Base price: Vitara, $16,089; Grand Vitara, $19,099
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear- or rear/4-wheel-drive; 2- or 5-door 5–7-passenger truck or wagon
Interior volume, F/R (cu ft) 50–52/37–43
Cargo volume, seats up/maximum (cu ft) 10–21/34–45
Wheelbase 86.6–110.2 in
Length/width/height 152.0–183.7/67.3–70.1/64.8–68.0 in
Turning circle 31.5–34.8 ft
Curb weight 3100–3750 lb
EPA city/highway mpg 18–25/20–28
Fuel-tank capacity/range 14.8–16.9 gal/304–331 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger airbags
POWERTRAIN
1.6-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-in-line, 97 hp; 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-in-line, 127 hp; 2.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6, 165 hp; 2.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6, 183 hp; 5-sp man, 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R rigid axle, coil springs
SUSPENSION
F/R vented disc/drum
ABS optional
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SUZUKI VITARA/GRAND VITARA
For 2003, the Vitara gets only minor interior changes, including a new dash and a redesigned console. The standard Vitara, available as a two-door softtop or a five-door hardtop, uses an adequate 2.0-liter four that puts out 127 horsepower. The Grand Vitara is only available in the five-door version and is powered by an 165-hp, 2.5-liter DOHC V-6. An optional four-speed automatic transmission is silky smooth; a five-speed manual is standard. The ladder-frame-based Vitara is well suited to off-road use. Its optional four-wheel-drive system includes a low-range gearset and 8.0 inches of ground clearance. What the Suzuki offers in off-road capability, though, it gives up in on-road refinement and sophistication to the more up-to-date Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. This small SUV is identical to the Chevy Tracker except for grilles, badges, cladding, and minor trim.
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