2004 Suzuki Vitara: Road Test
Archived Review
2004 Suzuki Vitara ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $16,299 -$21,999
- Invoice: $15,321 -$20,679
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Suzuki Vitara/Grand Vitara
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2004 Suzuki Vitara includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Suzuki Vitara from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Suzuki Vitara, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Suzuki Vitara help you decide if a 2004 Suzuki Vitara is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| 4WD Grand Vitara EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.2 |
V6 is no ball of fire, but automatic transmission is well-behaved.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD Grand Vitara EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.7 |
Test 4WD Grand Vitaras with automatic transmission averaged 17.9-20.7 mpg, slightly worse than the 4-cyl Honda CR-V but better than most larger 6-cyl 4WDs.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD Grand Vitara EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 4.1 |
Uncomfortably choppy on all but smooth surfaces regardless of model.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD Grand Vitara EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 4.3 |
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
| 4WD Grand Vitara EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 3.8 |
Noise levels from all sources relatively high. V6 is disappointingly coarse and throbby.
CONTROLS
| 4WD Grand Vitara EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 5.3 |
Adjusting low-set radio, climate controls means a long look from the road, and radio has annoyingly tiny buttons. Cabin a study in thin plastics; even leather-upholstered models have low-budget feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD Grand Vitara EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 5.5 |
Plenty of head room, adequate leg room, but hip and shoulder room tight. Reasonable step-in height. Rear visibility poor.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD Grand Vitara EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.3 |
OK head clearance but very little leg room. Seats hard and upright. Narrow rear doors impede entry.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD Grand Vitara EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.8 |
Limited even for a compact SUV. Curbside loading complicated by cargo doors that swing right instead of left.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD Grand Vitara EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 1 | 5.6 |
The 4WD versions have some useful off-road ability, but Vitara--Grand or otherwise--are distant also-rans among compact SUVs for the kind of driving most people do. Most every class rival is more pleasant, roomier, and commands higher resale value.
Total Score
| 4WD Grand Vitara EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 29 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 29
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
