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How much horsepower does a 99 Chevy Tracker have?

The 1999 Chevy Tracker’s US-spec horsepower is about 95 horsepower from the base engine. This figure is typical for the 1.6-liter inline-4 used in the early Tracker models and reflects SAE net measurements common for that era.


In context, the Tracker is a badge-engineered version of the Suzuki Vitara, sold in North America with a compact footprint and modest power that prioritized efficiency and off-road capability over blistering acceleration. Below, we detail the engine power figures and how they fit within the wider lineup of that generation.


Power specifications for the 1999 Tracker


Here are the key horsepower references for the 1999 model year and related variants. The list highlights the US-spec figure and notes the existence of higher-output options in other markets.



  • 1999 US-spec Chevy Tracker: 1.6-liter inline-4 engine delivering 95 horsepower (SAE net) with roughly 100 lb-ft of torque.

  • International and optional-engine variants: Some markets offered larger displacement engines (for example, 1.8L or 2.0L units) with higher horsepower outputs; exact numbers vary by market and tuning.


It’s important to note that horsepower figures can differ slightly depending on testing standards (SAE net versus other methods) and model-year refinements.


Context and impact on driving


Origins and badge engineering


The Chevy Tracker was introduced as a North American variant of Suzuki’s Vitara, sharing a chassis and powertrain lineage that emphasized durability and off-road capability in a compact SUV package.


What horsepower means for everyday use


With about 95 hp in the US-spec 1999 Tracker, drivers could expect adequate, if modest, on-road performance and reasonable fuel economy. The engine’s torque curve favored steady acceleration at city speeds and dependable performance for light off-road duties, which matched the vehicle’s design goals.


Additional notes on the broader Tracker/Vitara family


Across the broader Tracker and Vitara family, engine offerings varied by market, year, and emissions requirements. While the 1.6-liter engine in the US model produced around 95 hp, other regions sometimes used larger engines that produced notably more horsepower, reflecting local market demands and regulatory standards. Always check the specific vehicle’s VIN and factory documentation for the exact figure on a given car.


Summary


For the 1999 Chevy Tracker sold in the United States, horsepower sits around 95 hp from the 1.6-liter inline-4 engine, SAE net. While international variants could feature larger engines with higher output, the US-spec model’s power rating remained modest but aligned with its compact, practical design and off-road-friendly character. In the broader context, horsepower varied by market and engine choice across the Tracker/Vitara family.

What is a 1999 Chevy Tracker worth?


The value of a used 1999 Chevrolet Tracker ranges from $616 to $2,352, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.



What engine is in a 1999 Chevy Tracker?


The 1999 Chevrolet Tracker came with a standard 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine or an optional 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, which produced 127 horsepower and 134 lb-ft of torque. The base 1.6L engine was only available with a manual transmission, while the larger 2.0L engine could be paired with either a manual or an automatic transmission.
 
Engine options

  • Standard: 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder 
  • Optional: 2.0-liter double overhead cam (DOHC) 16-valve 4-cylinder 
    • Horsepower: 127 hp at 6,000 rpm 
    • Torque: 134 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm 

Transmission options
  • Manual: 5-speed
  • Automatic: 4-speed 



How many miles per gallon does a 1999 Chevy Tracker get?


The 1999 Chevy Tracker's MPG varies by model, with a common range being 20 mpg city / 23 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined for the 2-door convertible and 4-door hardtop models with 4WD. Some 4-door hardtop models with 2WD may achieve slightly higher mileage at 24 mpg city / 26 mpg highway. 
Specific MPG by model

  • 2-door Convertible (4WD): 20 mpg city / 23 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined 
  • 4-door Hardtop (4WD): 20 mpg city / 23 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined 
  • 4-door Hardtop (2WD): 24 mpg city / 26 mpg highway 

Other details
  • Combined Average: 23 MPG is often cited as an overall average. 
  • Fuel Type: The 1999 Tracker uses regular unleaded gasoline. 



Is the 1999 Chevy Tracker reliable?


As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and quality to be its strongest features and comfort to be its weakest. 235 out of 380 of owners (62% of them) rank the 1999 Tracker five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 1999 Chevrolet Tracker.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.