2001 Suzuki Vitara: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This is Suzuki's most-popular line and its sales are dominated by the V6-powered Grand Vitara. It outsells the 4-cyl Vitara 6-1, and both are handily outsold by the Chevrolet Tracker, which shares their Suzuki-sourced body-on-frame design. The 4-cyl Vitara comes as a 2-dr convertible and 4-dr wagon. Grand Vitaras are 4-dr wagons. All offer rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Automatic transmission is optional. Seat fabrics are altered for 2001, the revised audio system has a standard CD player, and 4-cyl Vitaras wear a restyled grille. These Suzukis match corresponding Trackers in performance and accommodations.

COMPETITION

Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. Though our Best Buy Honda CR-V doesn't offer true off-road ability and has milquetoast acceleration, it does mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction.

Another car-based mini-SUV, the Subaru Forester, is our Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.

New this year are the Ford Escape and clone Mazda Tribute. We have been very impressed with early production models and may elevate these two to Best Buys after we get more seat time.