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.
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.
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.
This is a great "little SUV!" Its compact enough to fit into any compact space and its soooo fun to drive. Its a little jerky but I think thats the charm of it plus mine is manual so its extra fun and animated! I have only had it for a year, but I havent had ANY problems mechanical, electrical or otherwise. I drove across the country with it and it is still in superb condition. It has been very reliable! I am absolutely in LOVE with my Vitara, I recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants their cars to be reliable with personality (not in a bad way).
I know for a fact I was overcharged by
them after looking at the pricing on
your website. It was probably because
of my bad credit and they knew I had
not done my research on it.
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
very reliableand fun to drive. also a
great looker always getting
compliments. also great gas mileage
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.
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 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.
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. User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 57.00
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- July 26 - 10:00 am
