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 love my Vitara, I was set on getting
a 4WD after last winter and being stuck
in the house. I shopped around for the
best value, with the features I wanted
and the price I wanted to pay. I did
over 3 months of looking before
deciding on the Vitara. I LOVE IT!!!!!
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.
Great little truck for the price! Ive
had mine for five years, and it runs
great. Just follow the maintenance in
the owners manual. I have the model
with the manual 5-speed transmission,
and the 2.0 motor. Have carried
everything from bowling balls to kayaks
and my spouse, 64. Only negative is
some of the plastic pieces in the
interior broke, but not a biggie. Good
for long road trips. Convertible top
easy to use.
This is my mid-life fun car - although
Im a good 20 years past midlife (61). Great for
toodling around town, to the beach and
commuting. Seems like the gas mileage
should be a little better, but I get 26 on the
road and 24 around town. Had no use for the
tiny back seat so i took it out - now I have a
mini truck/convertible/sportscar.
I owned this vehicle for 19 months. I
was at the service department 6 times
during this short time period. The
first time for an electrical problem
that wouldnt allow the vehicle to
shift out of park. This went in "3"
times before they got it right. (I
demanded they contact the Suzuki Tech
Rep). Then it went in for a front axle
shaft, then it went in for an engine
seal. Its been in for defective
windshield wiper switch, engine tapping
of which the dealership said to change
the oil and wait for two changes with
anything but a "Fram" oil filter. Then
they were going to try adjusting the
valves ON MY DOLLAR!!!! When I made
the complaint during the warranty
period.
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!
This little thing is so fun to drive.
It can really maneuver well. The small
size and the V6 really make this
quicker than the numbers indicate.
My Suzuki Vitara has been wonderful. It handles easily, is truly economical to drive, and doesnt embarrass the kids. Too bad Suzuki discontinued the model, or Id be trading it in for a newer one. It also has a pretty decent sound system in it, which I found to be a plus as soon as I started taking longer road trips. It even has nice safety features.
I bought my Vitara after a couple of
bad winters here, was set on a 4WD, but
had a very limited budget, this was the
only SUV i could find in my price range
that i liked, with a dealer willing to
work with me. I can now go where I want
when I want no matter the weather. It
is alot of fun to drive in the snow. I
know when it is time for another
vehicle I will buy another one if I can.
Economically Sound for the single
person. User Reviews:
Showing 41 through 50 of 57.00
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