1999-2005 Suzuki Vitara: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Replacing the previous Sidekick, Suzuki's new compact Vitara sport-utility vehicle came in four-door wagon form with a four-cylinder engine, and as a two-door convertible on a shorter wheelbase. Suzuki also introduced a Grand Vitara wagon with a six-cylinder engine and beefed-up body, as well as additional standard features. Built on the same wheelbase as the Sidekick, the Vitara had a slightly longer body, more interior space, and fresh styling. All versions came with either rear-drive or four-wheel drive. With 4WD, the model designations added an "X." The 4WD system included low-range gearing and could be shifted "on the fly" between 2WD and 4WD-High, but was not intended for use on dry pavement. Rivals included the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4. Chevrolet offered a closely related Tracker, built by Suzuki from the same design as the Vitara, but with no V6 engine choice and no equivalent to the Grand Vitara. Grand Vitaras actually went on sale first, with a 155-horsepower 2.5-liter V6. Choices included the JS and JS Plus with two-wheel drive, and JLX and JLX Plus with 4WD. "Plus" versions included alloy wheels and antilock braking (which was not available on other models). Vitara convertibles had a folding soft top over the rear seats. JS and JX two-doors used a 97-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, while JLS and JLX two-doors, and all wagons, got a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that made 127 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, with four-speed automatic optional.