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.
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.
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.
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.
Economically Sound for the single
person.
Purchased this car used in 2009 with 118K miles on it. Had a problem with a very squealy belt, replaced, still squealed. Honestly dont remember what resolved this issue. Radiator cracked at 140K for the first time. Cracked twice after (warrantied), turns out the water pump was building too much pressure, replaced water pump. O2 sensors replaced at 160K. Maybe have spent $1000 over 5 years on maintenance (excluding oil changes, brakes, filters, tires, etc., also all labor done by my loving father). Overall this car has been very reliable and required little maintenance for an older car with exponential miles. 22-26 mpg, no difference between highway/city but winter/summer.
I bought my Suzuki with 850 miles on it and after 4 years and 60,000 miles it has never disappointed me once. Not in snow, heat, short jaunts or long highway trips. The back seat is cramped, but theres tons of headroom and at 61" I always have plenty of leg room in either of the front seats. Ive had no body or engine complaints, and the interior material is incredibly durable and cleans up nicely. User Reviews:
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