Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops specializing in off-road vehicles and compact SUVs.
Competitors 1988-1998:
Jeep Cherokee (XJ), Toyota RAV4 (later models), Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero, Isuzu Trooper, Daihatsu Feroza/Sportrak.
Vehicle Philosophy:
Affordable, rugged, capable off-road vehicle with a focus on utility and reliability.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, in-depth technical knowledge for maintaining and repairing the entire vehicle, crucial for owners seeking to preserve or enhance off-road capability.
Regions Covered:
Global (North America, Europe, Asia, Australia)
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2000+ (estimated across all variants and systems)
Type:
Factory Service & Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (4WD System, Transfer Case, Differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Gauges, Wiper/Washer System, HVAC Controls, Power Windows/Locks, Audio System
Body And Frame:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seating, Glass, Frame/Unibody Structure
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil & Filter Changes, Fluid Level Checks & Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement, Belt Inspection & Replacement, Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement, Tire Rotation
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Cylinder Head Removal/Installation, Piston & Connecting Rod Replacement, Crankshaft & Bearing Service, Fuel Injector Testing & Replacement, Radiator & Water Pump Replacement, Exhaust System Repair, Transmission Rebuild, Clutch Replacement, Drive Axle Repair, CV Joint Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement (Shocks, Struts, Bushings), Brake Caliper & Master Cylinder Rebuild/Replacement, Power Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement (Alternator, Starter, Ignition Coils), Body Panel Repair & Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts for Engine Performance Issues, Starting Problems, Electrical Malfunctions, Braking System Concerns, HVAC System Failures, Driveability Issues
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical schematics, and bodywork repair procedures.
Configuration:
Inline-4, SOHC
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1590 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
74.0 mm x 84.0 mm
Horsepower Est:
75-80 HP @ 5000-5500 RPM
Torque Est:
85-90 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 RPM
Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Configuration:
Inline-4, DOHC
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Horsepower Est:
115-120 HP @ 5500-6000 RPM
Torque Est:
130-135 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 RPM
Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Configuration:
Inline-4, Diesel
Displacement:
1.9 Liters (1905 cc)
Horsepower Est:
68 HP @ 4600 RPM
Torque Est:
95 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM
Fuel System:
Indirect Injection, Rotary Diesel Injection Pump
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Suzuki Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Coolant Capacity Est:
6.5 - 7.5 Liters
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3 rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates
Engine Oil Capacity Est:
3.5 - 4.5 Liters (with filter)
System:
Part-time 4WD (4H, 4L, 2H) with selectable transfer case
Transmission Fluid Manual
Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic
Type:
Dexron II/III ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil
Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil
Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil
Length:
Approx. 3655 mm (143.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1695 mm (66.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1670 mm (65.7 in)
Length:
Approx. 4030 mm (158.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1695 mm (66.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1710 mm (67.3 in)
Wheelbase:
2030 mm (79.9 in)
Wheelbase:
2200 mm (86.6 in)
Curb Weight Est:
1100 - 1350 kg (2425 - 2975 lbs)
Cargo Volume Est:
Approx. 0.25 - 0.30 m³ (behind rear seats)
Cargo Volume Est:
Approx. 0.50 - 0.60 m³ (behind rear seats)
Braked Towing Est:
1000 - 1500 kg (2200 - 3300 lbs)
Unbraked Towing Est:
500 - 750 kg (1100 - 1650 lbs)
Standard Tire Size Swb:
205/70R15, 215/75R15
Standard Tire Size Lwb:
215/75R15, 235/70R15
Bolt Pattern:
5x139.7 mm (5x5.5 inch)
Offset:
+10 to +20 mm (typical)
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Vehicles from this era generally did not undergo standardized government crash testing as rigorously as modern vehicles. Specific regional results may vary.)
Braking System:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (some later models/trims may have rear discs). ABS typically not available.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point seatbelts, Rear lap belts (some models may have 3-point rear belts).
Airbags:
Driver airbag typically introduced in later models (late 90s). Passenger airbag very rare.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced roof structure for convertible and soft-top variants.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player. Aftermarket head unit upgrades are common.
Speakers:
Typically 2-4 speakers. Component speaker upgrades available.
ABS:
Typically unavailable on most models. Available as an option on some later, higher trim levels.
Aux Input:
Not standard. Aftermarket solutions required.
HVAC:
Manual climate control (heater and ventilation). Optional A/C system.
Power Accessories:
Optional power windows and power door locks on higher trim levels.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000-50,000 km (24,000-30,000 miles) depending on plug type.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 40,000-60,000 km (24,000-36,000 miles).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles) for G16A/G20A engines (critical maintenance item).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II/III ATF or dedicated power steering fluid.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Clutch Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (shared reservoir with brakes).
Engine:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced per schedule), oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan gasket, minor overheating issues if cooling system is neglected.
Drivetrain:
Wear in transfer case bushings, CV joint boot failure, differential leaks.
Suspension:
Worn bushings, front coil spring sag (especially on heavier duty models).
Electrical:
Corrosion in electrical connectors, failure of ignition coils, instrument cluster issues.
Body:
Rust in common areas (rocker panels, wheel arches, tailgate). Door seal degradation leading to water ingress.
Manufacturer Origin:
Japan
Brand Specialty:
Known for small, economical, and capable off-road vehicles and motorcycles.
Launch Year Global:
1988 (as Suzuki Escudo)
Key Changes 1988-1998:
Introduction of 2.0L engine, longer wheelbase variants, updated styling cues, minor interior refinements, potential introduction of airbags in later years.
Rebadging:
Sold as Suzuki Vitara in many markets, Escudo in Japan, and various other names globally (e.g., Mazda Proceed Levante, Geo Tracker).
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, Canada (for Geo Tracker), Hungary, India (Maruti Vitara), and others.
