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Cute. Inexpensive. High mileage. Top-down freedom.

That`s the Geo Tracker convertible.

Tiny.

That`s also the Geo Tracker convertible.

Doesn`t this all sound familiar?

The difference between the two-door Chevy Geo Tracker utility vehicle wetested and the Chevy Geo Metro convertible is the Tracker is shaped like abox, the Metro like a balloon.

Tiny? The Tracker two-door is even smaller than the Geo Metro. If theMetro is a couch, the Tracker is a love seat. Wheelbase is 86.6 inches, length142.5 inches.

The Tracker seats four if you get the optional rear bench and if thefolks who lose the flip and are positioned in back are members in goodstanding of Weight Watchers.

The top removes through a combination of zippers, clips, fasteners andVelcro. The beauty of open-top motoring in the Tracker is you at least don`thear the vinyl top and plastic windows rustling in the wind.

Tracker is powered by a 1.6-liter, 80-horsepower four cylinder withsufficient pep to get you going. The standard five-speed manual is rathersmooth. The EPA rating is 25 m.p.g. city/27 highway with manual, 23/24 withautomatic.

Mileage should be your primary consideration in this vehicle-certainlynot speed. It`s not that the 1.6-liter four can`t move, it`s that thesuspension is wobbly enough you really don`t want to move too quickly,especially in sharp corners or turns.

Stability in the wind?

If you simply have to have a Tracker, better you opt for the new four-door to get some increased size and weight and handling stability. Ofcourse, it would be best if you simply got a Blazer or Explorer.

Base price is $10,885. Among the options on our test vehicle were airconditioning and AM-FM stereo with digital clock in a $997 package, floor matsfor $28, a trailering package with wiring and hitch for $109 and powersteering for $275. The vehicle stickered for $12,433.

Changes for 1992 include the availability of automatic transmission ontwo-wheel drive models and tilt steering on all models.