Used 2003 Suzuki Vitara Consumer Reviews
Used Vitara for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 Vitara, so we've included reviews for other years of the Vitara since its last redesign.
My Third One
WOldaker, 07/04/2003
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
This is the 3rd 4wd Suzuki I have owned. irst was a Samauri,then Side Kick. and the last one the Vitara. After owning the "dangerous" Samuari :=) I knew I would probabably never drive anther brand though would opt for more comforts. It was time for my wife to get a new vehicle so she ended up with the Vitara. My Sidekick only has 170000 miles and is not ready to go yet. My wife teaches at 2 colleges 50+ miles from each other and I wanted to have a reliable, durable and safe vehicle for her in any weather or situation. That sums up the Suzuki Vitara.
Love my 'Zuki
Laura, 11/19/2006
2003 Suzuki Vitara Rwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
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.
2003 Suzuki Vitara for sale near you
Showing 3 of 3 listings
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,9951,002 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: N/A523 mi away
- Base Convertible SUVMSRP: N/A2,104 mi away
4X4 2-Door Vitara
gregggg, 02/08/2013
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 2dr Soft Top SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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
185K Miles with some work
drkrdr318, 07/03/2013
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLS 2WD 2dr Soft Top SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have enjoyed my Vitara since I purchased new of the showroom floor. I will have to say the up keep and cost have been a little intense since 150K miles but well worth the trade off. The fuel tank wires frayed (easy fix), Alternator (new brushes 14.95), rear brake shoes (178K miles), differential fluid change (180K make sure you check if your around alot of high water) and Mobil 1 high milage synth every 3,000 miles. Still running strong. Ive change the front brakes 3x and finally went to cryo rotors with synth pads. Worst problem, A/C pump failed and a/c leaks. Other then the A/C I use maybe 1/4 qt of oil every third fill up. Not bad in my book. www.oemsuzukiparts.com
A Genuine Mini 4-Wheeler
Army Veteran, 07/29/2002
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 2dr Soft Top SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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!
Great value
joenalley72, 07/12/2002
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
3 to 5 days for parts
suzuki gone wild, 02/28/2009
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
hi there, i been driving my Vitara for 7 years now the truck just hit 200k miles and its starting to see some oil leaks on the engine and lets get to my point .... everytime something brakes i have to find a suzuki dealer for parts and it takes 3-5 days to get parts.1st thing to go was the alt and i had to get one at a autozone 3 hours away and needed it. was on a sunday and i needed to get to work on monday.road trip.the rear passanger side alxe bearings went out...the alxe almost come out!!!! the brakes failed..if you want a car that takes 3- 5 days to fix buy one
Falls apart after 6-7 years
Patrick J., 11/17/2016
updated 05/17/2017
2001 Suzuki Vitara JS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2001 Suzuki Vitara used in February 2002 with one previous owner and 14K miles on it. It was in perfect running condition and I pampered the car the entire time I owned it with monthly trips to the car wash and oil changes every 3,000 miles at Jiffy Lube with all recommended service being performed as well. Before I get into the demise of this vehicle I will warn anyone considering buying one of these, they have a "known issue" with O2 sensors failing every 2-3 years. Read various Suzuki forums if you don't believe me, it is notorious for this issue and Suzuki never did anything to resolve it. Expect to spend $150-$300 depending on the morals of the repair shop to have the sensor replaced, every 2-3 years. So, in 2008 my radiator sprung a leak, then the radiator hoses, then the pulleys started failing. First it was the accessory pulley, then the crank shaft pulley. Then the AC compressor and condenser both failed in the same month. Then the front brake calipers failed followed by the rear drum brake shoes. Then the tail pipe fell off, the manifold developed a leak and then the exhaust mounts failed. Thermostat failed, engine coil failed, and the rear brake light fell down. Pins that hold the bumpers on started disappearing, the handle of the oil dip stick snapped off, the interior driver door handle broke off, the exterior driver door handle snapped, the hood brace clip broke and the hinge for the fuel door has disintegrated. Now, I am not saying this vehicle isn't reliable, I put 220,000 miles on mine, but it has cost over $5,000 in repairs to keep it running. Once it hit that 6 year mark there was something each year that failed on the vehicle requiring repair. Suzuki left the US market, as a result, I would not recommend buying any Suzuki vehicle. You will run into difficulty finding parts to keep it running and the O2 sensor can and will fail on you frequently. I forgot to mention the steering knuckle also failed which required me having to find a part from China on eBay to get it repaired as the repair shop couldn't find one from any of their suppliers. I'm sending mine off to the junk yard to get whatever scrap value I can out of it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I like my Zuki
Tam, 05/15/2002
2001 Suzuki Vitara JX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
Good car, expected maintenance
shelbyk, 01/05/2014
2001 Suzuki Vitara JX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car used in 2009 with 118K miles on it. Had a problem with a very squealy belt, replaced, still squealed. Honestly don't remember what resolved this issue. Radiator cracked at 140K for the first time. Cracked twice after (warrantied), turns out the water pump was building too much pressure, replaced water pump. O2 sensors replaced at 160K. Maybe have spent $1000 over 5 years on maintenance (excluding oil changes, brakes, filters, tires, etc., also all labor done by my loving father). Overall this car has been very reliable and required little maintenance for an older car with exponential miles. 22-26 mpg, no difference between highway/city but winter/summer.
2001 Suzuki Vitara JX
Mary, 07/09/2009
2001 Suzuki Vitara JX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
My Baby!
SCtoHI, 02/27/2009
2003 Suzuki Vitara 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Have owned this car since 2003 and love it. We bought two to replace an Avalanche since we both needed cars in the snowy Appalachians, and mine got to be the 4WD! (Grown son is still driving #2.) I have driven the heck out of this thing for 111,000 miles, and the only thing repaired has been a brake switch (wouldn't allow me to take it out of Park.) That was a mystery at about 60,000 miles. Gas mileage is mid 20's, it has the perfect amount of cargo space for my small family, and the vehicle size is perfect for heavy traffic and parking garages here in Hawaii (yes, we shipped it from the East Coast; couldn't bear to part with it!) I wish these were still available. I'm hoping for 100,000!
Fun Toy
Keeper, 04/11/2010
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLS 2WD 2dr Soft Top SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this new to replace my 1994 Geo Metro. With the exception of the air conditioning, this has been an ongoing issue that both the dealership and Suzuki have tried to resolve, even after the warranty had expired, but still goes out every year. I used this car for pizza delivery for many years and it has help up great. This is a great car especially with the top down. I also get between 24 and 27 mpg, in town or on the highway. I do not see differences in mileage in town or on the highway.
POS
msu7151, 06/15/2015
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 2dr Soft Top SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle in 2012 with 88,000 miles on it. It looked brand new and when I needed new brakes, the repair shop thought it was a new SUV. Since then I have driven it only 5,000 miles and have had a myriad of problems with it. The battery has been replaced four times, brakes twice, and windshield wipers, twice (still noisy). I have had to replace the oil pan, alternator and door handles. The entire underside is rusting and a recent mechanic asked me if I parked in a field because of the rust.I park in my driveway. The rocker panels are rusting. Now the vehicle will not start again and the catalitic converter is loose, causing all kinds of noise. Also, the a/c no longer works.
SUV wannabe, well worth the title
Jonny Matrix, 10/08/2002
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
My Suzuki
khill, 11/13/2003
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had no probelms with the car to speak of but the dealer is another thing The only wisdom I would give is if you're going to do any towing ( i tow 2 quads) I would get the V-6 My 4 cyl. is borderline for hills and such Other than that ilove it Off road it really shines not fast or alot of ground clearance but pick your route carefully and if it can clear it it'll take you ANYWHERE..... KW
It's Perfect For Me
Camperjoe, 12/13/2003
2003 Suzuki Vitara Rwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
LOVE IT
KIMQDA, 10/09/2004
2003 Suzuki Vitara 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Turned out to be a financial disaster.
mensacyclist, 12/27/2003
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Wear your earplugs!!!
terpr, 05/26/2003
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
whoa......boy she is trick!
Gadzooks its neat, 05/19/2002
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Good little truck for the money. It runs well, is good on gas, it draws compliments everywhere I go
Its a running Hampster!
Samuari Hampster, 03/31/2002
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
My Toy
KIMQDA, 10/25/2003
2003 Suzuki Vitara 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my Vitara, I was set on getting a 4WD after last winter and being stuck in the house. I shopped around for the best value, with the features I wanted and the price I wanted to pay. I did over 3 months of looking before deciding on the Vitara. I LOVE IT!!!!!
I paid too much for it.
PUDDIN, 06/09/2003
2003 Suzuki Vitara Rwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I know for a fact I was overcharged by them after looking at the pricing on your website. It was probably because of my bad credit and they knew I had not done my research on it.
Go Hamsters!
samarui hamster, 05/28/2002
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
2001 suzuki
aarika, 09/19/2002
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
very reliableand fun to drive. also a great looker always getting compliments. also great gas mileage
Almost perfect
SuperHippo, 02/26/2002
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Interior: The driver seat is big and extremely easy to get into and out of, something that Ford has never been able to accomplish. All controls are within easy reach, and spread out enough that they are easy to find without loooking. Air controls are straightforward, and easy to use. Exterior: I like it. Nowhere near as cool as the Saturn VUE, but you get what you pay for. I prefer the side opening rear tailgate rather than the hatchback style.
Excellent in this price
Chih-Hao, 12/20/2002
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Everything in this SUV is doing its job pretty well. The price is relatively cheaper. Easy to control. Beautiful exterier.
The Little SUV that Could
CryingFreeman, 02/13/2003
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
2002 Suzuki Vitara 2.0 4-Door
Aaron , 11/24/2023
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It has 245000 miles.runs great love it have replace cv axles And normal maintenance I will get some Body work on it
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
All-Round Duty-Bound
Scott Keirn, 06/19/2008
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great little SUV in this day of outrageous gas prices. By traveling 5-10 mph under the speed limit, my scanguage tells me I average 31-32 mpg. Good little vehicle for a man or woman and fun to drive and easy to maintain.
Nice to look at...but engine is weak!
BassPimpGirl, 07/19/2002
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
So far, so good.
wfalone, 12/05/2002
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I use this car for work in the city. It is comfortable, quiet, and well assembled. Not particularly peppy (automatic). Visiblity is good. Nice size, great manuverability. Fine climate controls. Real bad back seat leg room if you have two adults in the front seats. My biggest gripe is that I cannot seem to exceed 20 mpg city/ 23 mpg hiway (no matter how gently I drive).
Does what I need it to
grouse, 11/01/2009
2003 Suzuki Vitara 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the Vitara because of the 4 wheel drive system, I need that low range. Included, is a comfortable ride, good handling, and enough cargo space for my son and I to go camping with all our gear (and drag along my boat or put the canoe on top). Reliability has been top notch and I take it places where people say "how did you get that up here". It is underpowered and consequently fuel mileage is so-so, I can't wait to get my hands on an 09 2.4L 4 cylinder - more power, more room, and better mileage (I hope).Had one since 1990 - probably always will.
Convertible SUV???
Cars4me89, 01/07/2003
2003 Suzuki Vitara Rwd 2dr Soft Top SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was a total mistake to purchase this car. The guy told me that the top was easy to put down and really fun with it down. It's nearly impossible to get it down. I hate this car. It's an imbarresment to own and my daughter thinks that it is pretty cool, though. The engine is so weak and a stick shift? Who the heck puts a stick shift in an SUV? At least it is a 5 speed.
Good Vehicle
Candleman, 08/25/2003
2003 Suzuki Vitara Rwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I Love my Vitara. It has good pick up. Plenty of leg room and rides well on the open road.
Great little car
sandspur, 06/22/2004
2003 Suzuki Vitara Rwd 2dr Soft Top SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
No long-term reliability
SATX, 06/13/2008
2001 Suzuki Vitara JLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
Great price Great Value Great car !!!
Mopstick, 03/22/2002
2002 Suzuki Vitara JLX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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 !!!