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 wanted a Honda or Nissan, but the extra $2k or more for those or for the Grand Vitara were budget busters for me. I love the purple color I got (electric cats eye blue) and the cute and fun look; I dont drive a lot (just to work; Im efficient and green) but I got this for off-road and it is excellent for that. Ive not been off-road as much as I wanted, but thats my personal life, not the car. I think this is an excellent value, and should be considered.
has been in shop eight times for oil
leak/ manual transmission sticks in
first gear, and grinds into reverse.
interior scratches easy. no good for
anybody over six ft tall!!
I only paid $17,300 for the top of the
line Vitara. Much less than competitors.
Wife got the small car she likes and I
got a 4WD I wanted for Oregon winters.
I have a mini-van if I need lots of
room.
I have enjoyed my Vitara since I purchased new of the showroom floor. I will have to say the up keep and cost have been a little intense since 150K miles but well worth the trade off. The fuel tank wires frayed (easy fix), Alternator (new brushes 14.95), rear brake shoes (178K miles), differential fluid change (180K make sure you check if your around alot of high water) and Mobil 1 high milage synth every 3,000 miles. Still running strong. Ive change the front brakes 3x and finally went to cryo rotors with synth pads. Worst problem, A/C pump failed and a/c leaks. Other then the A/C I use maybe 1/4 qt of oil every third fill up. Not bad in my book. www.oemsuzukiparts.com
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.
The vehicle is a good mode of
transportation, but if you have
children, it is not the car for you.
The vehicles preformance is excellent,
but it is just TOO SMALL.
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.
Aging it may be....but the the "Bug"
was aging as well. Does not mean that
it cannot be a good reliable vehichle
for getting the groceries, shopping or
just knocking about for us older Babes.
It is as comfortable as any other
car/truck that I have had.
bought for my wife in jan 01.we live in
a very remote part of middle tn,at 37k
took to dealer for a bad rear main seal
replaced at no charge,had tranny
rebuilt at 60k 5 speed man,seems like
built with cheap bearing material.at
120k still going strong,good little
truck.service myself at 5k with mobile
1 syn, other t5han drivers power window
inop no prob.bought for the suzuki
moter reilabilty,powertrain layout and
affordability and more than eager in
rough terrain.good little truck,just
dont go on any long trips,you will get
very unconftable in a short time
I bought the Vitara because of the 4 wheel drive system, I need that low range. Included, is a comfortable ride, good handling, and enough cargo space for my son and I to go camping with all our gear (and drag along my boat or put the canoe on top). Reliability has been top notch and I take it places where people say "how did you get that up here". It is underpowered and consequently fuel mileage is so-so, I cant wait to get my hands on an 09 2.4L 4 cylinder - more power, more room, and better mileage (I hope).Had one since 1990 - probably always will. User Reviews:
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