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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  Suzuki now has a good reputation - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By cdang - February 25 - 8:30 pm

  I have driven many SUVs and cars in my life, and Im 18. This SUV is among the best small SUVs available out in the market. For the price and standard options (most would be options on other automakers), this is the most affordable Japanese vehicle. I own an 07 Toyota Highlander as well, and compared with engine, this SUV isnt the best. Highlander, which is bigger in size has a larger engine, more horsepower and better fuel estimates (based on my driving) than the Vitara. The engine on this SUV is good for the size of the vehicle, but is a gas guzzler. The engine is quite loud. But everything else is very good.For what I paid, it is a true bargain.

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  Grand -Grand Vitara! - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Costas - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Excellent all round use vehicle. Strong work horse. 30% of time pulls a 2 ton boat on trailer!

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  suzuki xl 7 - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By cpoyanks16 - January 23 - 10:00 am

  i am 58 years old. i have had chevys, fords, buicks, oldsmobile and cadillacs, this is my most enjoyable car ever. it has 2 and 4 wheel drive. is great in the snow as well as the heat. just is a great car for the money.

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  Excellent choice in SUV - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By aly0705 - December 23 - 9:16 am

  After driving smaller sports cars most of my life (2 Toyota Celicas, 1 Mitsubishi Eclipse), it was time to trade up in size. I needed a larger vehicle for business, and wanted something people didnt have to climb in and out of, me included. The Grand Vitara is fun to drive, handles beautifully, looks great, is designed very well. People stop to ask me about the car when they see it - few know that Suzuki makes cars, not just motorcycles!

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  NICE TRUCK - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By jflippy - December 8 - 6:40 am

  We have this truck about 4 months and it is pretty nice. We have the Luxury model with all the bells and whistles.

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  So far so good - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By so far so good - December 8 - 5:43 am

  This truck is holding up well.The first thing I did was change the tire package. Changed to synthetic oil and gear oil And upgraded the stereo. It has been a good truck my wife likes the comfort the truck offers. The engine is noisy but produces just enough. A bit more would be nice. We like this truck so far. 23500 miles and still going

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  Please dont waste your money - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By lilyj - November 27 - 6:25 pm

  I bought this suv brand new with 7 miles on it, its horrible there has been muilt recalls, ive had to put money into repairing it month after month... complete waste! ( only 50,000 miles)

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  My cars performance - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Yvette Perez - November 26 - 9:56 pm

  I like to drive my SUV because is light and confortable. But at the same time it is big enough to fit my groceries and mechandise that I purchase.

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  2007 Grand Vitara auto 4x4 Xsport - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Filete - November 25 - 7:06 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive and although it could use better gearing, it does handle very nicely around curves and in the city. Love the real time 4x4. Improve gearing could also improve performance during highway driving. Gas mileage is the worst feature. After almost six months of driving, I have not been able to get more than 20.8 mpg. Built quality and seating comfort are both extremely good, much better than its bigger brother the XL-7. If it were not for the gas mileage, this would be a great commute vehicle.

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  Big Disappointment - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Notreallybeth - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car new following extensive research. Thrilled initially: great performance, adequate gas mileage, able to be loaded up with STUFF and then coverts easily for passengers. And, FUN TO DRIVE. I began having mechanical problems around 40,000 mi. Front axle seal came out of position causing leakage--3X! (Very costly repair)Finally, root cause is determined to be ring and pinion. Dealer and Suzuki picks up cost. 3 months later, another costly repair involving the air conditioner. Love this car, but I will never buy another one. Too many problems. Dealer service was EXCELLENT. I guess I was lucky there.