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 51 through 60 of 389.00-
Love My Suzuki - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By sheila - November 14 - 2:00 amVery happy with Purchase. Its just right for our little foursome family.
-
4th Suzuki SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By dsrtdawg - November 10 - 1:40 amOnly wish mileage was closer to 30 mpg. Other than that love the car and its usuability. 1.5 ton towing capacity is great for hauling the ATVs.
-
Grand Vitara - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Tim - October 21 - 10:30 amI only have 3500 miles, but so far I have got great fuel economy. Hauls crowds of people down the highway easily.
-
Suzuki Grand Vitarra--2001 - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Nicoblu - October 20 - 10:00 amI was disappointed in the fuel economy. The vehicle is also somewhat unstable in the back during inclement weathe. Even at low speeds the rear end tends to fishtail around curves during rain or drizzle.
-
Pleased in the Poconos - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By an - September 29 - 6:23 amI traded my 2000 Grand Vitara in for the 2007 4WD sport model, and have had it 7 months an I love it! It is a nice ride, and it feels safe and sturdy. I have had comments from backseat passengers how much room they have and how comfortable it is. Plenty of storage room behing the rear seat for groceries, luggage, etc. It is great in the snow, rear end does not slide like the 2000 model. My husband tried to do a "donut" in a parking lot to see what it would do, and the ESP kicked in, the gas cut off, and the car wouldnt let him do it! Love my sunroof, 6 CD changer, and Smart pass key. Just a great car in general.
-
Love My Car - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Alycia - September 21 - 3:03 pmI never imagined loving my car this much! I absolutely LOVE my car. I would never have purchased a Grand Vitara if my sister didnt work for Suzuki. I was able to get a great deal on the car! I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a small SUV. It drives great & is extremely comfortable. The features are endless. I am 25 and live in O.C. & anyone who drives my car says the same thing. All my friends want one & the VP of my company said he was definitely going to look into Suzuki SUVs when they purchase their next car. I had never even driven a Suzuki until the day I got mine. I got it becasue of the deal & never imagined loving it this much.
-
High value, Low MPG - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Patagonia - September 19 - 3:20 amI bought the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara before learning about the new Toyota RAV4 thats coming soon. The RAVs 269 horsepower and 28 mpg highway sound better than my Grand Vitaras 185 horsepower and 23 mpg. Especially since I have averaged less than 19 mpg, having driven 7,000 miles in the two months since I bought it. Who knows, maybe Toyotas fuel economy ratings are also exagerated and the Grand Vitara is less expensive than the RAV4 will be. Otherwise, this is a very nice SUV that handles much better than average, has a great interior, comfortable seats, tons of features and excellent inclement weather handling. The traction control and AWD work wonderfully in snow and ice.
-
A Spectacular Build Quality and Comfort - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By john bertini - August 21 - 8:50 pmPurchased the v6 2wd version limited all loaded except the 4wd, i must say it is a great build!, quiet and smooth ride on the highway, in town around 21 mpg highway about 26, the transmission is smooth shifting at any pedal response! loaded with features the price for this vehicle far surpasses the others in the SUV market bar far! Keep up the good quality build Suzuki it will catch on!.
-
Love It - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By KLFord - August 21 - 7:00 amI love my Grand Vitara. It came standard with all the features I need. It is stylish, comfortable and fun to drive. The 5 speed has tons of "get up and go" when needed.
-
The Best of the Rest - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Dan - August 19 - 12:53 amMy wife and I were looking for a replacement vehicle for my 2002 Audi A4. We needed a vehicle that could be flat towed by a motorhome and be able to pull more than 1,500 lbs. The Suzuki fit the bill. I drove the Honda CR-V, Jeep Liberty and Saturn VUE. None of them offered the total package of good looks, luxury and utility that the Suzuki provided. I shopped several dealerships in the area to get the best price. The vehicle performs admirably and is attractive to boot. My only complaints thus far concern fuel consumption (17 mpg) and the lack of frontal adjustment for the front seats.
