2002 Suzuki Vitara Consumer Reviews

SUV wannabe, well worth the title

Written by: Jonny Matrix on 10/08/2002

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I was very skeptical about this vehicle at first. I am a frequent traveller, and being in the military, it's understandable that a vehicle with storage capacity's needed. Having had an Isuzu Rodeo with a 4 cyl engine, I experienced that the vehicle was too heavy for its engine. I also needed something with a decent fuel economy. Having have had a brand new Vitara for about a month now, and putting on 2800 miles, it's proven to me more than worthy. It is definitely one good way to start in an SUV, and I should have done so sooner.

Favorite Features

Price and rebate for a decently areodynamic & fuel economical vehicle not too bad. Trays for drinks and phone are great, extra adapter plug a plus.

Suggested Improvements

More horsepower. CD MP3 player, fog lamps, running boards, heated mirrors & alarm should be included. Bigger tires, sit higher. Daytime running lights need switch. Too "cute" - needs to be sportier/sexier (meaner look).

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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A Genuine Mini 4-Wheeler

Written by: Army Veteran on 07/29/2002

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 2dr Soft Top SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The vehicle has been a pleasant surprise in comparison with the Jeep Wrangler. Unlike some competitors it has a 4WD Hi/4WD Lo transfer case, and is based on a true "truck" body. It has less than half the turning radius of a Jeep Wrangler. The rack-and-pinion steering has a more precise feel. I also got the advertised 25 mpg mileage, which is 40% better than the Jeep. The torquy 16-valve DOHC 2 liter four breathes freely at top end. Too bad Jeep doesn't make this little 4-wheeler!

Favorite Features

FUN convertible top is easy to set up and take down. Tight 15.8' turning circle, excellent entry/exit angles, and good ground clearances. Good off- road pieces e.g. front guard/winch mount, off road lift kits available. CD unit did not "skip" even under bumpy conditions. Low price!

Suggested Improvements

Suzuki dealerships are unaware of how to order good off-road pieces. Off-road alternatives should be made available as no-cost options to standard highway radials. Ugly interior trim patterns should be replaced with solid colors. More lockable storage is needed. Tone down "cuteness".

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Nice to look at...but engine is weak!

Written by: BassPimpGirl on 07/19/2002

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

In general, I do like my Suzuki. I selected the Suzuki over other small SUV models because it was reasonably priced and had more "bells and whistles." In this area I am not disappointed. I am very disheartened by its weak engine, though. Whenever I am using the cruise control on even the slightest of inclines, the engine struggles and does not maintain a constant speed. I did not have this problem with my 2000 Kia Sportage.

Favorite Features

I like that the standard model came with tilt and cruise control as well as a CD player. The Vitari's standard items are what made it appear to be head and shoulders above the other small SUV's.

Suggested Improvements

A stronger engine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Great value

Written by: joenalley72 on 07/12/2002

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This vehicle has alot of get up ang go for a 4 cyclinder. The ride is really good to. For the money i think i made the right choice. The 4 wheel drive will be nice in the winter.

Favorite Features

4-wheel drive. Alot of power when i need it.

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Go Hamsters!

Written by: samarui hamster on 05/28/2002

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This little guy has lots of gumption and will turn on a dime and give you nine cents worth of change. It comes pretty well equipped for the price and goes anywhere.

Favorite Features

BOx frame, quality Canadian assembly, Japanese engineering, good fit and finish. Easy to service "hamster" under the hood. Good view out side.

Suggested Improvements

More power please, update HVAC function. It should not be necessry to close the panel vents to get full heat flow to the floor. Put the CC on the steering wheel. Bigger oil filter would be nice as well as a more accessble location.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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whoa......boy she is trick!

Written by: Gadzooks its neat on 05/19/2002

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Good little truck for the money. It runs well, is good on gas, it draws compliments everywhere I go

Favorite Features

the manual shift 4Wd and the buzzy motor. Ilike knowing I have a motor under the hood.

Suggested Improvements

Need more power. Needs more AC capactiy

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Its a running Hampster!

Written by: Samuari Hampster on 03/31/2002

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I traded a 2000 dak for this model as I was looking for better utility and most importantly, better reliability. I have only 100 miles on this so far, but it looks like I picked a winner. The 4 banger works best with the five speed. I test drove an auto and it was doggy but with a five speed, it really does a lot better.

Favorite Features

Old fashioned shift lever for the 4wd. Simple, rugged, and reliable. I prefer this over the electric doo dads on other SUVs

Suggested Improvements

I light under the hood, the abiliity to adjust headlights left to right instead of just up and down, 15 more HP, 15 more torque. Better OEM tires, add an oil pressure and battery gauge too.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great price Great Value Great car !!!

Written by: Mopstick on 03/22/2002

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is a graet way to get this car for thousands cheeper, just get the 4 cyl. I got it loaded for 16000 and its tight Very reliable most of all Its big in a small way I hope you enjoy it We do We have bought a few suzuki products over the years and the value and reliability is what you com to expect from any japanese car compay with out the heavy price tag !!!

Favorite Features

Loaded standard

Suggested Improvements

only flaw side mirrors dont are stationary one day im sure Ill smash one !

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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