2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2Dr Soft Top review from Australia and New Zealand

The clutch feels like it's slipping more than it used to, but still perfectly drivable, even in deep sand.

Makes a weird noise when down shifting into second gear sometimes.

The trim where the soft top attaches was broken when I bought it, due to mistreatment by the previous family.

I originally learned to drive on a 1991 Vitara, and wasn't expecting to get another due to wanting a convertible with lots of features, but it was quite simply the best choice for the money.

Since it's four-wheel, I can show up most of my friends larger more powerful customized beasts. Quite amazing how well this little car performs off-road (I've only done sand so far, but only the very steepest hills stop it, and that's because of my clearance while cresting, which I hope to fix soon).

With normal driving it's a bit under powered, but this is easily fixed by down shifting and revving a bit higher than usual. Sure it's a bit hard on the engine, but I swear the little thing just loves you more when revved to 5,0000-6,000 for shifting. Highway passing becomes quite an art-form requiring planning and patience, really teaches you to know exactly what your vehicle is capable of.

I don't know exactly what kind of gas mileage I get, because I've never bothered to work it out, but on a long trip (~400km) with an equal mix of freeway and off-road driving, I only used half the tank (~20L), which was exceptional.

It's strange, but I prefer to drive this rather than my family's 2007 Mini Cooper S Parklane, mainly because of the transmission (mini is auto), but also because this car is just so much more comfortable to sit in and fun to drive.