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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Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Mani - April 22 - 9:06 pmThe Grand Vitara is an excellent Vehicle. I had to buy one after the test drive. It has lots of cool features, like keyless entry, a 6 CD player with 7 speakers, ESP etc..
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A wonderful SUV - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By shaun025 - April 19 - 10:00 amThis is an awesome vehicle, I absolutey love it! It is fast and user friendly, fun to drive, and interior design is emaculate.
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Previous Suzuki Grand Vitara Owner - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By leo56 - April 15 - 6:56 amI purchased a 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara with 120259 miles off the street. Well, I have to say that this vehicle from the start did not let me down. The performance was is fantastic, steering and driving has been an absolute joy especially on overdrive, it takes off like an airplane. I love the Suzuki Grand Vitara so much that I went out and purchased a 2009 model. It has everything I want in a small SUV with plenty to spare. I have not driven my new Grand Vitara yet, but my expectations are greater.
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Excellent - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By shibu - April 8 - 8:20 amI have had this truck for two months and have found it fun to drive, very adequately powered and to have a very pleasing interior and exterior. The controls look as if they are frome a very high priced vehicle and it is an awesome SUV. Two thumbs up for this one from Suzuki.
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Great Small Truck - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By bossaboss - April 8 - 3:36 amAfter looking at several other small SUVs, the Grand Vitara was a stand-out. Suzuki was smart to be the only make to offer a true RWD-based 4x4 against the weaker AWD car-based competition. The fit/finish of the interior and exterior are excellent, and I often receive compliments on the styling. The 2.7 V6 engine has decent power if you are willing to keep the RPM up. So far I am getting about 20-22 MPG on mountain highways.
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Great authentic SUV - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Jared - April 3 - 9:30 pmGreat little SUV. I wanted a compact SUV that was an actual SUV not a crossover so I took a look at this vehicle. Interior materials and quality is top notch and its very comfortable to drive in. Heated seats warm up nice and quickly. Great styling.Engine is nice and peppy. Gauges are superb and easy to read. Brakes are good. Drives like its on rails even in snow.Very maneuverable in tight spots.Takes potholes without worrying about getting a flat tire. I bought the GV because of terrible roads in the winter and the potholes that only seem to spread more and more as well as for off road and towing.Gas mileage is not bad at all, averaging 20 mpg so far.Take a look at it you will like it.
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No Problems Here - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Phil - February 14 - 8:10 amGreat small SUV thats fun to drive. Have had it just a few weeks, but have had no problems with it. The only thing I dont care for is the gas mileage, seems Im stopping more often than i use to with my Olds Silloutte I traded for it. It however does have smaller tank too. It is very peppy though when it comes to getting out on the highway which I like.
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Great SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Paul - February 13 - 8:56 pmI am really impressed with the Grand Vitara. It is a well built vehicle. I like the interior and exterior styling. It gives a solid sound when the doors are shut. IThe interior controls are well thought our and driver friendly. Its good handling is a plus. For anyone looking for a small SUV, take a minute to check out the Grand Vitara. You will be gald that you did!
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Need Better Seats - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By MaiPhet - February 5 - 10:00 amNot bad for first couple of miles. V-6 with a manual stickshift real peppy to drive. Body style and interior design real modern. Handles well on road. But my biggest disappointment with this vehicle was the front seats. When taking a drive over an hour long my back would start hurting, I even tried buying seat covers with a inflatable lumbar. Back hurt so bad I traded it in.
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Great car for the price - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Vitara Pimp - January 29 - 2:00 amLots of pick-up tons of fun to drive only real complaint is crammed back seat and trunk space. There is plenty of trunk space but only if you put the back seats down. Also the chrome hub caps that they used to come with should be put back on I had go to an after market dealer to get them. Also living in Florida the windows are just too clear and the air conditioner cannot keep up with the heat that comes in through the standard windows so window tinting is a must down here. Other than that a great car for the price there is no better made SUV on the market. To get something better you have to be willing to spend more money.
