Overview & Reviews

The previous base-level Vitara JS and JX have been discontinued. The Vitara now comes only in fully equipped JLS (rear-wheel drive) and JLX (four-wheel drive) trim in either body style. Additionally, motivation for all Vitaras now comes from the 2.0-liter engine as the 1.6-liter has been dropped. Other changes for the new year include the addition of the LATCH child seat system, a new fender-mounted antenna, new donut-style headrests for better visibility and new exterior colors. Suzuki offers 24-hour emergency roadside assistance and towing for the duration of the vehicle's warranty to increase customer satisfaction.

• Available two-door soft-top body style, truck-based body-on-frame design.

• Meager cargo space, cramped rear seats, lacks refinement.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 14.00

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  whoa......boy she is trick! - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By Gadzooks its neat - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Good little truck for the money. It runs well, is good on gas, it draws compliments everywhere I go

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  SUV wannabe, well worth the title - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By Jonny Matrix - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I was very skeptical about this vehicle at first. I am a frequent traveller, and being in the military, its understandable that a vehicle with storage capacitys needed. Having had an Isuzu Rodeo with a 4 cyl engine, I experienced that the vehicle was too heavy for its engine. I also needed something with a decent fuel economy. Having have had a brand new Vitara for about a month now, and putting on 2800 miles, its proven to me more than worthy. It is definitely one good way to start in an SUV, and I should have done so sooner.

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  Nice to look at...but engine is weak! - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By BassPimpGirl - April 19 - 10:00 am

  In general, I do like my Suzuki. I selected the Suzuki over other small SUV models because it was reasonably priced and had more "bells and whistles." In this area I am not disappointed. I am very disheartened by its weak engine, though. Whenever I am using the cruise control on even the slightest of inclines, the engine struggles and does not maintain a constant speed. I did not have this problem with my 2000 Kia Sportage.

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  All-Round Duty-Bound - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By Scott Keirn - March 30 - 12:10 am

  Great little SUV in this day of outrageous gas prices. By traveling 5-10 mph under the speed limit, my scanguage tells me I average 31-32 mpg. Good little vehicle for a man or woman and fun to drive and easy to maintain.

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  My Suzuki - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By khill - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had no probelms with the car to speak of but the dealer is another thing The only wisdom I would give is if youre going to do any towing ( i tow 2 quads) I would get the V-6 My 4 cyl. is borderline for hills and such Other than that ilove it Off road it really shines not fast or alot of ground clearance but pick your route carefully and if it can clear it itll take you ANYWHERE..... KW

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  Its a running Hampster! - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By Samuari Hampster - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 2000 dak for this model as I was looking for better utility and most importantly, better reliability. I have only 100 miles on this so far, but it looks like I picked a winner. The 4 banger works best with the five speed. I test drove an auto and it was doggy but with a five speed, it really does a lot better.

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  My Third One - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By WOldaker - July 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd 4wd Suzuki I have owned. irst was a Samauri,then Side Kick. and the last one the Vitara. After owning the "dangerous" Samuari :=) I knew I would probabably never drive anther brand though would opt for more comforts. It was time for my wife to get a new vehicle so she ended up with the Vitara. My Sidekick only has 170000 miles and is not ready to go yet. My wife teaches at 2 colleges 50+ miles from each other and I wanted to have a reliable, durable and safe vehicle for her in any weather or situation. That sums up the Suzuki Vitara.

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  Go Hamsters! - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By samarui hamster - December 5 - 10:00 am

  This little guy has lots of gumption and will turn on a dime and give you nine cents worth of change. It comes pretty well equipped for the price and goes anywhere.

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  A Genuine Mini 4-Wheeler - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By Army Veteran - September 5 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle has been a pleasant surprise in comparison with the Jeep Wrangler. Unlike some competitors it has a 4WD Hi/4WD Lo transfer case, and is based on a true "truck" body. It has less than half the turning radius of a Jeep Wrangler. The rack-and-pinion steering has a more precise feel. I also got the advertised 25 mpg mileage, which is 40% better than the Jeep. The torquy 16-valve DOHC 2 liter four breathes freely at top end. Too bad Jeep doesnt make this little 4-wheeler!

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  3 to 5 days for parts - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By suzuki gone wild - July 15 - 2:43 pm

  hi there, i been driving my Vitara for 7 years now the truck just hit 200k miles and its starting to see some oil leaks on the engine and lets get to my point .... everytime something brakes i have to find a suzuki dealer for parts and it takes 3-5 days to get parts.1st thing to go was the alt and i had to get one at a autozone 3 hours away and needed it. was on a sunday and i needed to get to work on monday.road trip.the rear passanger side alxe bearings went out...the alxe almost come out!!!! the brakes failed..if you want a car that takes 3- 5 days to fix buy one