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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  i loved it - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By er1ca2000 - October 23 - 3:26 pm

  I was actually a little skeptical of buying an SUV but this little thing had changed my mind. It had plenty of room for all our kids stuff, roomy backseat and windows that roll all the way down in the back. It is fun to drive and handles very well for an SUV. I do wish that it got better gas mileage but that is a factor that i am willing to sacrifice. It looks cute, and i LOVE driving it in the mud puddles around the house. Most of the time it is a muddy mess but after a trip to car wash it reveals perfect paint. NO fading or anything else. I might mention it is black. My opinion... 2 thumbs way up. We will buy another if we are ever able to give this one up. 44000 miles at purchase

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  Fun To Drive - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dave - October 23 - 1:50 am

  The 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a very fun to drive vehicle with great visibility on the highway. It is a real 4x4 that works off road. It tows easy behind my motorhome. Only thing I would change is the factory tires which have poor traction and wear fast.

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  2000 SUZUKI-Grand Vitara,4WD - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By D.M. LITTLE - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Very well built SUV.The electronic 4WD operates great. The vehicle is very easy to handle, because of its size, but very comfortable inside.Interior is really nice, and all controls are conveniently located.Lots of room, especially when the rear seats are folded down.Rear door/tailgate, opens very easy, and wide,making loading items extremely easy.Had a Suzuki Sidekick prior to this.300,000 miles, and still running.

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  Best in the Class - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By thomas - October 18 - 3:00 pm

  I purchased my Suzuki after looking at and comparing many vehicles in this class. Mainly I looked at the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. I love Suzuki because it has plenty of power, its fun to drive, and it has a cool audio system with MP3 standard. The best part is the warranty that comes with the vehicle. It has very nice handling.

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  Great look,great value! - 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By johnny89 - October 16 - 9:41 am

  If you want a vehicle thats value-priced,good to look at,and fun to drive,I highly reccomend the 2011 grand vitara.Ive owned mine for 2 weeks and I love it!

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  The Grand Vitara is GRAND - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Brian O - October 11 - 1:10 pm

  After owning a 1995 Suzuki Sidekick, I was very pleased with the quality and capabilities of the Suzuki SUVs. My Sidekick, which I refuse to sell now serves as my daily driver and offroad trail vehicle (extensively modified). The Grand Vitara took the sidekick platform and made an already great vehicle that much greater. A more plush ride, major interior improvements and amenities, as well as a highly upgraded engine all make the Grand Vitara awesome. There are a plethora of other Mini SUVs out there. What you wont find on about 80% of the others is a true 4x4 (not AWD), a low range transfer case, and a body of frame. If your travel offroad, get the Grand Vitara.

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  Enjoy it - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By ajo1975 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, affordable, though not very economical as far as gas goes. 4x4 is fun to use, and helpful in certain weather. Sturdy and enjoyable little ride.

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  Great buy for the money - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By 491965 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. Bought new, had for over a year. Comfortable, fun to drive, fun to off-road with. Taken many out-of- state road trips and it has always been reliable and ready to go. Great car for the affordable price. Wouldnt hesitate to but again.

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  Excellent SUV - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rene - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle for its value and overall performance.It feels rock solid on the road with no squeaks or rattles and the handling is superb. It is exceptionally comfortable in long trips and the overall mileage is pretty good. I have test driven other popular brands before buying and the Grand Vitara is a clear winner by a wide margin.

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  Vitaria - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By daleyk - September 12 - 10:00 am

  good in the snow.