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.
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.
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 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.
I cant believe all the negative
reviews! Ive had mine 3 years and
other than the occasional maintance and
odd adjustments Ive really enjoyed
driving this little beauty! Same
problem with the locked Park they did a
recall. I also had a problem with the
convertable roof but with any
convertable you can expect problems. I
think overall the reliabiliy of the
vehicle comes down to with a reliable
dealership, quality of the vehicle and
how well someone looks after their
vehicle. You really have to think
about what you are buying and why. If
its a fun convertible that is great on
gas - this is the vehicle for you!!
It was a total mistake to purchase this
car. The guy told me that the top was
easy to put down and really fun with it
down. Its nearly impossible to get it
down. I hate this car. Its an
imbarresment to own and my daughter
thinks that it is pretty cool, though.
The engine is so weak and a stick
shift? Who the heck puts a stick shift
in an SUV? At least it is a 5 speed.
This is a rather tinny little car but its sharp looking particularly once you get rid of the boring wheels it comes with. This is our "summer" car, and its got that season written all over it. Absolutely fun to ride in! Ours has the small motor - not powerfull - but adequote with the stick tranny. I like working on my own vehicles; everything is accessible and in plain view! Be carefull on the highway - I suspect this thing could roll if turned very sharply. Good brakes, smooth runner. We doubt well ever get rid of it! Weve had it for three years. If you buy a newer one still under warranty, be warned, Suzuki does not honor expired warranties, even if they are just one mile over!
AVOID!!!! I bought my Vitara in June
of 01, got a "good deal", got an
extended warranty and planned on
keeping it for 7-8 years. Ive always
bought Japanese in the past and would
not consider anything else. At 56,000
miles the clutch went. The dealer
wanted $993, local mechanic needed
about $700. There are NO aftermarket
parts for this car and the dealer
parts are too expensive to be worth
the while. I traded the Vitara in for
$5000 less than I owed on it and
rolled the debt into a Dodge truck.
My $15500 Vitara was worth about $4000
just 2 1/2 years layer. Check the
blue book.....youll be amazed at the
deprciation. User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 57.00
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