A convertible owner understands that it's not so much the destination that's important; it's driving there. In minutes the soft-top's off and stowed away. With hands on the wheel and face to the sun, you're ready to put the Vitara 2-Door's performance engineering to the test -- on trail usually reserved for dirt bikes. Available shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive lets you move from two-wheel to four-wheel drive easily without losing momentum. The five-link, coil-spring, rear suspension keeps your ride composed. And the spunky 2.0-liter, 16-valve, DOHC engine supplies plenty of get-up-and-go. It doesn't get much better than this - or does it?

Room to Groove

Stretch out a bit. The interior is refreshingly big with ample room above your head. The reclining seats are ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue. The steering wheel adjusts seven ways. And we didn't forget the amenities, such as an AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD, power windows, power mirrors, keyless remote entry and door locks (JLS, JLX), front seatback pockets, and dual cup holders. From short hops to the mall to long freeway excursions, the Vitara 2-Door gets you anywhere you want to go without working up a sweat.

Where's the party?

Both 16-valve engines - the 2.0-liter and the 1.6-liter - are gas-stingy performers that will roll up highway miles as effortlessly as they chew up mountain miles. The independent strut front suspension and five-link coil-spring rear suspension take on dips, rocks and ruts, and give you comfort in return. Throw in plenty of ground clearance, an incredibly durable steel ladder frame chassis with boxed rails, and smooth, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive (4WD models) and you've got an off-road party in the making.