2001 Suzuki Vitara Review
Fuel Economy
21 - 23 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Small SUV sales are hot, but there is little reason the Vitara should be contributing to mini-ute sales growth charts unless somebody out there really wants a convertible SUV and can't afford a Jeep Wrangler.
Pros
Truck-based frame and driveline, two-door convertible option.
Cons
Harsh ride, cramped rear seats, lack of cargo room.
What's New for 2001
All Vitara models get a restyled front grille, new seat fabric, a larger audio unit with an in-dash CD player and new exterior colors.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
2001 Suzuki Vitara JX
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Suzuki Vitara JX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I like my vitara very much and feel very safe driving it. It handles excellent in the snow and I have never had a problem with it when windy out.Its been very reliable and I have had it since it was new and I still love it. I would say to anyone looking to buy one that you really cant go wrong with this Vitara 2001. I have had mine 8 years now and its still going strong.I can understand why you don't see too many people selling them. Once you have one its hard to part with it.
Favorite Features
Back door, back seats that can be removed and leaves you with great added space.
Suggested Improvements
I dont like the cover in the back storage area I would have preferred something hard.
No long-term reliability
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My Suzuki was great for the first few years, but once my extended warranty ran out, it started falling apart between 80k~91k. First went the auto-entry device, then the A/C, then some electrical problems started flaring up where my headlights and interior lights pulse at night, then an automated window went out, then the interior dome light shorted, and the final two kickers--it was not starting up, then finally it started dying on the road randomly and shaking and needing a time-out before I can restart it. The worst part is, either we have terrible mechanics in Texas or this is a hard car to work on, because no one can figure it out! A car should not be rendered worthless at 91k!
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Reliability, quality
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Turned out to be a financial disaster.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
AVOID!!!! I bought my Vitara in June of 01, got a "good deal", got an extended warranty and planned on keeping it for 7-8 years. I've always bought Japanese in the past and would not consider anything else. At 56,000 miles the clutch went. The dealer wanted $993, local mechanic needed about $700. There are NO aftermarket parts for this car and the dealer parts are too expensive to be worth the while. I traded the Vitara in for $5000 less than I owed on it and rolled the debt into a Dodge truck. My $15500 Vitara was worth about $4000 just 2 1/2 years layer. Check the blue book.....you'll be amazed at the deprciation.
Favorite Features
Handling. It did drive well, cornered well and stuck to the road like it was on rails.
Suggested Improvements
The quality just isn't there. The "dealer only" parts are rediculously expensive. So expensive that for me it was actually more economical to dump my Vitara at a loss than to fix it. That's bad.....real bad.
3 out 5 people found this review helpful
Wear your earplugs!!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought my Vitara with the hopes of having a fun, dependable ride. What I got was a car that constantly creaks and makes noises. I've taken it in twice for the same problem and it still makes noise! It's the most infuriating thing! I dread going over a speed bump or an uneven road. It sounds like my car is going to fall apart!
Favorite Features
The sporty look.
Suggested Improvements
THE UNDERCARRIAGE!
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
The Little SUV that Could
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I've purchased a used 2001 Grand Vitara JLX with ABS and alloy wheels. I've love the styling and handling of the vehicle. It has a 155 V6 engine that's very quiet. Since I'm not 6' tall, there's no complaints coming from me concerning head and leg room. It's very comfortable for the driver as well as passengers. There's only one problem...I've noticed that during the cold days, the airbag light will stay on when you start the engine. It eventually goes away with the car is warmed up but after you restart it. As I'm writing this, the SUV is in the dealership because it's still under warranty to fix this problem.
Favorite Features
ABS, on demand part time 4X4 hi/low, styling, V6, CD, I can go on and on...
Suggested Improvements
More aftermarket accessories because buying exterior parts from the dealership will cost you an arm and leg.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2004 Suzuki Vitara
- 2003 Suzuki Vitara
- 2002 Suzuki Vitara
- 2001 Suzuki Vitara
- 2000 Suzuki Vitara
- 1999 Suzuki Vitara
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