supposed to be very satisfying in comparison to the 4 cylinders. I think you will be very happy with the truck.

I just bought a LT V6 Tracker two days ago. so far the power is much better than the 2.0. Only thing is it runs the same ratio as the 4cyl. so you will be cruising at the same rpm, 3000rpm = about 70mph. It is much smoother and quieter at speed to.
If you don't need your ZR2 factory skid plates let me know, I'll gladly take them off your hands. LOL....

 Hey! So you need the factory ZR2 skidplates, huh?
I just happen to parting out an 01 ZR2!
Send me a pm.

Glad to hear that the 2.5 is a solid engine. I thought since it has a timing chain that it might be even more durable than the 2.0, but saw a post whre the chain tensioners were mentioned as a weakness. I hope that haas been fixed, but will remember to watch the oil change intervals and may go with a synthetic after the break-in period.



One of the reasons I wanted the ZR2 was for the greater ground clearance and the skid plate. I figure that if I ever do go off road with it I wont be able to do as much damage! Also up heare in Michigan it may offer protection in deep snow and ice at the end of driveways after plow goes through.

Will my rims from my 1996 2WD Tracker fit the new truck when I change over to winter tires?  I plan on driving the rag top 2wd for most of the year and then changing over to the V6 for winter. I hope the new Trackers have corrosion protection since they use a lot of salt on roads here.



Thanks again for all the replies. I don't care what the car magazine reviews say,  I think these vehicles are a ton of fun and a great value!

The 2.0 uses a timing chain also and I heard they fixed that tensioner material on the newer motors (rumor).

 Yes I think your wheels and tires will fit. If it was a GV, I wouldn't be so positive, I think the GV has larger front brakes. They have 16" wheels, not sure if it is that close to the Sidekick Sport theory. Sports did have larger front brakes, that's why they had 16" wheels.

Will my rims from my 1996 2WD Tracker fit the new truck when I change over to winter tires?  
Thanks again for all the replies. I don't care what the car magazine reviews say,  I think these vehicles are a ton of fun and a great value!

The rims will not fit, sorry. The calipers on the New body style Trackers are the same as the ones on the GV. The 15" rims that come on the 99+Tracker seem almost custom made to clear the calipers, you'll soon learn this when you try to find aftermarket 15" rims. GOOD LUCK!!!

The 15" rims that come on the 99+Tracker seem almost custom made to clear the calipers, you'll soon learn this when you try to find aftermarket 15" rims. GOOD LUCK!!!

Ain't that the truth!   and the same goes for 16,17,18 20's too. But I guess if your picky like me, You never find anything. All I wanted is a set(5) of 17's that aren't chrome and not off-road style and that don't cost more then $175 each. Is that so hard to ask? The answer.... YES

 Try going to www.stocktonwheel.com they custom modify wheels for wider wheels, beadlocks, etc. Try them, you might like them.
Hope that helps.

up heare in Michigan it may offer protection in deep snow and ice at the end of driveways after plow goes through.

I see we have a nuther Michigander Just like to say whatsup man from lansing Mi.

I thought that all vehicles since the early 90's came from the factory with corrosion protection. As with anything else I would guess taking care of it would make it last longer. Like hosing the under carrage off more during the winter time.

Congrats on the ZR2, I have an "o3 Tracker 2 dr.w/4 cyl., I've added skid plates and a K&N. Next I'm going to upgrade the tires but I'm hesitant on what to put on a stock vehicle w/o any problems and maintain the warranty.
do you have any idea as to what you might do for larger tires?  I know the older models can use 235/75-15 w/o any problems but I don't think  our models can. Keep me posted and good luck w/the Tracker

I know the older models can use 235/75-15 w/o any problems but I don't think  our models can. Keep me posted and good luck w/the Tracker

Check this out. Here is a 2003 4dr with stock suspension and you guessed it, 30" MTs.

He says he gets just enough clearance in the wheel wells.

Or you could just forget about the lift and put on a set of MATTRACKS. Ground clearance and traction all in one!