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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 389.00-
nice suv - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By russm3 - April 23 - 10:00 amI bought this car used and did not no if we would like it we love it its been great and no problems
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To the naysayers - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Ben Hogan - April 21 - 2:40 pmI have been a Suzuki owner for 2+ years. First with the SX4 Crossover and now the 2010 Grand Vitara. First let me say that Suzuki is far under rated. The new 2010 Grand Vitara is a dream to drive. Most of my miles are highway, to and from work and support driving for my computer work. The Grand Vitara is a pleasure to drive. It gets around 24 to 25 mpg on the highway and around 20 around town. It is highway quite and all the features are very functional. My base model is equipped with navigation, bluetooth, msn traffic and fm traffic. All function through the radio speakers. Nice. Comfort is outstanding. Give this small SUV a second look.
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Nice Ride for the Money! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Sandriver - April 12 - 10:10 amAbout a month ago I purchased a Suzuki Grand Vitara and what a nice ride! At the time I was looking to purchase a small size SUV to use as my daily drive car and did a lot of looking on the net. I basically narrowed it down to the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sportage and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. I drove all three vehicles (more than once) and decided to buy the Luxury package model Suzuki Grand Vitara for two main reasons. One was the available horsepower and shifting, the second was the quality of the interior and leather. The motor has more torque and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The other two seemed weak and the shifting was jumpy.
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Great SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By James - March 20 - 9:10 pmI decided to write a review as I kept seeing lower reviews for this model. I have no idea why. I have owed over 15 cars (all new over the years), and this is a nice SUV. In over 60,000 miles, I have not had to take the car in for any type of warranty work at all. Just the normal oil & lubes and maintenance. My front brakes finally had to be replaced at around 42,000. My only complaint is that the MPG is too low for this size SUV with a 6 cylinder. I get a combined of around 18. I feel it should get at least 20. Other than that, the pricing was great and I have absolutely no complaints.
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Great Value for a "CUV" - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By gkato - March 15 - 6:26 amWe have owned many SUVs and we compared the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and the new Toyota RAV. I was at a dealership that represented many manufaturers, and test drove the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The value and qulity for this little Cross-Over vehicle beat the competition hands down. This vehicle is for my wife, and her main concern is Safety. The Grand Vitara comes standard with 6 airbags which usually come only in pricier cars. The exterior and interior design are very contemporary and give the feeling of a more expensive vehicle.
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Disappointed - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Sandra Andrade - March 9 - 10:00 amLoved my Grand Vitara when I bought it new. Now have 65K+ miles on it, have replaced a headlight bulb, dome bulb has burned out, replaced tires at 40K miles, 3 recalls, and recently power steering rack had to be replaced. Had to replace strut mount bearings as well. It also smells musty every time it rains, but cannot find where any water is coming in. Would not buy another Suzuki. Owned a 1995 Suzuki Sidekick for 4 years, and absolutely loved it, no problems at all. Disappointed in my Grand Vitara. Road noise is also very loud..seems to get worse as miles are added to vehicle.
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Suzuki - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By fredman - March 4 - 10:00 amOverall pretty good. Ride is very harsh in cold weather, more tolerable in warm. After 14,500 miles, dash rattles a little. Paint job still looks new. Rest of vehicle is solid. Never been off road. Very little highway miles.
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Good value - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By cuttter - February 18 - 9:30 amFun to drive, nice looking, good interior space, moon roof, nice sound system. Very good value for the money. I looked at several SUVs in the same price range and this one beat them all by far.
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LOVE IT!! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By tyjames13 - February 10 - 9:36 amiv had my grand vitara for about a year now and im very happy i bought it. When i first bought it the headlights were dual but i bought new sylvania head lights and they work great. love the AWD love turning corners way to fast! engine looks and sound great. im always getting complements on how it looks as well. i take it off roading pretty frequently and she loves it. my grand vitara now has 65,000 miles on it and still runs like brand new! i also love the leather, heated seats and moon roof, makes driving my car more fun..i have had a couple cars before, a 2002 chevy trailblazer LTZ, a 2006 toyota highlander, a 2008 hyundia elantra and now my suzuki. im 19 years old and im in love with it
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2006 Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By KZ - February 7 - 5:13 amThe Grand Vitara has great handling, pickup speed, is roomy, it is really fun to drive with all the comforts of a luxury vehicle. The downside is that its a gas hog.
