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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  Love our Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Budman - February 1 - 3:23 am

  I never wanted an SUV. Our friend convinced us to take a test drive and we were hooked. It fit our needs and its new design was unique and set us aside from the "normal" look of all other SUVs. The features and quality are just as good as many other more expensive models. So far we have 4,000 miles on our Grand Vitara and we are still happy without any problems.

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  Suzuki stands beind their cars. - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By MK - January 31 - 2:33 am

  This is my 3rd Vitara & I think they are great. You get the features you need from an SUV, without having to break your bank. Became a repeat Suzuki customer because of their corporate integrity. Had big problem with 1st Vitara-was out of town & timing chain broke. Had to be towed to nearest Suzuki dealer. Was told by their mechanics that this shouldnt happen. Put in a call to Suzuki & even though it was out of warranty/over mileage - they had it fixed at NO cost to me! The owner of dealership was amazed, he had just started selling Suzukis, but had been owned auto mall for 30 yrs. Told me that he had never seen a manufacturer stand behind their products like this! Value & integrity!

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  Nice Little Truck - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By josh - January 30 - 12:33 pm

  Been a great truck for the blend of offroad and street driving we do. Tows our boat pretty well and does very well offroad compared to others cars in the same category Ive driven. But it does ride a little more rough than say a RAV4 but its a fair trade for more capability. The 4-mode 4wd system is pretty nice.

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  Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By josberg - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a surprisingly well designed and fun to own car. I kind of held my breath and took the plunge when I bought it but have been smiling ever since.

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  A Fun Car to Drive - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ed - January 26 - 6:13 pm

  I have 18,000 miles on my Grand Vitara and up to now I havent had one problem. The other day while making a rather sharp right hand turn at, maybe, 10 mph, a horrible noise came out from somewhere underneath the truck. At this point, my wife (who drives the car everyday to and from work) said to me "oh yeh, I forgot to tell you - its been making that noise when I turn right at this particular intersection." It doesnt do it all the time, and I suspect that it probably wont do it when I take it to the dealership. Other than this, its been a reliable car so far. Im worried about this noise because believe me, it is loud. It will turn heads if anyone is nearby. The cruise control needs some refining.

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  In Love with my Suzuki - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Joey - January 15 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this truck last week and am falling more in love with it as I drive it. It really drives nice and is very comfortable,The great thing about suzuki is the roomyness it is really roomy I had the Aerio and was amazed by the room.

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  First Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By John Q - January 9 - 6:56 am

  I originally planned on buying a 05 Toyota Rav4. But after not being able to find a new one in the color I wanted with the options I wanted, I started looking at other small SUVs. I couldnt find anything I liked besides the Rav4 until I came across the 06 Suzuki Grand Vitara. I instantly fell in love with the styling of it. The exterior looks sharp and the interior is well thought out and looks more like a interior youd find in a Lexus than a Suzuki. Right now I have around 2,500 miles on mine and Im averaging 20 mpg. Im hoping that will improve as the engine breaks in. The only problem so far is that the leather on the drivers seat has stretched out which the dealer is fizing under warranty.

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  Fun car to drive for light offroading! - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jeff - December 27 - 12:00 pm

  Ive had this car for 3 years and so far its been very reliable. The only problem Ive had is brakes that shimmy. This car is a bit bumpy but the stiff suspension helps out when offroading.(needs more clearance though) My biggest complaint is the cheap plastic side panels. Ive made several repairs on them already and the Nevada sun is causing the paint to peel. If your thinking of buying one go for it as long as you dont mind the side panels falling off ocasionally.

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  Great little SUV - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Hostman - December 10 - 4:40 am

  I have been fortunate enough to drive several different SUVs, including highline makes like Lexus, Infiniti and BMW. I can honestly say Ive enjoyed driving the GV more than any of them. It has been incredibly reliable to this point, everything still works. By far the best value for the buck. Its been a blast to drive, just the right size, decent fuel economy at 22 MPG and with the 6 cyl. engine there is plenty of power. I would recommend this SUV to anyone and would not hesitate to buy another one.

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  Refined, Good looking, Head turning - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By djXavier - November 20 - 3:20 pm

  Well its the Labor Day weekend and I finally decided to replace my 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara which was the most reliable car Ive ever had. Folks, that 99 Grand Vitara never needed to visit the dealership except for normal items like an oil change, brakes etc. My new 2007 Grand Vitara was the obvious choice to replace my old Grand Vitara at 115,000 miles. My new Grand Vitara is Jet Black, beautiful with a tan leather interior, refined and loaded to the max with everything you could ever want in a vehicle. I ran errands today with it and heads were turning and people were asking questions about it. Its powerful and well built. This car and I will be together for a long, long time!