2001 Suzuki Vitara Consumer Discussions

Chevy Tracker

• Replacement parts - Tracker vs Suzuki

  Written by: dmcash on Apr 5, 2008 6:12:32 PM

  Hello to ALL….yes, I’m the new guy on the block, and I’m glad I came across this forum. I have a 2001 Tracker 4-Dr 4x4 with a 2.0L, and yes I also have my first question for the group. We’ve just experienced a steering problem, and after reading some of the postings regarding the lower steering shaft u-joints failing, I removed the shaft and indeed found the lower joint to be ... Read More

• Re: How-to? disable Daytime running lights [huckflinn]

  Written by: mjpower on Feb 17, 2008 7:11:54 AM

  Here is the link I used to get info about disabling my lights. http://www.lightsout.org/disable.html The Suzuki Vitara is a sister car to the Tracker and here are the instructions they gave for that vehicle. 1. Unplug the DRL module located under the dash to the right of the steeering column. It's a small silver box with a multi pin plug in its side, pretty obvious. 2. Lift the circular light sensor ... Read More

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 through 2008

• Re: the Diesel 1.9 [norwoodsmn]

  Written by: xostnot on Sep 17, 2007 10:06:33 PM

  Well I suppose Suzuki is trying. The fixed the mileage readout on the '07, and I understand the Canadian '08 has a remote gas filler flap release. Now we're getting somewhere! How's about removable rear seats, given the rest of the GV's very poor provisions for carrying large objects. I think they should revise the model choice, which has too many too much alike and could be covered by options instead. ... Read More

• Re: One year later..... [xostnot]

  Written by: norwoodsmn on Jun 26, 2007 12:24:15 AM

  Hi again xostnot, nice to hear from you too. Unfortunately, I saw the current edition of Consumer Reports (auto issue), on the news stand today. I don't dare let pass from my finger tips here, what they said about the new GV's reliability rating, as obviously someone here would accuse me of making it all up. So not to offend anyone, let me just focus on what their data says re: ... Read More

Suzuki Vitara Maintenance and Repair

• To buy, or not to buy?

  Written by: taugal6 on Jul 29, 2006 12:04:05 PM

  I am a new member to the forums, although I have used the website many times researching cars. I am in the process of buying a vehicle for my teenage son to replace his 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was totaled in a wreck (not his fault, BTW). He loved his Jeep, except for the MPG, so we are considering a 2001 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4X4, 4-door, Auto, 96K miles. (Yes, ... Read More

Chevy Tracker

• Re: How long will a good Tracker last? [tbird_s_y]

  Written by: inuvik on Jul 24, 2006 4:00:12 PM

  I have a 2001 4dr with the 2.0 4 cylinder with the automatic transmission. It has over 115K on it. To answer your first question their is no reason why a Tracker should not give you 200K with regular maintenance. The 2.0 doesn't have too much power with the automatic and anything over 65 MPH is pushing it. But it does deliver great fuel mileage. I have regularly gotten over 30 ... Read More

Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 through 2008

• Re: GV long term road test [budman3]

  Written by: badsuzuki on Jul 11, 2006 10:10:46 AM

  I wish they would roadtest my Grand Vitara. Been making a droning noise with vbration since new between 55-68 mph, not just accellerating but while cruiing tht speed. Have replaced driveshaft propellor and differential mounting bracket, now want to replace axles, then differential. They have no idea what the problem is, also vibration on moderate acceleration between 30-45 mph. Owned 2001 and 2004 GV never a problem, very disapointed in this ... Read More

Suzuki Vitara Maintenance and Repair

• Suzuki Vitara JLX timing chain issues

  Written by: jlxdriver on Dec 30, 2005 7:36:55 PM

  I own a 2001 Suzuki Vitara JLX. It is a four door, automatic. I have had to repair the timing chain components once. It cost me $1150.00. That was two years ago. I have noticed the same noice indicator again. Has anyone else experienced this and if so What if anything is Suzuki doing about it?

• Dianko

  Written by: beroe on Nov 27, 2005 2:09:40 PM

  I own 2001 Suzuki Vitara.I installed remote control car starter.It works good,but I want to extend the crank.For this reason I have to connect one wire to the "car's tach(tachometer) wire under the hood." I don't know were is this car's tach wire.Shood be negative side of the coil or tach output of the coil pack.Does anybody knows were is this.

Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 and earlier)

• Re: silly question...lights on all the time?? [sweetnanda]

  Written by: brisray on Jul 26, 2005 8:45:26 AM

  It's OK the lights are supposed to be on during the day. There's a "dusk" sensor that behaves a bit oddly. During the day, with the engine running but in neutral, like waiting at level crossings (there's a lot of those around here) the lights automatically go off, but turn back on when the car is in gear. Apparently there is a parcel shelf for the cargo area for when the ... 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

• Re: Transmission problems [reams]

  Written by: pnurplec on Jul 14, 2005 4:01:56 PM

  I have a 2001 grand vitara that I bought new. The transmission and the AC unit had to be replaced around 30,000 miles. I had to fight with Suzuki to get them to cover the cost as the warranty had just expired (0f course).

• Re: Condenser Problem [zeke1312]

  Written by: bajazona on Apr 19, 2005 2:04:39 PM

  I have a 2001 Vitara JLX w/auto and have already replaced the condensor because of the bent fins. The car never overheated, but I have driven from Arizona to Cabo 4 times and many other trips down Baja with alot of off-roading and wanted to protect the vehicle from overheating. I purchsed a used condensor from a junkyard for a $100, and had a friend put it in. The mechanic at ... Read More

• 2001 Suzuki 2.0L AC Compressor bad

  Written by: tony1011 on May 14, 2003 6:35:53 PM

  My 2001 Suzuki Vitara has 73k on it. I only have it 18 months. The cost to replace the compressor will be $850.00. Suzuki refuses to to a goodwill gesture to repair it. The dealer Ertle Motors in Stroudsburg Pa refuses to speak with me. As anyone had a problem like this with this model.

• SRS Airbag Light Stays On When It's Very COLD!

  Written by: brandonsdad on Feb 15, 2003 5:32:15 PM

  I recently purchased a used 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX+ with 22,000 miles. I've noticed that when I start the car during cold mornings, the SRS airbag light does not turn off. It eventually turns off when the car is warmed up but after I restart the car. Since the car is still under warranty, I brought the car to a Suzuki dealer (in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY). The technician was ... Read More

Chevy Tracker

• to #443 from Tron

  Written by: tronsr1 on Dec 22, 2001 5:36:29 AM

  The reason I asked if there would be a change for the 2003 model year is the fact that I have a GM {5%} credit card that is accruing points more rapidly than I would like; so, I figured I would get another SUV type vehicle. I now own a 98 Kia Sportage EX and a 2001 Ford Escape XLT. I really like the Ford but the Kia is a little ... Read More

Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 and earlier)

• Good after 22,000 Miles.

  Written by: guillermo3 on Nov 1, 2001 10:55:23 AM

  My 2001 Grand Vitara still runs great after 22,000 miles in 8 months. It still has not received any other maintenance than its scheduled maintenance. The breaks and the front alignment are starting to need work. This shouldn't have happened until about 30,000 miles. Otherwise, the car feels solid. Since the GV is more car like than the Side Kick, I was afraid that it would perform worse in the mud. ... Read More

• Thinking of the Suzuki Grand Vitara

  Written by: bunnyhop1 on Jul 14, 2001 10:34:52 AM

  I'm looking seriously at the Suzuki Grand Vitara both the JLS and the JLX. Does anyone have any information on either of them? (Hopefully it is good news) I didn't like hearing they seemed weak in the snow! I live in Northern RI...and I HAVE TO have something that is excellant during the winter! I have looked at both the Toyota Rav4 and the Nissan Xterra....they both seemed o.k. too....in fact ... Read More

Chevy Tracker

• 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 Grand Vitara (2005 and earlier)

• 2001 Grand Vitara

  Written by: guillermo3 on Feb 5, 2001 11:01:17 AM

  When I went to exchange my Sidekick for a new Grand Vitara., I was a little upset. I liked the roughness of my Sidekick. The Grand Vitara. seemed more like a luxury car than like a real SUB. So, I went to Honda and via dealerships. The via dealership didn't even have a 4 wheel drive vehicle. I was told that SUB drivers don't really want or need 4WD. So, I ... Read More

• RE: Buy a Grand Vitara?

  Written by: indianakoh on Dec 1, 2000 8:58:37 AM

  I'm not sure about the Limited that you drove (the situation seems suspect. Was it a demo car?) but I think the major issues dealing with vibration and steering have been resolved with the 2001 model. I have a 2001 CAMI truck with 5000 miles so far and there are no hints of any vibration. You have to remember even Toyota and Mazda/Ford are having major problems with their new generation ... Read More

• Edmund's review- 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7

  Written by: pocahontas on Nov 29, 2000 1:52:54 PM

  Here's the direct link to Edmund's First Drive of the 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7, By Karl Brauer. Good review. What do you think? ;-) Pocahontas, Edmunds.com/Roving Host

Chevy Tracker

• 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)

• Transfer shifter noise!

  Written by: dgrzybow on Nov 6, 2000 6:04:53 PM

  I know this is a Suzuki site but since the Tracker and the Vitara are so similar I thought someone here might help. I have a new 2001 Chevy Tracker LT. It runs great solid no vibration. I do notice a slight sing in the 4wd shifter. This goes away when I shift into 4wd but is noticeable in 2wd at about 40-50 mph. It's not real loud but I do ... 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