2000 Suzuki Vitara Consumer Discussions

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

• Re: [budman3]

  Written by: norwoodsmn on Mar 15, 2009 4:17:21 PM

  We tell it like it is, eh Bud? I have to agree I'm H-happy too, but with a soft roader now there's that one mud bog on the way to my fave norwoods trout lake which may be a bit tough to traverse sometimes in the awd CR-V. Alternatively, it's that go anywhere ability which has been and shall remain at the heart of the "deeper than skin deep beauty" of ... Read More

Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 and earlier)

• Re: Lifespan of 2000 suzuki grand vitara??? [nursesrangels]

  Written by: cob on Oct 8, 2008 6:31:07 PM

  With regular maintainence it should last for 200,000 miles. In the mean time save $200 a month so when it dies you can pay cash for the next vehicle and you will avoid payments.

• Lifespan of 2000 suzuki grand vitara???

  Written by: nursesrangels on Oct 2, 2008 11:37:32 AM

  Hello All!! I am in search of genuine help with the above query. I own a 2000 GV that has not given me any major issues. I have just passed the 112K mark with "Nelly", and I am getting concerned about how much time I may have before I need to have a car payment again??? I've been given mixed advice which does not lend itself to helping me make an ... Read More

Suzuki Vitara Maintenance and Repair

• 2000 suzuki vitara oil change

  Written by: chriscameron on Aug 24, 2008 9:44:51 AM

  Wal-Mart broke off my dipstick when they changed the oil last and didnt let me know...I changed my own oil today and couldnt tell from the manual how much oil to use - it looks like 4.4 quarts. HERE'S the question: I have a 2000 Vitara 2.0 stick-shift, 4x4, soft top, 2-door with broken dipstick...How many quarts of oil do I use, and do I use one less iff putting SLICK ... Read More

• 2000 suzuki vitara issues

  Written by: tklovell on Nov 5, 2007 5:55:46 PM

  I have a 2000 Suzuki Vitara that has developed two strange problems. 1st is it will not go into reverse. The second is electrical. The car sat for a while but when I tried to start it nothing happened. I changed the battery and still nothing, not even dash board lights or brake lights.Any advice?

Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 and earlier)

• Re: Is the 2000 Susuki ok in 2007? [mrsrony]

  Written by: mhkkcf4 on Apr 17, 2007 11:25:13 AM

  I purchased my 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara for $2500!!! It had sorta high miles (109K) when I got it but I have had it for over a year now and it is the best vehicle I have ever owned! I have heard good things about the Jeep Liberty's as well...but wanted to give you my personal experienced opinion. My Grand Vitara does not do well on wet or snow covered roads ... Read More

• Is the 2000 Susuki ok in 2007?

  Written by: mrsrony on Mar 24, 2007 8:41:46 PM

  We are looking at a 2000 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA with about 65k miles asking $9k. It seems like there was alot of problems with that year yet the others rate really well. We are torn between it and a 2002 Jeep Liberty with 90k miles for the same price. The price alone makes me think there is a problem. Any advice? Thanks for your thoughts. :)

Suzuki Vitara/Grand Vitara: MPG - Real World Numbers

• Re: Suzuki Vitara/Grand Vitara: MPG - Real World Numbers [tidester]

  Written by: bm000092 on Jan 1, 2007 9:00:33 AM

  Ok, I'll put the numbers for different situations. When I'm writing mpg, I converted my numbers into US gallon, my GV has now over 10 000 miles. Usually I'm doing around 24.8 mpg (mix driving, around 50/50). On highway only, cruising at 65/70 mph, I'm doing 31 mpg. With a trailer tent of 2000 pounds, mostly highway, cruising at 65/70 mph, I'm doing 21.8 mpg In winter temperatures, I'm averaging 21.7 ... Read More

Suzuki Vitara Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2000 Suzuki Vitara 5spd [banker843]

  Written by: old911guy on Jul 27, 2006 8:40:25 PM

  Actually, I did. Dealer was no help, just wanted me to bring it in so they could puzzle over it at $65.00 per hour. I removed the normal/power switch and the light went out. It also felt like the transmission was in normal mode. So I ordered a replacement switch (almost $30.00!) and after a week it arrived. Suzuki car parts service sucks! I installed the switch and everything is working ... Read More

• Re: 2000 Suzuki Vitara 5spd [2thdoc1]

  Written by: banker843 on Jul 25, 2006 4:57:56 PM

  Evening 2thdoc1...did you ever discover & repair your Suzuki? I'm curious as I know have the same problem & my mechanic has not idea what the problem is & our local Suzuki dealership doesn't seem to be much help either. Can you provide any assistance as to the cause & solution of the problem. Thanks!!

Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 and earlier)

• 2000 Grand Vitara not running

  Written by: kkru on May 12, 2006 5:40:23 PM

  I have a 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara that is only running on four cylinders. The number 3 & 6 are not running. Took it to a local shop and they indicated that there is very little compression on the 3 & 6 cylinder. They suggested having the entire engine rebuilt or replaced. The dealership is asking for 5K to replace the engine. Anyone have similar problems or have suggestions on how ... Read More

Suzuki Vitara Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2000 Suzuki Vitara 5spd [2thdoc1]

  Written by: bgd5412 on Apr 11, 2006 8:24:23 AM

  Ditto what Woody72 said. Look for another mechanic.

• Re: 2000 Suzuki Vitara 5spd [2thdoc1]

  Written by: woody72 on Apr 2, 2006 10:02:45 PM

  I would recommend another mechanic's opinion as these motors have hydraulic valve lifters and need no adjusting.

• 2000 Suzuki Vitara 5spd

  Written by: 2thdoc1 on Mar 31, 2006 1:14:40 PM

  My Suzuki has about 25k miles. I use it only in summer for boat trailering/fishing.I had the valves adjusted at a local dealership. After returning home, I noticed that the 4x4 lite would not go on when shifted into 4wd. Also, the vehicle would no longer engage the front wheels. I returned to dealer and was told it clould cost about $1k to fix problem. Anybody got any ideas as to ... Read More

Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 and earlier)

• 2000 Suzuki Escudo

  Written by: bettyboop1 on Mar 31, 2006 8:56:20 AM

  I live in Bermuda and most of the cars are imported from Europe. I purchased a 2000 Suzuki Escudo which I have been advised is the same or similar to a 2000 Grand Vitara. I want to customize my car and it is very difficult to find kits :( , etc here on the island. Can anyone direct me to a someone who can help me locate the accessories I that ... Read More

• GV Timing Chain Noises

  Written by: doc11 on Jan 3, 2006 9:47:33 PM

  Hi Everyone, I have just successfully stopped the dreaded GV Timing Chain Rattle on my 2000 Grand Vitara and would like to thank Ray (bisray) for his post as it made my job a little easier. As I tried to find a manual with no luck (probably like everyone else out there) the tip about the Impossible to remove Harmonic Balancer Bolt was handy as I could see how you would ... Read More

• Squeaking Noise

  Written by: mick9772 on Nov 2, 2005 7:01:57 AM

  To bonehead1 about friend's car squeak, Is your friend's car actually making a squealing noise intermittently? My 2000 Grand Vitara started doing that in March 2005. After 2 months it started getting worse. I finally figured out the noise was happening when something stopped spinning off the serpentine belt. Goodyear thought it was the serpentine, changed it and the noise got worse. It was the air compressor trying to freeze up. ... Read More

Suzuki Vitara Maintenance and Repair

• 1989 suzuki vitara worked

  Written by: beno_jx on Aug 23, 2005 3:59:13 AM

  hey all... im 16 and i have a 89 model vitara soft top and ive had some engine work done...ive had my block and head decked, a 25 65 cam put in, a holley and a new cold air induction...my car is punchin out a compression ratio of about 9:1(new standrd wrx's are 10:1)...im installing a new 2 1/4 inch exhaust with a 3 inch tip and im in the middle ... Read More

Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 and earlier)

• grand vitara year 2000 left hand drive

  Written by: pepstepper on Jul 30, 2005 11:50:36 AM

  Help please for a new Suzuki GV owner. I need to remove the Pioneer dvd/radio as some bright spark has connected Left to Right and Right to Left on both stereo channels. How do I get the Pioneer out of there, it wont budge? Also, where can I find the Paint Codes for the vehicle which is Black and silver? Anticipating your help and thanking you in advance. If you kow ... Read More

Suzuki Vitara Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 2000 Suzuki Vitara not good in a crash! [stacyann2002]

  Written by: pnurplec on Jul 14, 2005 9:05:15 PM

  I have a 2001 suzuki grand vitara and last dec i also rear ended a mini van going about 40 mph. My airbag did not deploy either but the front of my car was badly damaged. The transmission and AC were destroyed and the engine moved forward '3 inches' and it took nearly 2 months to get my car back from the body shop bc 'suzuki parts are hard to get'. ... Read More

Chevy Tracker

• A/C Problem

  Written by: zeke1312 on Mar 9, 2005 12:25:37 PM

  Regarding the A/C condenser problem, I experienced the issue after my 2000 Suzuki Vitara had about 15k on it. The typical bend fins in a circular pattern became the issue. I also noticed a slight increase in fan noise at idle. The temp guage was also slightly elevated. Suzuki replaced at no charge. Looking at the condenser once out of the vehicle, the bent fins were obvious. Also there was no ... Read More

Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 and earlier)

• 2000 Grand Vitara Limited 4x4

  Written by: tallman30 on Oct 11, 2004 11:53:30 AM

  I own a GV Limited 4x4 with the 2.5ltr DOHC engine. I had no problems out of it until 75000 miles. The rear main seal went out ($500) and now at 78000 the oil pump quit. The dealership to which I had it towed said that this was a common problem. They want $1300 to replace the pump, but I'm sure that the engine sustained damage as there is a lot ... Read More

Suzuki Vitara Maintenance and Repair

• Suzuki Door Handle Problem

  Written by: zeke1312 on Jul 24, 2004 8:54:37 AM

  Recently my 2000 Vitara interior door handle assemblies broke. The result was although I couls still open the door, the plate directly behind the handle was loose, allowing the handle assembly pull away from the door when the handle was pulled. I resolved the problem by drilling a small hole in the upper right corner of the plastic plate just behind the door handle. Continue to drill the hole through the ... Read More

Chevy Tracker

• Just Bought a 2000 Tracker 4WD 4dr

  Written by: axel_rose on Apr 27, 2004 10:34:56 PM

  This is my second Tracker...my first was a 1993 2dr soft top with 4wd. I bought it for $7995 in 1996 with 60,000 on it. The 2000 I bought tonight is a 4dr, 4wd, 2.0 with 32,000 on it. I paid just over 8k for it. Refinement wise it has come along way since the '93. I cannot get over how quiet it is inside and how smooth it idles. It ... Read More

Suzuki Vitara Maintenance and Repair

• Timing Chain Tensioner replacement

  Written by: tensioner on May 22, 2003 10:55:12 AM

  My 2000 Grand Vitara 6cyl needs the timing chain tensioner replaced for the second time ($1,072). This is what causes loud clicking engine noise. The first went at 39,000 and was covered by Warranty, and now again at 58,000. Has this been common? Should Suzuki be covering this repair? Any advice is appreciated.

• Condenser Problem

  Written by: zeke1312 on Dec 3, 2003 9:03:36 PM

  It has been several months since I posted my experiences with the condenser fin issue. After reviewing my problem with Suzuki when I first discovered the problem, they agreed to replace the condenser at no charge. The vehicle, a 2000 Suzuki Vitara, CAMI built 2dr now has 25k on the clock with no visible condenser fin damage. Other than the plastic interior marring easily, the seat edges developing "fuzz like a ... Read More

• 2000 Grand Vitara Won't Start

  Written by: specjockey on Nov 30, 2003 8:20:55 PM

  my 2000 GV won't start in cold weather (Below -10 to -15 Celcius)I use 5w30 semi synthetic oil and bosch platinum plugs. The battery is good but it just won't fire. Suzuki says it is a known issue but they have no cure. Can anyone help?

Chevy Tracker

• tenntracker1

  Written by: mopar67 on Oct 4, 2003 8:24:13 PM

  I have had no problems with the brakes on my rig with 19K on the clock. Could not say the same for my 2000 Dakota for which I traded to get my Vitara. You'll find your tracker to be a smart investment, a trusted friend, and a go anywhere tank! When I can tell you about a buddy's 94 model still going, with only two timing belt changes and a new ... Read More

• SHOULD I BUY ONE?

  Written by: frenchcar on Aug 14, 2003 8:24:48 PM

  Why not buy one? The Trackers and Sidekicks and later the Vitarra are all built by Suzuki and some of them in the joint GM -Suzuki plant in Canada. They have been around since 1989 and we have owned 6 or 7 of them between myself, my wife and son. The 4 door is very handy and a nice size and economical for this type vehicle. Forget what Consumers says as ... Read More

• A/C Condenser Update

  Written by: zeke707 on Jul 30, 2002 10:20:45 AM

  On previous posts, I commented on condenser damage to a 2000 Suzuki Vitara 2.0 litre with A/C. Another (1999 Tracker) poster had a similar experience. For an update, please review the Suzuki Owners Club section on this website, under problems.

Suzuki Vitara Maintenance and Repair

• Condenser Update

  Written by: zeke707 on Aug 9, 2002 12:33:33 PM

  I took our 2000 Vitara to the dealer at 8AM today to replace the A/C condenser. They called me at 11AM and said the job was completed. I returned to the dealer and asked to see the old condenser and yes, the damage was just as pictured by a previous poster and his 1999 Tracker. What happened after that you would not believe. As I looked at the damaged condenser, I ... Read More

• I see a Problem?

  Written by: zeke707 on Jun 19, 2002 10:06:10 AM

  I was checking under the hood of our 2000 Suzuki Vitara 2.0L and noticed something wrong with the A/C condenser (small "radiator" in front of the engine radiator). Looking thru the blades of the electric fan mounted in front of the condenser, I noticed much of the condenser fin area has been bent over and in some places completely blocking any air passage thru the condenser. The fan blades are not ... Read More

Chevy Tracker

• I see a Problem?

  Written by: zeke707 on Jun 19, 2002 9:27:04 AM

  While checking under the hood of our 2000 Suzuki Vitara 2.0L with A/C, I was looking at the A/C condenser (small "radiator" in front of the engine radiator). Looking behind the electric fan blades, I noticed the fins in most of the area behind the fan were bent and in some cases completely closing any path for air to flow thru. Now the engine temp stays in the same range as ... Read More

• Rear Bumper

  Written by: zeke707 on May 16, 2002 5:56:28 AM

  I installed a 3" tubular rear bumper from Calmini on our 2000 Suzuki Vitara 2 dr. Looks good and already protected the plastic molding from some parallel parking dork! The Calmini unit is powdercoated black and equipped to take a ball hitch.

• The samarui hamster!

  Written by: mopar67 on May 9, 2002 3:29:46 PM

  Have had a Suzuki Vitara (trackers brother) for a month now. I can report no problems (unlike my 2000 Dak), it runs well, but is a tad weak on pep. I am avg 26.5 MPG in all around driving. No tranny troubles. Long live the hamster!

Suzuki Vitara Maintenance and Repair

• 2000 Suzuki Vitara not good in a crash!

  Written by: stacyann2002 on Feb 8, 2002 8:52:53 AM

  I rear ended a mini van with my 2000 Suzuki Vitara going 30 miles per hour (Yep It was my fault - I know) The Vitara had over $5,000.00 worth of damage (Drive train damage, transmission was shot, the frame was bent) It is now 3 months and I still don't have my Vitara back. I have made three car payments and I have no Vitara to drive. The transmission took ... Read More

Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 and earlier)

• 2000 Suzuki 2 dr Vitara - Not Good in a Crash! Lots of money and time to fix!

  Written by: stacyann2002 on Feb 8, 2002 8:05:53 AM

  I rear ended a mini van with my 2000 Suzuki Vitara going 30 miles per hour (Yep It was my fault - I know) The Vitara had over $5,000.00 worth of damage (Drive train damage, transmission was shot, the frame was bent) It has now been 3 months and I still don't have my Vitara back. I have made three car payments and I have no Vitara to drive. The transmission ... Read More

Suzuki Vitara Maintenance and Repair

• 1999 Grand Vitara

  Written by: arkainzeye on Jan 3, 2002 5:24:37 PM

  the 1999 Grand Vitara made the 2002 comsumer reports buyers guide as "used cars to avoid by make and year" it said that this car has Below-average reliability... and you should avoid buying this year and model.. i dont know if they fixed ALL the problems for 2000 or not. but out of the whole entire suzuki line of cars and years, that one was the only one that made consumer ... Read More

Chevy Tracker

• www.calmini.com

  Written by: zeke707 on Dec 27, 2001 10:22:00 AM

  Does contain items for the 1999/2000 Tracker/Suzuki such as front and rear guards. After clicking on Vitara, several items are displayed. In fact, pictures with their aftermarket stuff is displayed on a 1999 Suzuki 2 and 4dr.

• Antifreeze Leak

  Written by: zeke707 on Dec 19, 2001 4:01:47 AM

  Was checking the oil in our 2000 2 litre Suzuki Vitara and noticed antifreeze leaking from both ends of the upper radiator hose. Tightened the hose clamps and seems to have solved the problem. We bought it new and now have 12k miles on it. You may want to check these hose clamps.

• 1999 Tracker

  Written by: zeke707 on Nov 24, 2001 9:22:24 AM

  We have a 2000 Suzuki Vitara 2dr and use 5W30 Mobil 1. Bought new and now have 12k miles on the vehicle. For cleaning the soft top windows, use running water while wiping with a soft mild car cleaning soap. Wipe in one direction, not back and forth and keep the cleaning cloth rinsed. The idea is not to allow dirt to build up on the rag while cleaning the plastic ... Read More

• Alive and Well

  Written by: zeke707 on Jul 13, 2001 7:38:18 AM

  We drive a 2000 Suzuki Vitara softtop (and a '93 Jeep Grand Cherokee)...love the Suzuki. Now have 7500 miles on it. Runs great, the A/C is good, the heater is excellent. For an around town vehicle, we are happy with our choice!

• Warm Soft-Top

  Written by: zeke707 on May 29, 2001 6:23:31 AM

  We have a 2000 Suzuki Vitara soft-top and used it through last winter here in Nebraska. We were very pleased with the heater performance. We had many cold windy days and the heater warmed the cab up quickly. In fact we did not run the heater with the heat control to the max....it was too hot! We also have a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee which has a good heater but doesn't ... Read More

• 2000 Suzuki Vitara

  Written by: zeke707 on May 9, 2001 7:32:55 AM

  We have a Suzuki Vitara 2 dr soft top which I understand is the same as the Chevy Tracker 2 dr with the exception of cosmetics and options such as the radio, etc. One other item I believe is the Suzuki has a larger tire size. We have about 6000 miles on the suv now and get 23 mpg in town and 25 highway. We have an automatic and this vehicle ... Read More

• Space

  Written by: zeke707 on May 1, 2001 8:25:37 AM

  I have a 2000 Suzuki Vitara 2dr and a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Suzuki has plenty of room for me while I am in the driver's seat. I am 6'1", 200 lbs. Also, the seating comfort in the Suzuki compared to the Jeep is OK for me.

• Tracker Convertible

  Written by: zeke707 on Apr 13, 2001 10:50:43 AM

  I have a 2000 Suzuki Vitara 2dr softtop with an automatic transmission. I installed a Viper security system and a 6 CD changer under the front passenger seat. I decided to install the security system, which also gives you remote door lock capability because of concern over ease of entry via the top. The CD changer never skips when driving over rough ground. The Suzuki and Tracker are the same base ... Read More

• trifivenomad... I am also from Knoxville

  Written by: vitaraboi on Apr 9, 2001 5:56:33 PM

  Hey, trifivenomad. I am a student at UT here in Knoxville. I have a 2000 Suzuki Vitara 4dr 4wd fully loaded which is pretty much the same car as the Tracker except for some cosmetics. I just did not like the grille and headlights on the Tracker at all. Also, while Suzuki changed the name of this SUV to Vitara, Chevy left the Geo-oriented Tracker label on their vehicles. Thus, reminding ... Read More

• Suzuki Vitara

  Written by: zeke707 on Apr 2, 2001 9:55:27 AM

  We own a 2000 2.0 Liter, 2dr automatic. Any comments on how the automatic transmission holds up in these vehicles? Any advice on frequency of changing the auto fluid? Thanks

Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 and earlier)

• 2000 GV V6 engine knock

  Written by: clarkart on Feb 21, 2001 6:01:40 PM

  We purchased a 2000 Grand Vitara (V-6 plus 5 speed manual) in October 2000. Driven daily as freeway commuter (100 miles roundtrip); very little start and stop town driving except for weekends. Comming up on 10K miles and have developed an engine knock that sounds like a wrist pin/rod knock to me. Have to listen closely to hear it, but it is there. Seems to be most pronounced when engine is ... Read More

Chevy Tracker

• '01 Base Model Tracker

  Written by: woody72 on Jan 20, 2001 11:24:35 PM

  We purchased a '01 Tracker about mid Dec, base model, 4 cyl 2.0, 5 speed, 4 door, 4wd. Originally I was considering the Suzuki Vitara but realized these vehicles are exactly the same though the option packages and standard equipment are quite different. Some differences I was able to find were: Chevy puts in a lower amp alternator and a lower capacity battery and uses 15" wheels and a standard size ... Read More

• Armrest

  Written by: indianakoh on Nov 10, 2000 1:25:07 AM

  I have something for you guys to chew on. I went to my local Suzuki dealer for the armrest, and he refused to sell it to me! He said it wouldn't fit a 2001 Tracker b/c the seats are different from a 2000 and that he was doing me a favor since I couldn't return it. Have you heard of this before? He got his information from Suzuki America. He said ... Read More

Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 and earlier)

• GV Impressions from renting one

  Written by: ashutoshsm on Nov 5, 2000 11:04:41 AM

  My Mazda Protege (amazing car) was mildly damaged in a no-fault fender-bender, and the insurance company arranged a rental car for me - I ended up with a Suzuki Grand vitara V6, 2000, 4WD with 1200 miles on it. I know that rental cars are not usually in the best condition all the time, as people do not drive them well - despite the rental companies' efforts to keep them in ... Read More

• New GV lmtd owner!!!!!!!

  Written by: xsohaib on Jan 14, 2000 4:11:52 AM

  Just like echiu1 I also read a lot of good and bad things about the GV, considered only the good ones and went to my local dealer, traded in my Honda Civic 1992 DX 4-dr m/t and got me a Grand Vitara Limited in white color. At first my dad(being the one paying for the GV) suggested that I buy it in black color, since most of the suv's look good ... Read More

• GV is grand to own

  Written by: moschetf on Nov 1, 1999 4:45:37 AM

  I had read almost every entry in the old Grand Vitara forum, test drove both the Honda CRV and the Suzuki GV, and I happy to report I just purchased my new 2000 Silver Grand Vitara JLX+, I've only got 100 miles on it so far but I love it already. I have to admit afer reading some of the complaints from owners I was somewhat skeptical, but the good press ... Read More

• Air Conditioner and New Grand Vitara 2000

  Written by: latrar on Oct 20, 1999 9:39:02 PM

  Got information on a new model (2000)for the Grand Vitara (GV) 12 inches will be added to the wheel base..... the car wll be lenghten to increase cargo room and add a third row of seats...the rear door will be larger to make it easier to get to the rear row of seats... the engine size will be increase from 2.7 to 2.5 and horsepower increased to 188 ....sound like a ... Read More