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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First Time Suzuki Owner and Lovin it! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Frank Markowitz - January 26 - 12:53 amWe had been researching available SUVs in the "compact" class for about two years. I needed reliability and some ruggedness for driving in the E. TN mountain roads, yet affordability with increasing gas prices in mind. At the last minute I passed by a Suzuki dealer and stopped in by chance. Wow!..I loved the truck..and REALLY loved the price. I bought the SUV without knowing anything about Suzuki cars,..and have come love it. I got a this luxury model loaded...and got it for about $15,000 less than a comparable Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. They are both good vehicles, but not any better than the Grand Vitara has been for me so far. I took a chance...and I got great value at a great price!
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BEST COMPACT SUV - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By RIVERAS - January 21 - 10:00 amI PURCHASE IT NEW ON 8/2002 AND NEVER HAD ONE PROBLEM EXCEPT FOR A RECALL THAT SUZUKI STATED ABOUT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE.ME AND THE FAMILY ALWAYS USE IT ON TRIPS.FOR A SMALL SUV ITS GOOD ON GAS,GOOD POWER,AMPLE ROOM AND VERY ATTRACTIVE.I INSTALLED A TV FOR MY SON AT THE SUZUKI DEALER WHICH THEY DID A PROFESSIONAL JOB.
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Love 95% of this car! - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By kltschida - January 15 - 9:26 amBeing a suzuki owner for the past 6yrs, I didnt hesitate to buy another. I wish I would have looked a little harder though. I got a good deal, but I understand now that my monthly savings on my loan is going straight into the gas tank. Features are missing too... but I didnt miss them until I started reading the other reviews. I didnt mind that the steering wheel buttons didnt light up until I read about it and now it drives me NUTS! I love the size, I can haul a lot inside and tow my camper with no problem. I would recommend to a friend but warn them that gas will kill ya! Nice to read about the K&N Airfilter on the other review, Ill try that! Oh, whats with not having an ipod jack????
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Listen to this - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By SMiller - December 14 - 2:00 amUnfortunately, Edmunds missed the boat on their review of this vehicle, a common occurrence among their reviewers. They consistently are abnormal compared with more admirable magazines. Anyone who drives the redesigned for 2003 hence 2004 Suzukis would realize the major leap in every aspect that Suzuki has made. Edmunds reviews always leave a lot to be desired when it comes to vehicle reviews, they almost seem as if a reviewer has been paid off to endorse a certain vehicle over others. When is comes to researching vehicles, there are superior choices to consider.
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Best of the Best - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By O.J MOORE - December 9 - 8:23 amThe Grand Vitaras new interior is one of the best-looking that I have seen in any Suzuki. The dash has nice textures and flowing lines, and the gauges are attractive three-circle fashion with faux aluminum trim. The center stack is bordered by aluminum trim and the stereo controls are more upscale. Theres 68.9 cubic feet of cargo room available.
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Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By txk209 - November 27 - 5:10 pmI love my Grand Vitara. As of today, 9/7/05, it has no problems other than a minor one with the CD player. I will go back to dealer and have them to fix the CD changer. This is an excellent little SUV to keep if you tend to keep the car 6 years or longer. Its fuel enconomy is about 19.50 ~ 21.88 mpg in my area. Mine is a great color (I have the blue bi-tone). I suggest using Mobile 1 sythetic oil for motor oil, differential and automatic transmission for long lasting lift of vehicle.
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Will never buy another Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Gretchiebeth - November 18 - 11:16 amI have had my Grand Vitara 2.7 L V6 MPI for almost a year and have driven it for 4 months. The first time it was at Bill Gattons shop in Bristol Tn was two weeks after I bought my Grand Vitara. And The last time I took my Grand Vitara to Bill Gatton to have the motor worked on it was a week before Thanksgiving 2009 and it is now June 1 2010 and I am still without my vehicle. I just found out last week I am the third owner of this vehicle.
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In a Class of it own - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Luxury & Performance - November 1 - 3:53 amAfter searching and testing driving so many SUV, I turned into my local Suzuki dealer and took the GV out for a test drive. With in 24 hours I purchased the GV. Everything about the GV is luxury, both the exterior and interior has been well designed, the leather heated seats a major bonus. Have the 4 Mode for off road is excellent. Amazing in snow, took it out in 20" of snow and the GV handle it like a pro. ESP feature is another excellent feature. I have no regrets on this purchase.
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Love This Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By yamahar6 - October 27 - 10:00 amVerything is in the vitara. I like tail lights.
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100% satisfied...again - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By mike - October 25 - 2:03 amNo manufacturer gives you more for the money than Suzuki. This is my 7th Suzuki 4x4. All were excellent, trouble free vehicles and this is by far the best yet. My advice is to drive every small SUV out there and then test drive a Suzuki. Im confident that you will be amazed.
