2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
An aging compact SUV increasingly outdistanced by the competition.
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
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.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Bad in snow - should be 4 wheel standard
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara Rwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Nice car internally and externally. Bad in snow and rain.
Favorite Features
Auto heating and cooling, wheel audio control. Nice line and shape .
Suggested Improvements
To have it 4 wheel standard! Better tires I guess too.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
The Best New Vehicle I've Ever Owned!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I purchased my Geand Vitara new with 61 miles on it. I had to order from a place 45 miles away. I have had a great time in it. My 6 and 3 year olds have had lots of fun with us on the long trips from Norfolk, VA to Anniston, AL. We all were very comfortable the whole trip. If bad weather hit and we had to get out in it i just put it in 4x4 and had at it. I will never regret this purchase even if new cars depreciate quickly the moment that they are driven off the lot. I really love this truck. My family does too!
Favorite Features
It's got to be the 4x4 option! Any bad weather from deep snow to just lots and lots of rain, we never felt uncomfortable nor unsafe!
Suggested Improvements
It could have more add ons like a money machine or a sock dispencer would add something that i could use. "A little humer here"
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
love My Uki
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Ok, I went out on bought this on my own and I could not be prouder... I love it... It is roomy and comfortable... with all rows of seats up there is not much cargo room, but then who travels with 6 pasengers.... The only fault I have found is that is eats gas like I do MacDonalds french fries... and on the highway it is somewhat noisy, however for the past 7 years I have driven a Honda Acord EX...so the comparisson is probably not fair... It makes me feel young and sporty...didn't really need the 4 wheel drive...but now I have no excuse not to visit the kids in Utah and Idaho in the winter.... I love the 6 CD changer...and the interior is great... Ilove the fact that the rear door swings out.
Favorite Features
Love the exterior, the 6 CD changer, the interior...how roomy it is...how easy it handles even though I had never driven an SUV.
Suggested Improvements
Better gas mileage.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Fun to Drive!!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I have only had my Grand Vitara for about 2 months. This is the 1st SUV for me to drive, and I love it, Its roomy and I just enought space for my son, but not to much like it would have been if I had gotten something bigger. The only thing I really do not like about it is the gas milage I have to get gas like 2 to 3 times a week and I do not go out of town.
Favorite Features
My fav feature is the radio buttons on side of steering wheel and the temp control setting. I can put it where i want.
Suggested Improvements
Only improvement I would do was really my fault the gas milage is bad, but I should not have gotten the 4 wh dr, but my husband wanted it.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Value and then some
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I have owned my Grand Vit since Aug.2003. Bought it new w/only 60 (demo) miles on it. I don't drive much ( that's why the LOW mileage after over 18 months. I live in Syracuse, NY. We get lots of crappy weather including SNOW (measured in feet) during the winter months. One of the 'standard' features for this model is elect/defrost for the power mirrors. It also has electronic climate control for heat/AC and a Clarion sound system w/ subwoofer right under the driver's seat. I think those clipboard toting snobs at JD Power are being way too techy/harsh. This is an EXCELLENT VALUE for anyone wanting an SUV (4WD capable) with quite a few creature comforts- not a LEXUS but u can buy 2 Suzukis
Favorite Features
Versatility. It's a full fledged SUV... but it's smaller than Hyundai or VW model. easier to park in small places. As I said before, many amenities for creature comfort- just not 'headlight wipers' ,etc. Suzuki XL7 is more refined, but costs 2-3K more. Whatever your preference. I think G.Vit is fine
Suggested Improvements
Like others- I think more legroom for rear passengers would be nice. Power/ acceleration is fine. More aggressive tires than the Bridgestones which came on it would help. This unit has a very short wheelbase which makes for a somewhat rough ride on some roads. Again, it's not a luxury car..but 4WD
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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