2000 Suzuki Vitara Review
2000 Suzuki Vitara Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Truck-based frame and driveline, two-door convertible option.
Cons
- Harsh ride, lack of cargo space.
What’s new
Four-door models receive a new luggage cover for 2000. The Vitara two-door JLS/JLX is equipped with air conditioning as standard equipment. There are three new paint colors, and four-wheel-drive models have a "4x4" sticker in the rear-quarter windows.
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 2000 Suzuki Vitara JLS 2dr SUV 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$201/mo for Vitara JLS
Vitara JLS
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Now in its second year of production, the Suzuki Vitara competes in the increasingly crowded mini-SUV market. Here, you will find vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Kia Sportage.
The Vitara comes in two variations: a two-door soft top and a four-door model. Both are built on a trucklike ladder frame and both can be ordered with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The four-wheel-drive system features a two-speed transfer case (as found in real trucks), which improves performance in extreme off-highway conditions. An independent MacPherson strut front suspension and five-link coil-spring rear suspension is used throughout the Vitara line.
Powering the rear wheels is either a 1.6-liter or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The smaller engine produces 97 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 103 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. The larger 2.0-liter engine generates 127 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 134 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000 rpm. Both engines are mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic transmission.
The styling of the Vitara is clean with smooth curves and rounded features. The front end features large, multi-reflector headlights and a monotone grille. The two-door Vitara allows you to fold back the durable, canvas drop top like a sunroof, or take it completely off to get your daily dose of solar radiation. The two-door soft-top model does lack valuable room for cargo, however. Suzuki says there's only 9.9 cubic feet of space for your stuff. If you fold the rear seat down, that number goes to 33.7. The four-door model does slightly better, with a maximum cargo load of 44.6. A Honda CR-V, by comparison, can hold a maximum cargo load of 67.2 cubic feet.
The truck genes found in the Suzuki Vitara might appeal to those of you that have a big desire to pound the dirt. But if that's really the case, you'd probably be better served with a Jeep Wrangler. On all other fronts, the Vitara competes dismally against other mini SUVs. You also might want to price out the Chevrolet Tracker. Both the Vitara and the Tracker are built at the same assembly plant and are nearly identical underneath and Chevy often provides big rebates to move the metal.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2000 Suzuki Vitara.
5 star(31%)
4 star(54%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(8%)
1 star(0%)
13 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
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!
3.88 out of 5 stars
how you treat it is what you get back
tnrebel351, 10/17/2004
2000 Suzuki Vitara JX 4dr SUV 4WD
bought for my wife in jan 01.we live in
a very remote part of middle tn,at 37k
took to dealer for a bad rear main seal
replaced at no charge,had tranny
rebuilt at 60k 5 speed man,seems like
built with cheap bearing material.at
120k still going strong,good little
truck.service myself at 5k with mobile
1 syn, other t5han drivers power window
inop no prob.bought for the … suzuki
moter reilabilty,powertrain layout and
affordability and more than eager in
rough terrain.good little truck,just
dont go on any long trips,you will get
very unconftable in a short time
3.63 out of 5 stars
Tough little car
Spud, 06/27/2008
2000 Suzuki Vitara JLS 4dr SUV
I bought this car used, and rolled it over 100,000 miles. Currently, it's 115,500 miles, and it's still going strong. I've had to replace the computer system, but that's the only major maintenance it's needed. I don't service it as often as I should, but it's a very forgiving vehicle.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2000 Suzuki Vitara, so we've included reviews for other years of the Vitara since its last redesign.
2000 Vitara Highlights
JX
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $180/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Safety
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 – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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