After a one-week evaluation covering 1,600 miles, the conclusion is undeniable: Suzuki Grand Vitara scorches a charismatic impression. This is a great sport utility vehicle: the suspension provides a consistently even ride (due in part to separately located coil springs and dampers), the 2.5-liter V6 engine provides power to spare (165 horsepower at 6500 rpm), and with a 34.8-foot turning diameter the mobility is on-target for directional changes. Views across the four-door vehicle are unobstructed – no heavy pillar widths, and the rear seats have open-design headrests. Rear cargo space is plentiful, providing 23.4 cubic feet with rear seats upright or more than 50 cubic feet with seatbacks flipped forward. Standard equipment on the Grand Vitara JLX version (four-wheel-drive) include rear window defroster, tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, power windows/locks, CD/AM/FM cassette audio system, retractable cargo cover, cruise control, and full-size spare tire. For 2002 model year, four-wheel-drive models features standard heated side mirrors. With standard V6 engine (mated to four-speed automatic transmission), the vehicle earns per gallon mileage estimates of 18 city/20 highway. Grand Vitara’s body-on-frame construction helps convey the compact SUV’s dependable disposition. Suggested base price is $18,599. Grand Vitara is sold in rear drive JLS; 4WD JLX; and Limited Edition.