2001 Suzuki Vitara Review
2001 Suzuki Vitara Review
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Used Vitara for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Truck-based frame and driveline, two-door convertible option.
Cons
- Harsh ride, cramped rear seats, lack of cargo room.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Suzuki Vitara JS 2WD 2dr Soft Top SUV (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $5.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$281/mo for Vitara JS
Vitara JS
vs
$254/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Now in its third year of production, the Vitara finds itself up against more competition than ever in the form of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Kia Sportage, not to mention the Jeep Wrangler and Isuzu Rodeo Sport. As the mini-ute category heats up, the older Suzuki is beginning to show its age when compared to the young blood in the category.
The Vitara comes in two variations: a two-door soft top and a four-door model. Both models are built using sturdy body-on-frame construction and both can be ordered in either two- or four-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive models benefit from a low-range transfer case for extreme off-road conditions. An independent MacPherson strut front suspension and five-link coil-spring rear suspension is standard on all Vitaras.
Power comes in the form of either a 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The former produces 97 horsepower and 103 ft-lbs. of torque, while the latter generates 127 hp and 143 ft-lbs. of torque. Both engines are mated to a standard five-speed transmission or optional four-speed automatic.
The styling of the Vitara is clean, with smooth curves and rounded features. The front end features large, multi-reflector headlights and a restyled, monotone grille. The two-door Vitara allows you to fold back the durable, canvas top for a sunroof effect, or completely remove the cover for convertible-like exposure. For some this feature is a major selling point, while others might bemoan the two-door for its scant 9.9 cubic feet of storage space.
Although the Vitara does possess durable truck-like underpinnings, anyone looking to do some serious off-roading would be better served with a Jeep Wrangler. In all other aspects, the Vitara falls well short of its more modern, more powerful competitors. However, if you're heart is still set on it, be sure to check out Chevrolet's Tracker. Built right along side the Vitara, the Tracker offers a virtually identical package that includes 3-year/36,000-mile roadside assistance and is often coupled with big rebates to boot.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Suzuki Vitara.
5 star(47%)
4 star(32%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(0%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
4X4 2-Door Vitara
gregggg, 02/08/2013
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 2dr Soft Top SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I have had my Vitara about 9 yrs with over 130,000 miles.
No repairs needed except an o2 sensor at 100,000 mi
I live in the mountains at about 5000 ft I go off road and drive in snow all the time
* I gave it a 5 for comfort taking into consideration it is a body on frame 4x4 getting 20-25 mpg
3.88 out of 5 stars
Run around, over and through
JM Hufstedler, 04/13/2005
2000 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
I bought my Suzuki with 850 miles on it and after 4 years and 60,000 miles it has never disappointed me once. Not in snow, heat, short jaunts or long highway trips. The back seat is cramped, but there's tons of headroom and at 6'1" I always have plenty of leg room in either of the front seats. I've had no body or engine complaints, and the interior material is incredibly durable and … cleans up nicely.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Love it!
spotgofast, 02/07/2004
1999 Suzuki Vitara JX 2.0 2dr SUV 4WD
I bought this car used with 82,000 on
it. So far I've had it a week, and am
in love with it. I haven't tried to
take the top off yet, looks a little
complicated, but only time will tell.
I like how it handles and the fuel
efficiency. I was suprised at how
roomy this little car is. My biggest
friend fits (6'5") and people have more
room in the back than in a jeep, … not to
mention it handles better. I'm very
happy with my purchse and would
recomend this mini suv to anyone. I
have a samurai and really had fun with
it...but needed something that could go
freeway speeds. It's a little mountain
goat in 4wd!
4.75 out of 5 stars
I like my Zuki
Tam, 05/15/2002
2001 Suzuki Vitara JX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I purchases a nearly new 2001 Vitara a
couple months ago. I really love it.
It's my first 4 wheel drive but we
looked at several before purchasing
(including the Liberty and the RAV4).
I enjoy driving it and it works great
on the snow in 4 wheel drive!
I would recommend it to others who are
looking for a decent priced 4 wheel
drive SUV.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 Suzuki Vitara, so we've included reviews for other years of the Vitara since its last redesign.
2001 Vitara Highlights
JS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $13,899 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $281/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Vitara include:
- Alarm
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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