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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  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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  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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  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.

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  Very bad experience - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By chris - June 25 - 7:20 am

  Bought the vehicle a few months ago and had nothing but problems with it. Engine smoked twice, brought it to the dealership and they supposeably fixed problem..master cylinder. Engine caught on fire a few nights ago and doors automatically locked myself and passenger inside. Horrible experience, were okay but truck was destroyed by fire. Suspected defective parts in engine. I wouldnt recommend this truck. Also the trim work kept falling off, was replaced twice. Glued on numerous times.

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  Hate my 2006 Grand Vitara 4x4 - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dawn R - July 27 - 11:06 am

  In July 2007 I replaced my 2004 Ford Explorer for a 2006 Grand Vitara which has an auto 4x4 feature. This vehicle handles good on normal roads but when winter came it quickly changed. If I hit a patch of ice it swerves left to right. Had it checked out by the dealer--nothing wrong. Was told I must have driven too fast for conditions. How could that be when everyone was passing me? Handles well in snow and heavy snow but forget the ice or slick spots on freeway. If you stomp on it so the 4x4 kicks in it helps but when you let off it we start slipping again. I dont feel safe in this car. Ill be trading it off soon. Im going back to Ford.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By rey - July 11 - 1:03 am

  Ive had my Grand Vitara for six months now. It is totally a gas guzzler. Mine is only averaging 12 miles per gallon in the city and 17 mpg on highways. The culprit is the high reving engine and confusing climate control system. It seems like the A/C always turns on. It is a total disappointment.

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  Need Better Seats - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By MaiPhet - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Not bad for first couple of miles. V-6 with a manual stickshift real peppy to drive. Body style and interior design real modern. Handles well on road. But my biggest disappointment with this vehicle was the front seats. When taking a drive over an hour long my back would start hurting, I even tried buying seat covers with a inflatable lumbar. Back hurt so bad I traded it in.

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  Whats the Deal Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By badsuzuki - August 26 - 11:43 pm

  My Grand Vitara makes a loud droning noise while cruising at 55-70 mph. After two trips to the dealership, and a third scheduled. It is obvious Suzuki has no idea wht the problem is. I have seen similar problems mentioned in the forums. Also, my truck vibrates so much when accelerating between 30-45 that the interior rattles. No Toyota or Honda here. This is my third and last Grand Vitara!

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  Budget SUV with Decent Quality - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Zukilver - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Owned this car since 36k miles, now 65k. Not so bad. Hard to find parts and accessories. Overall, very reliable, like a mini 4Runner. Limited edition is very rare, I only saw 3 in my whole life, but comes with very useful package. Never went to the shop, never. I only do regular oil change. Resale price is unbelievably higher knowing that this is a budget SUV.

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  Suzuki quality lacks - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By ricbrk - April 5 - 8:33 pm

  This our third Suzuki, and by far this is nothing like the first two. The quality just is not there. We ended up leasing this Suzuki, with every intention of buying it when the lease was up. We will not, and we have another year on the lease. The radio reception is terrible. The vehicle rattles. Factory tires lasted 11,000 miles, my 48 year old wife is the only driver. The motor is noisy. Suzuki decided to design this 2.7 V-6 back to the 50s. Every 21,500 miles you have to have the valve lash adjusted at $1,200 a pop. Dont have it done and good bye warranty. The seals leak, belt tensioner pully lasts 15,000 miles, "plastic", and the original Suzuki quality isnt their. Wont own again.