Suzuki Vitara I (ET/TA) photos

Debuting in 1988 as the Escudo in Japan, the first-generation Suzuki Vitara (chassis codes ET/TA) pioneered the compact leisure SUV segment by blending genuine off-road capacity with car-like urban usability. The vehicle featured a sturdy ladder-frame chassis, independent front MacPherson strut suspension, a rigid rear axle, and a part-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. Body styles included a short-wheelbase 3-door hardtop, a 3-door soft-top convertible, and a long-wheelbase 5-door station wagon introduced in 1991.

Initial powertrain options centered around a 1.6-liter 8-valve single-overhead-cam gasoline engine producing 80 hp, later upgraded to a 16-valve variant producing 97 hp. In 1994, Suzuki expanded the range with a 2.0-liter DOHC V6 engine generating 136 hp and a Mazda-sourced 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. A mid-lifecycle facelift in 1996 revised the front grille, bumpers, and dashboard ergonomics. Global manufacturing encompassed plants in Japan, Spain (Santana Motor), Canada (CAMI Automotive), and Indonesia.