Overview & Reviews
By the late 1990s, the major Japanese automakers had established a new design direction for compact SUVs by introducing models with car-based platforms for enhanced comfort and efficiency. However, Suzuki had been in the cute-ute business longer than almost anyone, and when the time came to replace its long-running Sidekick, Suzuki stuck to its traditions for the then-new Vitara.
Essentially, the Suzuki Vitara was born with the roots of a truck. Instead of adapting new, lighter unibody construction, the Suzuki maintained a rugged body-on-frame design. Every Vitara rode on a solid-rear-axle suspension and came with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Thanks to 8 inches of ground clearance, 4WD models possessed better-than-average off-road ability. An available two-door convertible body style also made it possible to equip a Vitara as a fun-in-the-sun runabout, and responsive steering made it enjoyable on any surface.
Still, the Suzuki Vitara had too many detriments weighing it down in real-world driving. Slow acceleration was a problem with either of the small four-cylinder engines, and a hard-to-shift manual transmission didn't help. The low-tech suspension could never absorb bumps very well, the rear seat was cramped (space was identical in both body styles) and cargo capacity was a modest 45 cubic feet even on the four-door. Finally, the interior looked dated even when new, and some of its controls weren't user-friendly.
Suzuki raised the Vitara's standards in power and features over time, but at both the beginning and end, we'd still say Honda, Toyota and Subaru had better SUVs for the street, while Nissan and Jeep had better off-roaders.
Most Recent Suzuki Vitara While the upscale Grand Vitara lived to see another generation, the regular Suzuki Vitara led one lifetime spanning from 1999-2004. Body styles included a four-door hardtop and a two-door convertible soft top that was shorter than the four-door by 11 inches in both length and wheelbase. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 97 horsepower was the base engine on two-doors; a 2.0-liter version with 127 hp was optional on the two-door and standard with the four-door. Both engines came with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, with shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive optional with any combination. The Vitara's initial trim lines were JS (2WD) and JX (4WD), though by its second year that expanded with the JLS and JLX, which became the only models with power windows, power locks, air-conditioning, and on the four-door, cruise control. Among two-door Vitaras, the JLS and JLX were also significant for having the more tolerable 2.0-liter engine. Many details changed over the years. Along with the trim line changes for 2000, the two-door Vitara earned standard air-conditioning. For model-year 2001 came a new grille, seat fabric and an easier-to-use stereo. In 2002, the JS and JX got dropped completely and took their 1.6-liter engine with them, trimming the Vitara line down to JLS 2WD and JLX 4WD models. All trim lines vanished for 2003, and only the four-door model made it to the Vitara's final year in 2004, when a 165-hp 2.5-liter V6 became the new engine. If you feel compelled to buy a Suzuki Vitara, later is better: The improved content and ergonomics of more recent models make for a more appealing SUV. Regardless of year, try sticking to models with at least the 2.0-liter engine, whose 127 hp is just enough.
I am very pleased with the quality and
thoughfulness of the construction of my
Suzuki Grand Vitara. I dont agree
with Edmonds that it is underpowered.
I find the power to be adequate for my
needs. I am also pleased at the number
of features that are standard in the
Suzuki that other makes charge for. I
recently went on a long weekend road
trip and found the Grand Vitara
handled and drove quite well.
The "suggest a style" menu does not
include the EX models, of which mine is.
it is very fun to drive and it can go off roading a lot better then most people would think. i dont like the looks too much. but after i started driving it i fell in love
Good little truck for the money. It
runs well, is good on gas, it draws
compliments everywhere I go
Has average power, and below average,
cargo space.But this is a real city
warior, it`s small size is perfect for
negotiating heavy trafic and tight
parking lots. It`s true 4WD gives you
confidence off the pavment as
well.This is a great SUV for singles or
small families that want a go anywere
vehicle.
Ive purchased a used 2001 Grand Vitara
JLX with ABS and alloy wheels.
Ive love the styling and handling of
the vehicle. It has a 155 V6 engine
thats very quiet.
Since Im not 6 tall, theres no
complaints coming from me concerning
head and leg room. Its very
comfortable for the driver as well as
passengers.
Theres only one problem...Ive noticed
that during the cold days, the airbag
light will stay on when you start the
engine. It eventually goes away with
the car is warmed up but after you
restart it.
As Im writing this, the SUV is in the
dealership because its still under
warranty to fix this problem.
I bought this car used, and rolled it over 100,000 miles. Currently, its 115,500 miles, and its still going strong. Ive had to replace the computer system, but thats the only major maintenance its needed. I dont service it as often as I should, but its a very forgiving vehicle.
I purchases a nearly new 2001 Vitara a
couple months ago. I really love it.
Its my first 4 wheel drive but we
looked at several before purchasing
(including the Liberty and the RAV4).
I enjoy driving it and it works great
on the snow in 4 wheel drive!
I would recommend it to others who are
looking for a decent priced 4 wheel
drive SUV.
I traded a minivan for my Suzuki Vitara
and I couldnt be happier. It performs
perfectly, I LOVE the gas mileage. I
like the way it handles driving around
town especially.
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.
Everything in this SUV is doing its job
pretty well. The price is relatively
cheaper. Easy to control. Beautiful
exterier. User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 57.00
By vintagerodder
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