Summary:
A stylish 4x4 but not a serious 'on-roader'
Faults:
The car has been quite reliable (as you would expect from the Japanese in recent years). The only niggle seems to be a slight rubbing of metal on metal that we haven't yet traced but it hasn't broken down yet.
General Comments:
We needed something with 4x4 capability and some style - so the Vitara was our choice. But we didn't realise just how uncomfortable these vehicles can be if used regularly on road. A journey of anything over an hour can be very tiring because of the lack of comfort.
There is very little storage room to speak of - although the rear seats do fold forward individually.
One point that is worth mentioning - the high driving position is good.
The general handling can be difficult to get used to - the ride is spongy and the steering very 'late'. I can imagine rolling the vehicle could be done if care isn't taken on unexpected tight bends!
The engine is rather noisy also.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th June, 2001
4th Mar 2003, 16:17
In case anyone reads this and wonders about the metal on metal rubbing noise, this is the brake pad wear indicator. A posh name for a bit of metal stuck to the pad that, when the pads get low, rubs on the disk. Low tech, but reliable!.
14th Jul 2004, 18:15
I've recently have had my brakes changed due to the metal on metal rubbing sound I was getting, although the brakes was worn I'm still getting a rubbing sound, but the car is still going so I'm not complaining!!! Does anyone have any ideas how I go about raising the car for extreme offroading???