2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Standard V6, distinctive looks, impressive list of standard features, low-range transfer case with the 4WD option.
Cons
- Harsh suspension, unimpressive brakes, cramped rear seats, lack of cargo space.
What’s new
For 2003, Suzuki has updated the dashboard and console for a higher quality look. Other additions this year include aluminum wheels, a seven-speaker stereo system with a CD player, adjustable center armrest with CD storage, an overhead console with reading lamps and storage compartments and a smaller rear headrest design for better reward visibility. Also of note: the Limited model has been dropped this year and last year's JLS and JLX models have been merged, leaving only one trim level for 2003.
Edmunds says
An aging compact SUV increasingly outdistanced by the competition.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara Rwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$229/mo for Grand Vitara Base
Grand Vitara Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
5 star(48%)
4 star(37%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(3%)
35 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
Fun car to drive for light offroading!
Jeff, 12/09/2008
2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
I've had this car for 3 years and so far it's been very reliable. The only problem I've had is brakes that shimmy. This car is a bit bumpy but the stiff suspension helps out when offroading.(needs more clearance though) My biggest complaint is the cheap plastic side panels. I've made several repairs on them already and the Nevada sun is causing the paint to peel. If your thinking of … buying one go for it as long as you don't mind the side panels falling off ocasionally.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Best Small SUV for the Money
Jeff Mertz, 09/13/2002
2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
I'd buy another one in a heart beat. I
get 24mpg city and 28mpg highway
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great SUV, great looks , good power!
vago621, 04/08/2002
2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
I've owned this SUV for a month now and
I absolutely love it. I like the way it
looks and how people stare at it when
im driving by! i owned a 4 cylinder car
before, but when I drove the Grand
Vitara What a difference! I look
forward to driving it everyday. i do
highway 5 days a week and it has nice
passing power.I would recomend it to
everybody.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Alan, 01/29/2005
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
I looked at the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4, but I felt that the design and build quality of the Suzuki Grand Vitara were far superior. This vehicle is driven mainly on interstates across the Northeast and it has never let me down. With the V6 engine and a 5-speed transmission, it's a blast to drive. Its fuel economy has been approximately 24 mpg highway, which is outstanding for a V6.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara, so we've included reviews for other years of the Grand Vitara since its last redesign.
2003 Grand Vitara Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,599 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $229/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 23.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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