User Reviews

1.8 JX 5dr

C.M. Robertson

Overall Rating

Good but greedy, for what it is.

1.6JX 4u

Georgetheninth

Overall Rating

I bought my Vitara in Jan '05. I was disappointed by the cheapness of the interior, but it has proved hardwearing. It has been 100% reliable and an excellent offroad vehicle. Poor on rutted snowy roads when it tends to follow the ruts, which can be alarming until one learns to anticipate the problem. Failure to provide mudflaps for the rear wheels results in rot of the rear bumper and the inset foglamps. It has been an excellent tow vehicle for my small folding caravan on the road and on heavily soaked fields. It has a reasonable performance, holding its own on A roads.

1.6 Soft Top

John Smith

Overall Rating

Very good vehicle; the soft top is great when the sun shines!

1.6 JX SWB Hardtop (1995)

Will Reynolds

Overall Rating

Good points: The Vitara SWB is a great 4x4. It puts other so-called 4x4s to shame. It will go anywhere off-road with the four wheels engaged is pretty good on road with just two. Mine is a 1995 model so it is old but it looks a lot nicer than the new Grand Vitara in my opinion. It looks more rugged and more like a proper off-roader - which it is. It is quite fast on the road and doesn't drink petrol compared to other 4x4s. The front seats are comfortable and roomy. The small size means it is easy to manoeuvre around town, down country lanes and into tight parking spots. It will hardly ever break down as the engine is simple and mechanically sound. Bad points: Acceleration is rather poor and the suspension is a bit hard for on-road. The back seats are tiny but it wasn't designed to take the kids to school. The gears take a little getting used to. General comments: I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a car which will go off-road but is also ok on it. It will never compare with the luxury of other 4x4s but you don't want luxury if you have a pair of wet dogs and muddy boots. Its small size may put you off but you can fit most things in it and I don't have a problem with it.