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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  Best compact SUV Ive had - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By GV 07 - August 9 - 12:30 am

  Very nice compact SUV. Looks better than most of its competitors and it also has better performance as well as more amenities than its competitors. Handles better than a car. Very fun to drive. It can be used for towing as well as for off-roading. This small SUV is capable of taking you almost everywhere you take it. My rating for this SUV is 8/10.

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  Great Vehicle for the Family! - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Eric82 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle and am very satisfied with its performance. It is fairly spacious and provides easy access to spare tire, vehicle jack, and also has an electrical outlet in the inside rear of the cabin. Good purchase decision on my part!

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  Should have test driven - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dissapointed - July 12 - 12:23 am

  I just purchased a 2006 Grand Vitara about 2 weeks ago and am very dissapointed. I chose not to test drive it assuming it would be similar to my 2003 Vitara. Boy was I wrong. The seats are like sitting on a hard piece of wood, the shifter is difficult to put into gear, the seat is not meant for a small person and it is not that great on gas. Lesson learned (ALWAYS test drive!!!!!)

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  Zero problems at 51k miles - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Will_C - June 28 - 4:20 pm

  Has been an excellent Mini-ute. I have 51,000 miles on it and I have done nothing but oil changes and a new set of tires. I get 24 mpg on a trip and 18 mpg in town. Only problem is that they are made with very thin sheet metal. They dent VERY EASY but I have no rust on it at all.

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  I Just Love It - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By mutter - June 26 - 11:06 pm

  We just had another baby and needed a second vehicle with more room. After driving and purchasing the Grand Vitara it has become our first vehicle. We love the looks, performance, and the interior. We averaged around 21 mpg in every day driving. We just went on a 1,300 mile trip and averaged 24.5 mpg. Drive a 2006 Grand Vitara before you purchase anything else. We drove the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, and Jeep Liberty. The Suzuki was better tan all of them.

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  Nothing But Headaches After the First 3 Years - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By jlaura - June 24 - 7:09 am

  I loved this vehicle for exactly 3 years. I purchased it new in October of 2006. It seems like all the problems began on November 1, 2009. There were multiple recalls (I received notice of the power steering belt recall two weeks after having it replaced); Ive replaced the tires twice; the headlights go out all the time; the CD player no longer works. Most recently, Ive been having engine troubles. My mechanic tells me that the throttle body has some kind of defect that makes it prone to getting clogged. As a result, my car wont start sometimes. My last Suzuki had a rear main seal leak at 55,000 miles. I should have learned my lesson then... At 78000 with this one; hope to get to 100000

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  Love the Grand Vitara - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By James Erb - June 23 - 9:53 pm

  I purchased my Grand Vitara and immediately took it on a road trip from Colorado to Wisconsin. I found the vehicle pleasant and comfortable. I usually have to stop every couple of hours to stretch but in the Grand Vitara I was comfortable and relaxed for 5 hours at a stretch. I had no issues in the change of elevation or when the weather turned snowy while I was in Wisconsin. My return home was a battle of the driving through rain and sleet/snow and the Grand Vitara never missed a beat.

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  Unknown Discovery! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Cj and Marv - June 15 - 1:30 pm

  I went from a VW Turbo that I had for six years to a Suzuki Aerio. After one month I didnt enjoy it and traded it in for a Grand Vitara sport. This is the best thing I ever did. It holds the road, is easy to get in and out of, and the inside has a lot of head, leg, and body comfort. I am in real estate and get a lot of people commenting on this car. People stated they never thought of looking at a Suzuki, but now will take this in their consideration when they go to purchase a new veicle. I will be purchasing another Grand Vitara in a few months. One last thing, my husband who always buys a Pontiac Grand Prixs stated he will also be changing because he enjoys driving my truck so much.

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  My Second Grand Vitra - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By john grace - June 14 - 11:56 am

  This is my second Suzuki Grand Vitra. The first was a 2000 Limited model, which I had for almost six years. During that time I had no problems. It was a great SUV and this one is even better. Its a great SUV at a great price.

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  Rating new 2006 Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rick Humphers - June 11 - 1:30 pm

  I am toatally happy with my purchase of the new 2006 Grand Vitara built by Suzuki. It is very comfortable and has excellent looks. The SUV can get up and move with its V6 engine when it needs to, yet the mileage seems to be a little better than acceptable. The only problem I have had is that the radio (built by Clarion) needed to be replaced and back center seat belt does not retract properly and had to be replaced. But the warranty is taking care of both those items.