2003 Suzuki Vitara Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The small SUV segment has some pretty heavy hitters for this year, and the Vitara is being squeezed out of its market share. Having off-road capability and being a convertible isn't a strong enough draw for buyers.
Pros
Available two-door soft-top body style, truck-based body-on-frame construction means off-road capability.
Cons
Meager cargo space, cramped rear seats, lacks refinement.
What's New for 2003
Besides the merging of the JLS and JLX trim levels, not much has changed for the Suzuki Vitara this year.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Love my 'Zuki
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Vitara Rwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My Suzuki Vitara has been wonderful. It handles easily, is truly economical to drive, and doesn't embarrass the kids. Too bad Suzuki discontinued the model, or I'd be trading it in for a newer one. It also has a pretty decent sound system in it, which I found to be a plus as soon as I started taking longer road trips. It even has nice safety features.
Favorite Features
The small size makes it easy to park, gives it nice fuel economy, and great maneuverability in traffic. The power switch on the transmission helps negotiate the winding hilly roads in our area. It has great cargo space.
Suggested Improvements
It needs a bit more legroom in the back seat - now that my kids are in their teens, it is becoming a real problem. Floor mats would have been nice, as well as roof racks to go on the provided rails. Also, the door handles seem to be a little cheaply made. I've replaced mine once already and need to again.
LOVE IT
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Vitara 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought my Vitara after a couple of bad winters here, was set on a 4WD, but had a very limited budget, this was the only SUV i could find in my price range that i liked, with a dealer willing to work with me. I can now go where I want when I want no matter the weather. It is alot of fun to drive in the snow. I know when it is time for another vehicle I will buy another one if I can.
Favorite Features
4WD, compact style, folding rear seats that lay flat for more cargo room
Suggested Improvements
moon roof, better luggage rake
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
got stuck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 2 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 1 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Vitara Rwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I paid way to much for this suv, I traded a mini van, I loved the comfortable van, but felt like an old lady driving it so I wanted something sportier, the vatara is most uncomfortable, i can't stand to drive it, i thought the gas economy would be better. And the dealers saw me coming, i was a woman and didn't do my homework, i got shafted.it reminds me of the cheapest car out there, i hate it.can't wait to trade it. fast talking salesmen...you better watch out for them.I got a 8 month old car the resale is 8000.00 the sticker was 18,000
Favorite Features
c.d. player
Suggested Improvements
sell at fair price
Great little car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Vitara Rwd 2dr Soft Top SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This is my mid-life fun car - although I'm a good 20 years past midlife (61). Great for toodling around town, to the beach and commuting. Seems like the gas mileage should be a little better, but I get 26 on the road and 24 around town. Had no use for the tiny back seat so i took it out - now I have a mini truck/convertible/sportscar.
Favorite Features
Love the size and maneuverability. It's a ball to drive. Was very surprised at how comfortable it is on long trips.
Suggested Improvements
Power window mechanisms are weak and slow.
It's Perfect For Me
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Suzuki Vitara Rwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I traded a minivan for my Suzuki Vitara and I couldn't be happier. It performs perfectly, I LOVE the gas mileage. I like the way it handles driving around town especially.
Favorite Features
Split-fold down rear seats, and the cargo door swings out.
Suggested Improvements
Floor mats, including for the cargo area, would be nice. Cargo rack on top.
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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