2003 4x4 Trucks And SUVs - The Four Wheeler Guide To 2003 Trucks And SUVS

COMPACT SUVS

SUVs In This Category Include:
Chevrolet Tracker
Isuzu Rodeo Sport
Jeep Wrangler
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Suzuki Vitara

Chevrolet
The Tracker boasts a steel ladder-type frame and three models from which to choose. The base two-door convertible or four-door Tracker and convertible two-door ZR2 come standard with the 2.0L inline-four, while the four-door LT and ZR2 come with a 2.5L V-6. This engine drives through a four-speed automatic that's optional with the four-banger. The Tracker does well in off-road situations, thanks to its solid axle rear with five-link design. It uses independent MacPherson struts up front. Base-level Trackers are delivered with standard AM/FM/CD player, power rack-and-pinion steering, A/C and a shift-on-the-fly transfer case.

Isuzu
Once known as the Amigo, the Isuzu Rodeo Sport is a two-door compact SUV that's available with either a soft- or hardtop. It's powered by a 3.2L V-6 and gets its smooth ride from independent front suspension and a coil-sprung live rear axle. The Rodeo Sport has an optional limited-slip differential.

Jeep
The consummate off-road vehicle is the Jeep Wrangler and this year the company offers five different versions of its classic 4x4, including the SE, X, Sport, Sahara and Rubicon, with this latter version previewed in the August edition of Four Wheeler, and road-tested in this very issue. For '03, Jeep offers the all-new 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission on all models. The SE now features the 2.4L Power Tech I-4, which was brought over from the Liberty. The Jeep Wrangler X, Sport, Sahara and Rubicon each feature the standard 4.0L I-6 mated to a standard-equipment five-speed manual transmission. For '03, all Wranglers have available four-wheel disc brakes.

The Rubicon features front and rear Dana 44 axles, a 4:1 low range transfer case, locking differentials and heavy-duty driveshafts with 1330 universal joints. It also rides on Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires on 16-inch wheels. The Rubicon is fit with a 190hp 4.0L Power Tech I-6 mated to a five-speed manual transmission. An automatic is optional. All Wranglers feature skidplates, solid axles front and rear with coil springs, shocks and an antiroll bar standard.

Suzuki
For '03 Suzuki's two compact SUVs, the Vitara and Grand Vitara, remain virtually unchanged. The Grand Vitara is now offered in a single trim level that replaces the JLS/JLX models. The Limited trim has been discontinued. The Grand Vitara is still powered by Suzuki's 165hp V-6. It does enjoy some upgrades, including a new dash and console design, aluminum wheels and a smaller rear headrest for improved rear visibility. The Grand Vitara rides on IFS and a coil-spring/solid-axle rear.

Suzuki's Vitara is sold as a two- or four-door compact SUV. Besides adding a canvas soft-top to the two-door model, nothing much has changed on the Vitara since last year. Identical to the Grand Vitara in construction, but a few inches shorter in length, the Vitara offers a choice of 1.6L or 2.0L inline-four engines. You may not move very quickly but at least you'll get good gas mileage.

Abbreviations:
4A = four-speed automatic
5A = five-speed automatic
5M = five-speed manual
6M = six-speed manual