I am thinking of buying a 2002 Tracker 4 door, it has a 4 cylinder automatic 4wd with ABS, its not a ZR2 like my other but I am wondering on the performance and reliability of the 4 cylinder with 90k miles. The dealer will give me a good deal and I really like my other Tracker. Will the 4 cylinder be able to handle a lift and bigger tires? let me know your opinions. If its worth doing what I want to it I will buy it this week. Thanks

Have you had a test drive yet?  I test drove both the manual and auto versions of the 1.6L vitara (1995ish) and there is no way I would get the auto, I was amazing at how little power it had compared with the manual.  Now the 2.0L is bigger and I'm sure the transmission is much better but it may suffer the same problem.  Aside from that I love driving manuals anyway! 

Ok onto the 2.0L.  It goes alright and it certainly has no issues with every day driving however there are certainly times when a little more power would be handy, particulary when fully loaded.  It is by no means a strong performer but that has never stopped me getting places.  As someone looking to do some mod's on my car I'd also be interested to hear people who are running bigger wheels with the 4 cyl engine.

i have 31's on my 03 2.0L 2dr 5spd.  i have no complaints, it is a little more sluggish on bottom and top end but the mid range seems fine.  it was never fast or even quick be any means so i'm not bothered by the difference.  if you find it too sluggish get some lower gears.  mine has 4.62's, i'm sure 5.12's would be better but it's really not worth the time and money in my opinion.

i've got an '01 2 door 5speed with the 2.0 and 4.625 gears

personally, i think the power is just adequate in stock form, i wouldn't add larger tires if it your daily driver - not worth it.  the engine lacks low end torque, at least compared to the V8's i'm used to.  i went from the stock 205/75 to slightly larger 215/75 and that was as much of a power loss as i can deal with.  gas mileage also suffers slighlty.  if you'll use it extensively off road then that is a different story.

when the 215s wear out i'll probably go back to the stock 205s.  if you can deal with the lack of ground clearance, these little trucks do admirably off road in stock form.

i've got 83k miles on the 2.0 right now and have no problems with the engine.

I forgot to mention aircon.  With the small engine it you loose a bunch of power with aircon and as I found out recently it destroys the fuel economy.  However I don't use it much so it isn't a big issue.  But just test drive it and see if it is suitable for you.

"the engine lacks low end torque, at least compared to the V8's i'm used to"

It lacks low end torque compared to my previous car: 1983 1.8L 4 cyl Subaru. 

(I do still love my GV though)

I have an '01 with the 2.0 lt / automotive running 3/3 lift and 32's on steel wheels.
It has plenty of power even with 300,000km (185,000 miles)
As long as the servicing was done I see no problems with it, just not a big fan of abs for offroading.

I was going to give it to my wife to drive but I just dont like the look of it stock.Moderate lift and bigger tires are a must. I think I may pass, especially with the lack of power with the AC on, my wife must have AC on all summer? Anyone runs across a v6 4wd 4door let me know. Thanks

.....  gas mileage also suffers slighlty. 

Did you correct your mileage readings for the larger tyres? Multiply by "new diameter" and divide by "stock diameter".

If not, there will still be a difference, but much smaller than you thought.

IanL - I did correct for the new tire diameter.  Gas mileage is down about 3mpg and my shift points are about 5mph higher now (manual trans) with the 215/75/15 BFG AT's versus the stock 205's.  Not a big deal, but if you're not using it in any rough terrain or snow I'd think stock tires would do most people better.  The 215's do look better though!

Mine gets used for a little light four wheeling and snow driving so that's why I "upgraded".