2001SuzukiVitaraSuzuki Vitara2001 Suzuki Vitara JX 1.6 4WD ConvertibleMini-Sport UtilityConvertible4WDAll Vitara models get a restyled front grille, new seat fabric, a larger audio unit with an in-dash CD player, and new exterior colors.Truck-based frame and driveline, two-door convertible option.Harsh ride, cramped rear seats, lack of cargo room.Now in its third year of production, the Vitara finds itself up against more competition than ever in the form of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Kia Sportage, not to mention the Jeep Wrangler and Isuzu Rodeo Sport. As the mini-ute category heats up, the older Suzuki is beginning to show its age when compared to the young blood in the category. The Vitara comes in two variations: a two-door soft top and a four-door model. Both models are built using sturdy body-on-frame construction and both can be ordered in either two- or four-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive models benefit from a low-range transfer case for extreme off-road conditions. An independent MacPherson strut front suspension and five-link coil-spring rear suspension is standard on all Vitaras. Power comes in the form of either a 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The former produces 97 horsepower and 103 ft-lbs. of torque, while the latter generates 127 hp and 143 ft-lbs. of torque. Both engines are mated to a standard five-speed transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The styling of the Vitara is clean, with smooth curves and rounded features. The front end features large, multi-reflector headlights and a restyled, monotone grille. The two-door Vitara allows you to fold back the durable, canvas top for a sunroof effect, or completely remove the cover for convertible-like exposure. For some this feature is a major selling point, while others might bemoan the two-door for its scant 9.9 cubic feet of storage space. Although the Vitara does possess durable truck-like underpinnings, anyone looking to do some serious off-roading would be better served with a Jeep Wrangler. In all other aspects, the Vitara falls well short of its more modern, more powerful competitors. However, if you're heart is still set on it, be sure to check out Chevrolet's Tracker. Built right along side the Vitara, the Tracker offers a virtually identical package that includes 3-year/36,000-mile roadside assistance and is often coupled with big rebates to boot. Chevrolet TrackerIsuzu Rodeo SportJeep WranglerKia Sportage336,000336,000Not AvailableNot Available3UnlimitedNANANA41.6 litersInline97 hp @ 5200 rpm103 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm34 cu.ft.760 lbs.1000 lbs.152 in.67.3 in.66.5 in.2723 lbs.86.6 in.34.8 ft.8 in.40.9 in.39.5 in.NANANANA41.4 in.35.9 in.4Not AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested14.8 gal.25 mpg / 27 mpg24 mpg / 27 mpg370 mi. / 400 mi.355 mi. / 400 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$14,569$15,4997.35%$470N/A3% of the Base MSRPJS 1.6 2WD CONVERTIBLE (5M): 1.6L I4 SOHC MPI 16-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; 390 amp battery; 60 amp alternator; rear-wheel drive, 5.13 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rigid rear axle multi-link suspension with rear coil springs; rack-and-pinion power steering; front disc/rear drum brakes; 14.8 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; conventional rear cargo door; front manual targa fabric sunroof; manual convertible roof with roll-over protection; front and rear body-colored bumpers with front and rear tow hooks; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen auto on headlamps with daytime running lights; driver's and passenger's manual black outside mirrors; 15" x 5.5" silver styled steel wheels; P195/75SR15 BSW A/S tires; full-size steel spare wheel; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan feature, single-disc CD player, 4 speakers, manual retractable antenna; 2 power accessoryoutlets, front lighter element(s), driver's foot rest, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, key in ignition, low fuel, door ajar; driver's and passenger's front airbags; tinted windows; variable intermittent front windshield wipers; seating capacity of 4, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, driver's and passenger's seats include 4-way adjustment, easy entry; 50/50 folding rear split-bench seat with adjustable headrests; front height adjustable seatbelts; cloth seats, full carpet floor covering; interior lights include dome light, front reading lights; steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual auxiliary visors, passenger's side vanity mirror; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box, front and rear cupholders, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo tie downs; body-colored grille, blackside window moldings, black front windshield molding and black door handles.
JLS 2.0 2WD CONVERTIBLE (5M) (in addition to or instead of JS 1.6 2WD (5M) equipment): 2L I4 DOHC MPI 16-valve engine; 600 amp battery; 70 amp alternator; 4.88 axle ratio; driver's and passenger's power remote black outside mirrors; 16" x 6.5" silver styled steel wheels; P215/65SR16 BSW A/S tires; air conditioning, air filter; power door locks, remote keyless entry and tinted windows with driver's 1-touch down.
JS 2WD 4-DOOR (5M) (in addition to or instead of JS 1.6 2WD CONVERTIBLE (5M) equipment): 2L I4 DOHC MPI 16-valve engine; 600 amp battery; 70 amp alternator; 17.4 gal. capacity fuel tank; roof rack; rear step bumper; black bodyside molding; 16" x 6.5" silver styled steel wheels; P215/65SR16 BSW A/S tires; rear heat ducts; child-safety rear door locks, remote fuel door release; manual front and rear windows, fixed 1/4 vent windows; rear window wiper, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5; cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner; front cupholder; cargo cover, cargo light and black rear window molding.
JLS 2WD 4-DOOR (5M) (in addition to or instead of JS 2WD 4-DOOR (5M) equipment): 4.63 axle ratio; air conditioning, air filter, rear heat ducts; cruise control; power door locks, remote keyless entry; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with driver's 1-touch down and fixed 1/4 vent windows.
4WD (5M) (in addition to or instead of 2WD (5M) equipment): Part-time 4 wheel drive, auto locking hub control and manual shift and skid plate(s).
NOTE: JLX Models include both JLS equipment and 4WD equipment listed above.