1999 Suzuki Vitara JLX 2.0
Summary:
Look elsewhere for compact a S.U.V!
Faults:
The heater belt was defective until Suzuki fixed the belt problem, took a year and half to fix.
Canvas does not fit correctly on the soft top.
Reverse and 3rd gear grind. Engine raps before r.p.m. is necessary to shift gears.
General Comments:
Snow is not a factor in this vehicles performance, however if you like taking the trails, I would not recommend for off-road/4x4 fun.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 27th March, 2001
27th Nov 2002, 19:56
I own the same Suzuki Vitara (Ecuador, SouthAmerica) and also had the same problems with the transmission. The car has a poor build quality everything is making noise on that car.
28th Jun 2003, 13:22
My 1999 2dr 4x4 Vitara also has the same transmission problems, it grinds on the 5-4,& 4-3 downshifts, sometimes on the 3-2 down shift, that was @ 85,000 km.
Now with 200,000 km on it it doesn't grind anymore, but now the bearings in the transmission case are shot. I complained to Suzuki Canada, and the selling dealer, but they have both said no goodwill. It has yet to miss a service... but amazingly enough it still drives daily (until
I rebuild the transmission in 2weeks)
5th Jan 2005, 07:43
My Suzuki Vitara has had transmission problems, I cannot seem to get them fixed. It appears to be in the 4 wheel drive. took it to the dealer and they said it was fixed. But it is not. when I try to use the 4 wheel drive it makes grinding noises. Now it is having brake problems, I suddenly lost the brakes, they went to the floor, and I don't know why. now they are working again. I like the car a lot, but I am getting discouraged. It only has 83,000 miles on it and has not been abused. It still gets very good mileage and I would like to keep it. BA Allen, Brasstown, NC. 28902
17th Jun 2001, 00:03
My 1999 Suzuki Vitara (in Canada) has also had problems with the transmission. In the first few weeks of ownership I noticed that the tranny made a grinding noise when down-shifting from 4 - 3 and 3 - 2 and sometimes when up-shifting as well. The dealership was quick to try and fix it and on the third try finally got it right. The mechanic at the dealership said this was a some what common problem in these vehicles. If you notice this problem in your vehicle, complain until it is fixed, it is a manufacture defect and should be fixed under warranty.