'Legendary:' Mechanic Says 90s Suzukis and GMs Will Go Down in History—Though Probably Not in the Way You Think

“Build this dream together, standing strong forever,” those Starship lyrics soar through the 17-second clip of Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader lip-syncing to “Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now.”

Superimposed over an image of a red Geo Tracker, the genuine delight and playfulness of the two actors is evident. The whole silly, slightly self-conscious scene evokes nostalgic feelings of young adulthood. 

Perhaps that’s what the comic and car aficionado who goes by the stage name of “The Mad Mechanic” was aiming for. After all, he did add the text: “Suzuki building legendary [poop emoji] boxes with everyone in the 90’s and 2000’s.” 

It's an unexpectedly touching juxtaposition, and one that’s been viewed about 472,000 times on Facebook. It conjures that weird time at the end of the last century when starter cars weren’t great, but they could be quirky. Also, the Mad Mechanic’s quip might also allude to the weird, somewhat convoluted history of the modest, name-checked vehicle.

Build This Dream Together

In 1989, when the Geo Tracker was introduced, the General Motors-Suzuki mash-up retailed for about $10,000. 

Based on the Suzuki Sidekick, the Geo Tracker had a Suzuki 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a maximum speed of about 70 mph (max output was 80 horsepower, and a torque of 94 pound-feet). Designed to compete with the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and Isuzu Amigo, it has sometimes been classified as a small SUV, other times as a light truck. 

“Light” might be the keyword: One Redditor said that on a gusty day, his ‘97 Tracker  “felt more like tacking a small sail boat than driving.”

Sailing or not, the little rolling bricks have carved out a square spot in many hearts.

Justin Earnhart said it was one of the only vehicles he ever regretted selling.

While Scott Schiavoni says, “Those small SUVs were legend off road. I bought one for a beater and I held on to it for years. Thing would climb like an F’N spider monkey.” 

Nothing's Gonna Stop Us

“I could parallel park in spots that everyone else wouldn’t even slow down for. I believe mine drove on top of the snow in the winter,” remembers commenter  Charlie Bravo.

We’ll Still Have Each Other   

In production under the Geo Tracker name for just shy of 10 years (1989-1997), despite low sales, the vehicle was absorbed by Chevrolet (another GM company). The Chevy Tracker debuted in 1998, and by 1999, the company made some changes—namely, a 2.0-liter engine option with a maximum output of 127 horsepower.

Perhaps that’s why some aficionados give them bonkers upgrades like V6 and V8 engines pulled from Camaros and Mustangs.

The car remained in production until 2004, when it was discontinued due to safety concerns. It wasn’t great in crash situations (head-injury risks and a propensity to tip). Yet in the comments section, memories go on and on. With the exception of a few haters, the memories are rosy-tinted variations of “I can’t believe that car could do that,” and “I wish I had one now.”

Hold You Forever

Perhaps the recollection that goes the most to explaining the car’s enduring(ish) appeal is Patrick Davies’. He remembers: “Had one in my 20’s we’d put the top down and Jam the Christmas tree in back. 2 Christmases we got our tree with our Tracker. Top down, snowing all dressed up for the cold my daughter was only 5 and talks about all the fun getting the tree and the people pointing and laughing as we cut through town. Memories made with 20.00 in my pocket, wife and daughter in the old beat up tracker going to pick up Charlie Browns Christmas tree.” 

Beater to legend, quite the little legacy. 

Motor1 has reached out to The Mad Mechanic via Facebook message and Chevrolet via email.