2000 Suzuki Vitara: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A new top-line model is the primary change for 2000 to Suzuki's compact sport-utility vehicle. Regular Vitaras have 4-cylinder engines and come as 4-door wagons or as 2-door convertibles. The convertibles have a shorter wheelbase than the wagons and put a folding soft top over their rear seats. Grand Vitaras are V6 wagons with beefed-up body addenda and extra standard features; they outsell regular Vitaras at least 3-1. Both body styles use body-on-frame construction. Chevrolet Trackers share Vitara's basic design and are built by Suzuki. Convertibles come in JS and JX trim with 97 horsepower. JLS and JLX convertibles and all Vitara wagons have 127 hp. Grand Vitaras have 155 hp. This year's new top-line Grand Vitara Limited comes with exclusive leather upholstery, deep-tint glass, and fog lights. All models offer rear- or part-time 4-wheel drive; the latter, denoted by "X" in the model name, includes low-range gearing but is not for use on dry pavement. Antilock brakes are standard on the Grand Vitara JLS Plus, JLX Plus, and Limited, but are unavailable on other models.

COMPETITION

Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. The two current Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Though they don't offer true off-road ability, they mix the best ride, cargo, and comfort characteristics with all-weather traction.
Toyota's RAV4 , which used to be a Best Buy, falls to Recommended based on its noisy engine and cramped rear seating area. Toyota hopes that will change when an all-new RAV arrives in 2001.
As immovable as Mt. Rushmore, the Jeep Wrangler continues as our Budget Buy in this segment. Though it has become a status symbol of late, it's most at home crawling over rocks and fording river beds.