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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Outstanding SUV for the Deseret - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By John McMullen - May 4 - 2:00 amI have owned other SUVs different companies have owned six Suzukis and they are the best I pulled one big Cadilac SUV outh of the Hassayampa river bottom with my Suzuki and put a Ford Excursion back on the road from a giant mud roadway the lady was stuck in. So I rate Suzuki #1,as being a trueSUV off and on road.
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Best 4x4 Dollar for Dollar, period..... - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Alden Gainey - April 26 - 6:46 pmBefore I purchase a new vehicle I dis extensive research. I studied all the small and midsize SUV models in North America and finally chose the Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury Edition. Without a doubt, the Grand Vitara offers the most "bang for the buck". It has sleek styling, a smooth solid ride, a quiet cabin, true off-road capability with a four wheel drive LOW gear and locking center diff. It has an alloy 2.7 litre DOHC 24 valve V6 with timing chain instead of a belt. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has standard features that would be cost additional on all other 4x4 SUVs. It has excellent handling at high speeds. I rented a Ford Explorer last month and that vehicle sucks gas and handles like a dead pig. I am most pleased with my Suzuki!
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2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By AL KEMNEC - April 12 - 8:23 amThis is my second Grand Vitara. This one is awesome. Its a blend of everyones best features in its class. It is great in the city with its open road manners and a real blast out in the mud and dirt. I know all the OTHERS are look-in and wonder- in. Its a little SUV that "can do it" and leave a LOT of money in your pocket to "do it."
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We love our Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By reno - April 10 - 12:33 amFor the money, this car is well-equipped and runs great. We live in snow country and put four Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires on the vehicle, it is unstoppable.
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Tight as a drum - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By dcote - April 9 - 11:30 amI like everything except, my key fob does not make a sound when I lock/unlock the door (just a click), the sticker says I have 7 speakers but I can only find four. The avg. MPG only says 16.1 mpg... this seems low, I hope the meter is just inaccurate.
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Excellent vehicle - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Tuesday - April 7 - 10:00 pmThis was our first time buying a new vehicle and we are very pleased with the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara. It is very reliable, comfortable, and stylish! I would suggest buying this vehicle to anyone who will be traveling a lot with a child and dog.
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4x2 Suzuki Extreme machine - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By shawn stevens - April 4 - 3:46 pmmy experience from the first test drive was wow! nice quality interior fully loaded options, leather, bluetooth, sunroof, roof racks, 7 speaker system 18" alloy tire and rims, fog lights, and many options above and beyond the other SUV market, I did test the others for a 3 month period before making my final thought / purchase. the ride is smooth and the seats can accommodate my 60 frame comfortably and acceleration from the V6 is brisk and a broad power range with great smooth shifting from the 5 speed automatic transmission.
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Fun to Drive!!! - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Amy - April 2 - 4:00 amI have only had my Grand Vitara for about 2 months. This is the 1st SUV for me to drive, and I love it, Its roomy and I just enought space for my son, but not to much like it would have been if I had gotten something bigger. The only thing I really do not like about it is the gas milage I have to get gas like 2 to 3 times a week and I do not go out of town.
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Good small truck not crossover.... - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By fred102 - March 23 - 4:39 pmI have my 07 Grand Vitara since a year and half ago... so far it is doing great. I bought it will 45,000 miles and already has 71,000 and it feels as good as new....of course, synthetic oil every 3,000 mls, besides that gas. Dont use cheap gas on this truck because you are wasting your money. the truck wont run the right way and in the last run, you are just cutting the life of your truck. Tires, it came with hancook tires and still has the same in great shape. Remember and dont get confuse, this is not a crossover Mickey Mouse AWD car. this is a small 4x4 truck with a real chassis and frame and thats makes a difference...
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Good Little Truck - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By ed - March 16 - 2:43 amI brought this little suv brand new 10 yrs ago. Its been really good for the most part. Only problems are a/c condenser and the steering rack needed replaced (after driving on nyc roads for 10 yrs, I dont blame the car). Also, the body panels had to be glued back on twice (Suzuki covered). I still own it but due to my kids getting bigger and needing a pick-up for yard work, its getting traded in soon (Ill miss it).
