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 just bought this car about 2 months ago. I got a great price for it and it only had 49000 k. The gas mileage is amazing! (coming from an 89 oldsmobile). It is so much fun to drive! The manual transmission is just fun alone but zipping around in this car makes it better! I love to just open the sunroof and unzip the back window. Sits like a truck but drives sporty.
So far, this small SUV has been very enjoyable to drive. The vehicle handles well and it accelerates into traffic very well, though it does seem to lack power going uphill. Overall, I am very satisfied with my new SUV. Excellent value for the money.
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
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.
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 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 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.
I bought this car used with 82,000 on
it. So far Ive had it a week, and am
in love with it. I havent tried to
take the top off yet, looks a little
complicated, but only time will tell.
I like how it handles and the fuel
efficiency. I was suprised at how
roomy this little car is. My biggest
friend fits (65") and people have more
room in the back than in a jeep, not to
mention it handles better. Im very
happy with my purchse and would
recomend this mini suv to anyone. I
have a samurai and really had fun with
it...but needed something that could go
freeway speeds. Its a little mountain
goat in 4wd!
I like my vitara very much and feel very safe driving it. It handles excellent in the snow and I have never had a problem with it when windy out.Its been very reliable and I have had it since it was new and I still love it. I would say to anyone looking to buy one that you really cant go wrong with this Vitara 2001. I have had mine 8 years now and its still going strong.I can understand why you dont see too many people selling them. Once you have one its hard to part with it.
This is a graet way to get this car for thousands cheeper, just get the 4 cyl. I got it loaded for 16000 and its tight
Very reliable most of all Its big in a small way I hope you enjoy it We do We have bought a few suzuki products over the years and the value and reliability is what you com to expect from any japanese car compay with out the heavy
price tag !!! User Reviews:
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