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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Great Little Value - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By gtk - August 7 - 5:53 pmI bought a Suzuki Grand Vitara for my wife to take skiing, and for everday use. We looked at the Toyota RAV, Honda CR-V, and the Saturn VUE V6 AWD, and picked the Grand Vitara for its great value, warranty, style, and features. My wife recieves compliments daily on how great this truck looks. The interior is first class, and the four mode 4WD system is a unique feature for small SUVs. The mileage could be better from a company that specializes in high performance motorcycles though. The few nit-picky items would be, no extendable visors, 4 wheel disc brakes should be standard, its lack of a locking gas cap, and the instant gas mileage readout should do "averaging." We just purchased Crossbars and bra for the roofrack system.
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Perfect Little SUV For the City - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Jim Archer - July 31 - 9:16 amThe Grand Virara is surprisingly nimble on the highway, as we learned on our first two roadtrips (approximately 350 miles each). It is very comfortable for an SUV with a short wheelbase and acceptable fuel mileage. We are totally happy with the intown driving experience...easy to park, easy to enter and exit, and easy to love. This will not be our normal trip vehicle, but will be our first choice for around town!
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Greatness is here - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By mike nile - July 12 - 4:13 amThe sport utility/SUV is a nice design feels like you are driving in a 55,000 vehicle. I prefer the rwd vehicle over fwd types which end up having misalignment problems and tire issues, the towing capacity is good 3000 the others offer about 1500, the heated leather seats and mirrors are a nice feature, the engine is strong and will thrust you in your seat when you tap the pedal, plenty of pick up and go! Nice cargo space and rear foldable seats is a plus when more space is needed. Many extra features are included at different package levels on vehicle of choice. I suggest to take one for a test drive then try the competition you will then choose the grand vitara a great purchase.
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Grand Vitaraas in Great Vehecile - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By mihran kaprielian - June 30 - 5:30 amMy Grand Vitara is my first Suzuki. I think you need more than a test drive to descide to buy it. When you start comparing the Grand Vitaras looks, specs, and features and then you drive it (after test driving CR-V and RAV4) I think you will be sold. It is as simple as that. Once you get, you will begin to like it more and more. It grows on you every single time you get behind the wheel. I average 20 mpg, which is ok but in this case is great. Think about all the money you save by buying or leasing the Grand Vitara instead of a RAV4 or CR-V and the lower insurance rate. It all adds up. Dont be fooled by 30 mpg when you get the RAV-4. Do the math and see how much the Grand Vitara is saving you every day.
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NOT SO GOOD - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By djsum5 - June 29 - 10:03 pmIve had this vehicle 2 year and I must say I dont like it. Cheap plastic products used on the interior,You can scratch the surface with your fingernail. If you have a medical skin promlem (Psoriasis) I would avoid bare skin contatac with the plastic,It may aggravate your condition. Fuel economy, I do better with my 2000 Olds Alero comfort, Rides like a pick-up truck,no lumbar support in the drivers seat.
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Mighty Mini-ute - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By pacoacodelshannon - June 25 - 10:00 amMy Grand "Viagra" is fabulously fun to drive. I always used to say that a car is simply a box on 4 wheels that gets me where I am going. But this little dynamo is so much more! I really love this car...its my baby. Fun to drive, great stereo, great visibility, manuverable too. It did herculean work during my recent house refurb and cleaned up great afterwards. I would have been dead in the water without it.
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Fat on Fun; Skinny on the Wallet - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Jimbo - May 19 - 5:30 amI am very pleased with every aspect of this true little off road hustler. It is fully loaded with every option one could want, yet it only cost $21,000. It has a very nice highway ride and it is nimble enough to turn on a dime. I have not a single problem or squeak in the first ten months.
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This is a Great Inexpensive SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Brian Chambers - May 18 - 1:20 pmWe (my wife and I) have searched for a new vehicle for a month. We looked at all of the mid-line and some high line SUVs and for all around value there was no choice, the Suzuki Grand Vitara. First look at the warratny, included free roadside assistant program. plus thier new inventive keyless entry.
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Good truck - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By nic0814 - May 4 - 10:00 amI bought this vehicle before I had a child, it was good until he moved to the "big kid" car seat. No one has leg room on that side of the truck. The truck is very reliable abd fun though. Only complaint is the room with a carseat.
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Youd Think It was a Toyota / Honda! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By newzukiowner - April 24 - 3:00 pmI was considering a lot of other small SUVs for my purchase. I like the ride height of SUVs, but I wanted reasonable gas mileage. I looked at the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, and Kia Sportage. All except for the Equinox had stability / traction control, the Equinox and Sportage had V6 engines, all except the Equinox had side torso airbags along with the side curtains, all had the same basic stereo setup. However, none had the cool SmartPass entry system which was pretty neat and why I chose the Grand Vitara. It had all the features of the other cars minus the auto-dimming rear mirror (which the dealer installed aftermarket for me) and a slick look to it. Im very surprised Suzuki!
