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 1 through 10 of 389.00-
POG - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By cherylkf - October 2 - 10:00 amPiece of garbage. Leaks transmission fluid, burns oil, a/c is on all the time, rattles so badly it sounds like its going to come appart like one of those cartoon cars. It started all of this at 18,000 miles. And, I have taken care of it...regular maintenance, etc.
-
Should have test driven - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Dissapointed - July 12 - 12:23 amI 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!!!!!)
-
Will never buy another Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Gretchiebeth - November 18 - 11:16 amI have had my Grand Vitara 2.7 L V6 MPI for almost a year and have driven it for 4 months. The first time it was at Bill Gattons shop in Bristol Tn was two weeks after I bought my Grand Vitara. And The last time I took my Grand Vitara to Bill Gatton to have the motor worked on it was a week before Thanksgiving 2009 and it is now June 1 2010 and I am still without my vehicle. I just found out last week I am the third owner of this vehicle.
-
Dont buy a grand vitara (WARNING) - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By theresaarn - March 8 - 12:13 amWARNING This car is a piece of junk, dont dare buy one. Anyone who tries to convince you to buy this junker is pulling your leg. I bought a brand new 2007 grand vitara and I must say it is the worst car EVER! I have only had it for a little of a year and the back tires are bald with only 20,000 miles on it. You feel like you are in a tin can that is bouncing around on the road. If you really want to find out how this car rides, get in the back seat and let someone else drive it. You will be so uncomfortable. The leather is the very cheap stuff and you can tell just by looking at it. When you have the heat or the air on you feel like you are in a wind tunnel ( no kidding).
-
Beware! DONT Buy this Car. - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By urbest_buddy - November 9 - 2:00 amVehicle was a huge waste of money! The vehicle hydroplanes on damp to wet pavement, practically blows off the road on windy days, and is terrible on gas mileage compared to other mini- SUVs. Clearly not worth the money and time spent on it. Will be traded in and taking a $5000 dollar loss due to the vehicle not holding any kind of value - no dealership will give a reasonable amount of value on trade in and was told it was a bad choice of car and it would never hold any kind of value. If you have children, consider that the safety-level of the Grand Vitara is of the lowest grade, and second guess buying as a family vehicle. Beware!
