2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review
Fuel Economy
17 - 18 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A mini SUV increasingly outdistanced by the competition.
Pros
Standard V6, distinctive looks, low-range transfer case on 4x4 models.
Cons
Harsh suspension, unimpressive brakes, cramped rear seats, lack of cargo space.
What's New for 2001
Standard Grand Vitaras get redesigned front and rear bumpers and a restyled grille. New interior features include a larger double-DIN AM/FM stereo with an in-dash CD player, adjustable front seat armrests, redesigned head restraints, child seat-tether hooks, and a new seat fabric. Top-of-the-line Grand Vitara Limiteds also get the improved stereo along with a tilt-and-slide power sunroof and new aluminum wheels.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
4 wheeling in A/C comfort
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I live in the Mohave Desert of Calif and do a lot of off roading on very bad, rocky, dirt roads, dry stream beds. That's what I bought it for. mpg 18 town, 23 hwy. 126k miles, run Mobil 1, replaced tires, dash temp control, tune up,brakes, in all these miles. I take this where 4x4 trucks and larger 4x4's won't go because of the limited size. Interior is leather, comfortable, seats 5, fold down rear seats for anything,paint has held up in our sun with wax but bushes have put desert pen stripes everywhere. I intend to get another used one with a tow bar installed so I can tow it behind my truck and camper.
Favorite Features
4 x 4 and turn radius, off road capabilities, snow and sand handling are great
Suggested Improvements
2 inches higher clearance
Great Choice in Vehicles
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I purchased this vehicle new in 2001 after doing a lot of research. I could be happier with my choice. I love it and have never had a real issue with this SUV. The only maintenance has been oil changes, windshield wipers and tires - it still has its original brakes, etc. It did have one minor recall issue that was fixed easily by the dealership. I have done some off-roading and felt very secure. The back end is light, but add a couple of sand bags in the winter and it does great in 4WD. It is a pleasure to drive on or off road.
Favorite Features
The comfortable ride, nice power features, and how it has sufficient cargo space with rear seats down.
Suggested Improvements
Increase the size of the driver and passenger areas some.
Great Car for the money.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I have owned this vehicle for two years and have not had any problems with it. I get between 21 and 25 miles per gallon. The engine is plenty powerfull for this car. If you want a small SUV this is a good choice. If you want a sportscar or an SUV that rides like a Caddy...this is not the car for you. I think the person that rated this car a 1.1 must have had a bad experience and should have bought a more expensive, larger car. This is a great car for the money! I have never had a car that "Held" it's value! I have had to sell each one of them at a loss or traded-it in on a new car.
Favorite Features
Manuverability (Tight turning), flexibility (It will carry a bunch of stuff), and reliability, (It has started everyday for over two years.) This car has a simple engine with plenty of power. It also has a a full size spare that can be rotated with the rest of the tires.
Suggested Improvements
It could use an opening rear glass gate. Include the luggare rack cross memebers with the base cost of the car.
Zero problems at 51k miles
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara Limited 2WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Has been an excellent Mini-ute. I have 51,000 miles on it and I have done nothing but oil changes and a new set of tires. I get 24 mpg on a trip and 18 mpg in town. Only problem is that they are made with very thin sheet metal. They dent VERY EASY but I have no rust on it at all.
Favorite Features
Easy to drive and park
Suggested Improvements
Use heavier sheet metal on the body.
Best Damn Little SUV on the Road
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Our Suzuki Grand Vatara has never had a warranty claim. Tires and brakes are the only extra maintance given to this Bullet Proof little Bulldog other than normal checks. My wife wanted a 4 door, Suv, Straight Stick sports car with a sun roof and Leather. She said, "No sidewinders please." The CV joints on her old Honda cost$750.00 replace, no more of that.
Favorite Features
Looks Good and fun to drive. We always get a smile when the big boy's don't think you can keep up at the light, surprise, surprise.
Suggested Improvements
The door sound a little tinney when closed
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