2003 Suzuki Vitara: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Interior revisions are the 2003 changes of note to Suzuki's Vitara and Grand Vitara SUVs. Vitara comes as a 2-dr convertible or a 4-dr wagon and only with a 4-cyl engine. The Grand Vitara is a 4-dr wagon with a V6 engine; it outsells Vitara by nearly 2-1. Gone for '03 are JLS, JLX, and Limited trim levels, replaced by simple 2WD and 4WD designations. All offer rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Automatic transmission is optional. ABS is available only on Grand Vitaras, where it's optional. A restyled dashboard and center console freshen the cabin. Chevrolet's Tracker shares this Suzuki-sourced body-on-frame design, but differs in models and features. Vitara and Grand Vitara match equivalent Trackers in performance and accommodations.

COMPETITION

Though our Best Buys, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class. CR-V has a bit more on-road refinement and cargo space.

Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.