1994 Suzuki Vitara JLX 1.6 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Expect little and be very surprised!

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

This 5 door Vitara has proven to be an asset to the family with its reliability and comfort.

I bought the Vitara in Hong Kong and shipped it to the UK where most dealers are not happy with any of the servicing plans, other than what is provided by UK spec models, this leaves air conditioning and other normal items standard on Japanese spec vehicles having to be serviced outside Suzuki dealerships.

The ride of the vehicle is solid and is not as comfortable as my previous vehicle. However, it is indeed more reliable and fun to drive, the auto box once warm changes up and down beautifully and the sound of the 16 valve engine gives a nice sense of confidence to manage almost any situation.

I have not experienced the understeer problem to the degree of other reviews on this site, though I do not travel at a speed other than the road conditions allow.

Over the past 10 years I have had 4x4 vehicles including Samurai's, Subaru's, Discovery's and Range Rover. Other than the Subaru, this car (Vitara) has made me a dedicated fan of Suzuki cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2002

5th Mar 2005, 13:48

You know what you're talking about my friend, this is a nice little 4x4.

1994 Suzuki Vitara JLX 1.6 from UK and Ireland

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???

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1994 Suzuki Vitara JLX 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good family car

Faults:

Cannot find a cure for a misfire in the engine. I have changed all the usual bit's but it still misses at 1500rpm.

General Comments:

I like the car otherwise.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th September, 2000

6th Feb 2001, 02:50

The misfire may be caused by burn through on one or more spark plug lead ends which are long and fit down into the rocker cover and cylinder head.

You will see the arc if you pull one out while the engine is running. Silicone will give a medium term fix.