Suzuki Vitara Review (1988 to 2000)

Quick Summary

Like any 4x4, drive before you buy, just in case you were expecting the handling of a sports car. That's not what the Vitara's about. It's a practical car that you can play and show off in, as well as take off road. You couldn't say that about a GTi, could you?

Overall:

Models Covered: 1988-2000:Three-door 2/4-seat soft top, hardtop, 5-door hardtop: 1.6, 2.0V6, 2.0 turbo diesel [Sport, JX, JLX, JLX SE, JX 16v, JLX SE 16v, Sport, 4U, V6 24v]

FASHIONABLE FUN

If ever a car was designed according to a marketing department's orders, the Suzuki Vitara is surely it. This fashionable compact 4x4 was the model that put the franchise on the map in Britain and quickly became a style accessory.Though obviously an off roader, it isn't really designed for the exceptionally rough stuff, though the car's relatively low weight and high ground clearance are an advantage off the beaten track. On the road, the loud bodykits and aggressive alloy wheels fitted to some examples often try to suggest a post-GTi performance car; here too, however, compromises are in evidence. Best just to think of it as something affordably different - a breath of fresh air.
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History of the Vitara

There are three body styles but only one, the three-door hardtop, was available at the November 1988 launch. The first engine was a 1.6 and it also featured in the second version to be launched; a soft-top, in August 1989. The SE three-door arrived in the December and boasted alloy wheels, central locking and electric windows. The third and final shape, a five-door, was released in September 1991 with a 16-valve version of the 1.6-litre engine. Other models did not receive the new engine as standard until November 1994.The (Mazda-powered) turbo diesel arrived in January 1996, six months after the first V6-engined cars. The 1997 changes consisted of a more powerful diesel engine and minor changes to the car's appearance; all three-door cars received a new bumper and grille, while dual airbags became available on all models. In early 1998, the V6 five-door model was replaced by the all-new 2.5-litre V6 Grand Vitara. Later that year, the turbo diesel five-door model was also replaced by a Grand Vitara variant. However, when the three-door soft-top 2.0-litre Grand Vitara arrived in June 1999, the importers decided to continue it alongside the 1.6-litre Vitara JX Sport and JX Soft-Top models which had continued to sell strongly. The car was phased out in October 2000.
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Suzuki Vitara Road Test

On the road, as long as you take it easy, a Vitara will handle adequately. If you try and push it, however, particularly on bumpy surfaces, you'll soon want to back off - despite those racy looks. Like many 4x4s, the short wheelbase and high centre of gravity lead to pitching, front to rear, as you drive along on undulating B roads. In extreme circumstances, it might even make your passengers car sick, especially if the shock absorbers are also worn. The steering is fine by off road standards, but a bit ponderous for an enthusiast driver. Remember, this is a car that has been designed for a life both on and off the road and you may well forgive the compromised driving characteristics.
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Buying a Suzuki Vitara

If your Vitara has been used extensively off road, you'll soon see. That's not necessarily a worry, just cause for some extra bargaining with the seller. Paint scratches and minor dents on the underside will be obvious tell-tales. The engines are strong and reliable but always check the service history if you can. The 2.0 V6 loves to rev so check for damage (look for a smoky exhaust), especially if the seller is waxing lyrical to you about his car's amazing on-the-limit handling.
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Suzuki Vitara Typical Pricing

The majority of cars on the market have the 1.6-litre engines (standard and 16v). Prices range from as little as £1,000, and rise to just under £4,500 for newer cars. If you'd prefer a five-door, you can pick up a L-reg JLX SE 16v for just over £1,500. A J-plater will be about £200 cheaper. More recent examples tend to be a bit pricey: an N-reg, to the same spec, will be nearer £2,400 and even an 'M' will set you back about £2,000.The frugal turbo diesels are not nearly as popular but worth keeping an eye out for. You should pay about £3,200 for a 1996 N-reg car (the automatic arrived a year before the first 97P manuals which start at about £2,600) but choice is more limited.The 2.0-litre V6 is a zippy little motor but a strange engine to put in an off roader, if that's what this model really is - though maybe Suzuki knew most would never leave the bitumen. The first 1995 M-platers should be around £3,000 and more recent 'R's' from about £3,500.
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Suzuki Vitara Parts

(Based on a 8v 1.6 three-door and exclusive of VAT) A clutch will set you back about £320 and a new exhaust £210, however this does include the cost of a catalyst. Front shocks are close to £80 each. An alternator comes in just under £150, as does an exchange starter motor. A new windscreen will be just under £120 and an exchange radiator about £75. Replacement door mirrors are around the £85 mark.
Used Suzuki Vitara for sale