2003 Suzuki Vitara: Road Test
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2003 Suzuki Vitara ▼
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- MSRP: $15,599 -$20,799
- Invoice: $14,975 -$19,155
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Our road test for the 2003 Suzuki Vitara includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Suzuki Vitara from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Suzuki Vitara, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Suzuki Vitara help you decide if a 2003 Suzuki Vitara is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Vitara 4WD, auto. | Grand Vitara 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3.7 |
Four-cyl Vitaras are pokey even with manual transmission. V6 is a welcome improvement on the base engine, but fails to provide more than adequate go.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Vitara 4WD, auto. | Grand Vitara 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4.8 |
Grand Vitara 4WDs with Automatic have averaged 17.9-20.7 mpg in our tests, slightly worse than the 4-cyl Honda CR-V but better than most larger 6-cyl 4WDs. Test 4WD 4-cyl convertible averaged 20.2 mpg with manual.
RIDE QUALITY
| Vitara 4WD, auto. | Grand Vitara 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4.1 |
Uncomfortably choppy on all but smooth surfaces regardless of model, though wagons slightly better than the shorter-wheelbase convertibles.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Vitara 4WD, auto. | Grand Vitara 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4 |
Dull steering, modest grip, and marked body lean in hard cornering, mediocre crosswind resistance. Hard stops induce marked nosedive and some rear-wheel locking even with ABS. Suzuki's 4WD is less-convenient than rival systems on-road, somewhat more capable off-road.
QUIETNESS
| Vitara 4WD, auto. | Grand Vitara 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.5 |
Noise levels from all sources relatively high. Grand models' V6 is disappointingly coarse and throbby, but more refined than Vitara's 4-cyl.
CONTROLS
| Vitara 4WD, auto. | Grand Vitara 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.2 |
Generally clear and handy. Interior decor looks low-budget. We have not yet driven a model with the restyled interior.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Vitara 4WD, auto. | Grand Vitara 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.3 |
Plenty of head room, adequate leg room, but hip and shoulder room tight. Reasonable step-in height for the class. Rear visibility poor, especially top-up in convertibles.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Vitara 4WD, auto. | Grand Vitara 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
OK head clearance but very little leg room--perhaps Vitara's worst feature. Narrow rear doors impede access on wagons; convertible entry/exit plain awkward. Back seats hard and upright in all models.
CARGO ROOM
| Vitara 4WD, auto. | Grand Vitara 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Limited even for compact SUVs. Curbside loading complicated in both body types by cargo doors that swing right instead of left. Convertible's roof is a complex chore to raise or lower.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Vitara 4WD, auto. | Grand Vitara 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 5.7 |
No standout in any way in any form. Low-range 4WD is a plus off-road, but few buyers need it. Any of our Also Consider choices offers superior refinement, room, comfort, and all-around performance.
Total Score
| Vitara 4WD, auto. | Grand Vitara 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | 30 | 47.1 |
Total Score: 30
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