2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review

An Originator among Sport Cutes

As that old saying goes, if it aint broke, dont fix it. Suzuki engineers took that sentiment to heart in their approach to a redesign of the 2003 Grand Vitara. They wisely left the exterior, engine and working bits alone to focus on the one sore spot on the compact SUV — the interior, particularly the dashboard and instrument panel.

Gone are the difficult to read and operate controls that have been the frustration of Grand Vitara owners since the compact SUVs debut in 1990 — it replaced the Sidekick that year. In their place is a slick and stylish, user friendly cockpit that includes a new instrument panel, new console design, overhead storage console, in-dash CD player with seven speakers, and automatic climate control system.

For 2003, the Grand Vitara is available in two trims: 2WD and 4WD, with a five-speed manual transmission available only in the 2WD.

My tester was the 4WD with a four-speed automatic tranny mated to the sole engine available in the Grand Vitara, a 165-horsepower 2.5-litre V6. It provides good pep and pull, but at highway speeds I found the engine to be rather buzzy, particularly when in the passing lane. Still, the V6 is a good engine to put in this compact SUV — Ive always found four-bangers in this class of vehicle to be not quite up to the job of hauling a carload of people and stuff.

Another solid attribute of the Grand Vitara is its drive select 4×4 system, allowing the option to switch from two to four-wheel drive by the pull of a shifter on the centre console. The fact that this feature is found on a vehicle in the sub-$20,000 range tells just how far the technology has come. Only a few years ago such shift on the fly 4×4 systems were the bastion of off-road luxury SUVs only.

The ride of the Grand Vitara is firm but smooth, thanks in large part to the wide track and short wheelbase of the SUV.

Safety features in all Grand Vitaras include dual airbags, an optional anti-lock brake system, daytime running lights and child safety locks.

Standard convenience features include intermittent wipers, a tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, cruise control, a roof rack, stereo system with in-dash CD player and 7 speakers, and power mirrors, windows and door locks. Sixteen-inch aluminum wheels are optional.

The Grand Vitara 4WD adds ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), aluminum wheels, AM/FM/6CD audio system with six speakers, cruise control, heated mirrors and a molded tire cover.

What Ive always liked about the Grand Vitara is that despite it being in the sport-cute category, it has a certain style and charm about it that sets it apart from the competition, including some mighty mite contenders from rival Japanese manufacturers.

The 2003 Grand Vitara ownership plan includes a 3-year/36,000 mile basic warranty, 7-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, and a 3-year unlimited mileage anti-perforation warranty. All warranties are zero deductible and fully transferable at no cost.

With wholesale changes to the cabin interior and some subtle modifications to other parts of the vehicle, the Grand Vitara will no doubt continue on as one of the leading contenders in the compact SUV war of 2003. For the money, it is one of the best buys available.