Overview & Reviews

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a small SUV that attempts to deliver the often mutually exclusive attributes of off-road ability and on-road comfort. In its first generation, the Grand Vitara featured a trucklike chassis, V6 power and low-range gearing. The current model is similar, but features a body structure that blends car and truck chassis designs.

Due to a variety of shortcomings, the original Grand Vitara did not achieve a great deal of success in the U.S. marketplace. The current model is greatly improved, however, and even if it lacks the refinement of its many compact SUV competitors, its rough-and-tumble nature makes it a good choice for those who like to escape the urban grind with adventures into the great outdoors.

Current Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Suzuki Grand Vitara has seating for five passengers, a long list of standard features and available four-wheel drive with low-range gearing.

There are four styles available for the Suzuki Grand Vitara: Base, Premium, Ultimate Adventure Edition and Limited. Even base and Premium models are pretty well equipped with features like automatic climate control, full power accessories, a removable Garmin navigation unit and side curtain airbags. The Ultimate Adventure Edition gets a few items that'll come in handy out in the wilderness like heated front seats, water-resistant upholstery and foglights, while the Limited gets luxurious upgrades like leather seating, keyless ignition/entry and a premium sound system. Bluetooth is optional on all but the base Grand Vitara.

Every Suzuki Grand Vitara is powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on base models, while all other versions get a four-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, but Premium models can also be had with a four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case. Limited models are offered with a four-mode 4WD system (4H, 4H Lock, 4L Lock and N) that allows the Grand Vitara to be flat-towed behind an RV without adding miles to the odometer.

Like most other compact SUVs, the Grand Vitara features a carlike unibody chassis for improved body rigidity, handling and safety. Suzuki has attempted to differentiate it, however, by incorporating a ladder frame design into the unibody structure. The company says this enhances the vehicle's off-road and towing abilities. In editorial reviews, this Suzuki SUV has earned favorable commentary for its long list of standard features, attractive price and above-average abilities when taken off-pavement. Its slow acceleration, unimpressive fuel economy and general lack of refinement, however, make it less appealing than other compact crossovers.

Used Suzuki Grand Vitara Models
The present second-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara debuted for the 2006 model year with one engine -- a 2.7-liter V6 that was capable of 185 hp. Changes were minimal until 2009, when a comprehensive midcycle update brought about the current four-cylinder engine and a much more powerful 3.2-liter V6. The V6 was available on XSport and Luxury trims and made 230 hp and 213 lb-ft of torque. Other changes included some redesigned interior controls and a new grille and front bumper design. Unfortunately, the V6 was discontinued after 2010, but finding a used example from its two years on the market would be a good idea. The Ultimate Adventure Edition was unavailable prior to 2012.

The first-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara debuted for the 1999 model year and lasted through 2005. It served as a replacement for the Sidekick, Suzuki's previous compact SUV. There was also a "regular" Vitara -- the difference between the two was that the Grand Vitara came with a V6 engine and more standard equipment and was available as a four-door body style only.

In its first year, the Grand Vitara was the only small SUV for the U.S. market equipped with a V6 engine. Upon release, this 2.5-liter V6 made 155 hp. Other distinct design elements included a trucklike chassis and low-range gearing on four-wheel-drive models. The main trim levels were either two-wheel-drive JS or four-wheel-drive JLX. There were also "plus" versions that came standard with antilock brakes and alloy wheels. In 2000, a plush Limited model was released that featured, among other luxuries, leather seating. In 2002 the V6 gained 10 more hp, and in 2003 Suzuki simplified the trim levels to be known simply as 2WD and 4WD.

Though many of its specs looked good on paper, this Suzuki Grand Vitara's shortcomings quickly became apparent in editorial reviews. The V6's output lagged behind many competitors' four-cylinder engines; ride quality was poor over rough pavement; and the interior was short on comfort and space. For the most part, shoppers interested in a used SUV should look elsewhere.

User Reviews:

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  EX 4WD Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Di-Jo - June 13 - 2:30 pm

  I bought my Grand Vitara yesterday. I have only driven it home and to work today. So far, I love the way it handles and the convenience of all the controls. I have been looking around a while for a good, clean Grand Vitara and finally found one. Its great and just what I wanted with the 4x4 option.

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  Perfect little SUV for me! - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Fajardo - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Grand Vitara new in 2000 and havent had one complaint yet. It is a little on the small side for myself and friends (all of us are 6ft+ tall), but I new that when I made the purchase. I test drove the CR-V and RAV4 and even was considering a Sportage, but the Suzuki offered more power and standard options for my constant highway driving. Ive had several cars including and BMW and a Mercedes, but this one is my favorite. All in all Im very pleased and hope to have this truck for a long time to come.

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  Good buy - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By JIM - April 3 - 3:13 am

  We put 20000+ miles and had very little problems. Only mechanical problem was a squeak in the steering colunm, which was fixed. Gas mileage was OK with about 21.5 mpg on hiway. The car rode and handled as good as any we drove in its class. The hood did cast a shadow on low beam. The cruise contol did shift too soon on an incline, even thought the engine had plenty of power. I liked the car, although we have traded for XL7 because needed three rows of seats.

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  Great little vehicle - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By F. LaRock - March 29 - 8:36 pm

  I purchased my 2004 Grand Vitara LX in Feb 09 and is the first actual 4 wheel drive Ive ever owned. I have driven over 15,000 since Feb 09 with absolutely no problems. Car was in excellent condition and I was the 2nd owner and received the remainder of the 7 yr/100K warranty. Vehicle performs excellent here in the winter (U.P.of Michigan) and wouldnt trade it for the world. (Gotta put in a plug for Northway Auto in Rhinelander, WI. Great no-pressure sales and very honest. Had my vehicle in top condition at purchase; even replaced radio with brand new one, replaced all brakes and discs and serpentine belt and produced all docs of proof. Will definitely buy there again and will recommend.

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  2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By markjoe64 - March 21 - 2:23 am

  This my third Suzuki in 4 years. I had the Aerio SX and the Chevy Tracker. My new Grand Vitara is like riding in a Lincoln. Fit and finish were first rate. This vehicle can "fly". I normally drive 64 mph on the interstate, but had to "kick it in" when a semi was on my tail. Before I knew it I was doing 97 mph. Sign me as "Happy in Huntsville".

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  Good SUV for its size and price - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By William Epperly - March 10 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle 2 weeks ago, and we are mostly satisfied. The biggest issue we had was that the cargo area cover does NOT snap out easily as stated in the owners manual, we actually had to break ours to get it out. Also, the rattle from the back door that someone else mentioned is annoying at times. Otherwise, the Grand Vitara is a great vehicle!

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  WOW! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By gailr - February 25 - 12:50 pm

  After having my last vehicle (a Honda) for 13 years and 225,000 miles, I had no intention of changing loyalties. However, being intrigued by the design I opened the door and the rest is history! A test drive and two emails later, I bought one of the first Suzukis this dealer offered. With extremely long legs, I had resigned myself to never being comfortable on long drives...three months and 3,500 miles later, I can testify that 4 1/2 hour trips without stopping are no longer painful!

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  If You Want To Spend Lots Of Money!..... - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Billy Boy - January 28 - 3:23 pm

  Buy this suv! I have 49,000 miles now on my 06, I can not keep front tires on it,I am on my third set of tires!I know Suzuki knows of this problem!! Ive talked to a lot of people also having the same problems!Also keep extra headlight bulbs with you! about every3-4 months you will be changing them!As like another reviewer said:you mite as well wipe your crack with the paper the warranty is written on! The belt tension control arm is plastic, so around 45,000 miles it went up, costing me almost $400!Cd player does not work now,i guess the dealer would want about the est value of the vehicle to install a new one. Im very disappointed with you Suzuki!

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  Its hot in here - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By BadSuzuki - January 26 - 10:00 am

  This has been a good little vehicle for the most part. A couple of on-going problems problems have caused a lot of frustration and prevented it from being a great vehicle. The air conditioning never worked right from the day it was new. It has been to 2 different dealers a total of 11 times and still is not working. The body cladding kept coming loose until I finally glued it back on with industrial epoxy. Dealer service is pathetic. Both dealers in my area have dropped their Suzuki fanchise. I would never by another one.

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  Initial impressions - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By city slicker - January 17 - 10:23 pm

  just bought mine so this quality/reliability rating is irrelevant. All the reviews suggest the only small X overs you can actually take off road are Subarus and the GV and the GV is incrementally better off road. That was my deciding factor, despite reliability concerns. Always owned Hondas which have been bullet proof. My X Sport has true 4X4 w/lower gearing. I wanted the 6 cylinder with its addtl off road capability, but they are sold out in my region. I NEEDED to buy, Suzuki has $3K rebate and Sept sales were awful so dealer was willing to deal so I decided not to wait for 2010s. The GV price was right, the interior is nice & it has some off road chops. well see about reliability.