Suzuki Grand Vitara Soft top (1999 - 2003) 2.0 GV2000 2d Owner Review

Suzuki has always made some brilliant little 4x4’s, 30 years ago I used to see many gamekeepers in the Scottish highlands favour the tiny Suzuki over land rovers because they were effective and light enough not to sink and get bogged down. Though I have something of a passion for range rovers and they would remain my, money no object, ideal for the comfort they provide while going anywhere, I have been incredibly impressed with the little Suzuki and am seriously considering one to kit out for lightweight overland use. Unless one really wants a soft top, I would avoid. I have never used it and didn’t consider the irritation factor of the tiny boot access. That said, it could be fun in the summer for the right person. While basic and small, the car functions just fine and is comfortable enough, I have even driven it to the south of France without issue. It’s a far from quick car but not meant to be and, for a petrol engine, it pulls well from low down. if one’s happy dawdling about then it’s actually quite fun to buzz around in. Turning circle is fantastic and it’s size has meant I’ve been able to squeeze through gaps that any other 4x4 could not. All in all, I have grown rather fond of the little car. Mine is now long in tooth, it was when I bought it, and a bit beat up but it’s been a reliable and inexpensive car to own. These days the tax is high when compared to more efficient small cars, as is fuel consumption but other costs remain low. These days there are plenty small SUV’s to choose from, it’s probably not difficult to find more comfort and luxury, greater efficiency etc. But, if one actually wants/needs to go off road, and assuming the basic 4x4 system remains in the modern variants, the little Suzuki’s are hard to beat.