The four-wheel-drive system is a snap to employ. A lever to the left of the manual transmission shifter allows the driver to choose rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or low-range four-wheel-drive. It's a shift-on-the-fly system with automatic locking hubs, which means drivers don't have to stop or get out of the vehicle to engage the four-wheel-drive system. The four-wheel-drive system directs power to both axles equally, as opposed to all-wheel-drive or some on-demand four-wheel-drive systems that send power to the wheels with traction. A two-speed transfer case provides a four-wheel-drive low-range setting for driving through deep mud or snow or traversing steep inclines.

The 2000 Tracker represents the second generation of GM's mini-utility program. The first Tracker was a popular Geo model that went away in 1998, smarting from the newer competition from the RAV4 and CR-V.

General Motors ditched the Geo nameplate, but the Tracker didn't go away. Instead, Chevrolet worked with Suzuki on an updated mini-utility. The result is a more upmarket mini-utility. The current Tracker is tighter, more refined and a much better equipped vehicle than before.

Tracker sits on a new ladder-frame chassis designed by Suzuki that is much stiffer than the previous generation. Ladder frames are considered better for off-road use than unit-body chassis. (Toyota's RAV4, Honda's CR-V and most cars employ unit-body chassis.) Tracker shares its truck-based chassis with the new Suzuki Vitara and Grand Vitara.

As if to reinforce its intent, Chevy's Tracker is distinguished with unique styling cues that give it a more rugged appearance than the other mini-utilities. The Chevy design looks a little cleaner than the Suzuki version.

It may look like a truck from the outside, but the Tracker feels like a car from the inside. Front seats put driver and passenger high behind the wheel with plenty of headroom, although the seats are a bit narrow and spongy for truly good support.

The view from the driver's seat is great. The nose of the Tracker slopes away for good road visibility, and the narrow roof pillars allow panoramic vision. The spare tire is set low enough on the back door to see out the rear, though the rear head rests can block vision when they are in place.

Instruments are clear and switches operate with the click-click finesse of Toyota and Honda switches. The same goes for the Tracker's five-speed shifter, a smooth piece that combines with a light clutch for superior on-road driveability. If it weren't for the tiny little buttons on the radio, the Tracker's dash would be an unqualified success.

The optional air conditioning system automatically activates whenever the windshield defroster is turned on, which provides dry air for quicker defogging action. On four-door models, the system comes with a replaceable pollen filter that removes allergens and dust from the passenger compartment.

Storage is rarely a problem. With all the armrests, cupholders, door pockets, and netting throughout the Tracker, there's a place for everything so you can keep everything in its place. Flipping the rear seats down provides a large cargo area capable of holding a big dog cage.

Fabrics, plastics and materials are first-rate. They don't shout economy like the vinyl of past Trackers, and the dark gray provides a lighter ambiance. The doors thunk firmly in place, and the seams inside are small and unnoticeable. Of all the changes Chevy has made to the Tracker, the upgraded fit and finish is the most convincing and thorough.

The Tracker automatically turns on the headlights and all exterior lights when it detects darkness. In broad daylight, it runs the headlights at reduced intensity and turns off the taillights.

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