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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  Rear Tires Gone Bad - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By OhioDriver - March 20 - 4:16 am

  I agree with the 8-18 dated review, by Evelyn, all Vitara owners be on the look out for rear tires going bald, it is not a Yokohama problem, its an alignment issue. DEMAND a courtesy 4 wheel alignment on yours before 12,000 miles or you will be stuck spending $300 on two new rear tires. Mine was out on the alignment report a lot, from the factory, but its too late now.

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  Real off-roader - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Alex Povolotski - February 8 - 11:36 pm

  The car is a real off-roader in its class. Off the pavement, it beats RAV4, HR-V, Santa-Fe, and probably MItsubishi (though Im not sure about that one). Besides its off-road capabilities, its nothing else. Nothing! Its not a road warrior despite of interior creature comforts. I love the interior and visibility a lot but darn it is noisy! It is the engine noise Im talking about. You cant escape it, especially up the hill. It sounds like another second and the motor will explode out of the hood. You definitely have the feeling that the car is underpowered for its weight and the engine struggles a lot to pull all that weight up hill. Other than that, its a decent car full of defects.

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  2 1/2 years old -- a look back and ahead - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By SilverGirl - January 6 - 3:16 pm

  This is my second Suzuki, first one was an 1987 Samari, I had for 15 years. But the 2002 has had a few recalls. This vehicle has had all the recommended maintenance. It was a reliable and fun vehicle until 18000 miles. Now I am told the engine needs to be replaced. The dealer has had it for over two weeks with no estimated completion date. The dealer was quick to give me a rental car. New cars in the past were reliable, I do not know what has happened to the quality. I miss my Suzuki and hope it comes home soon! I think in the future I will lease a vehicle instead of buying....

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  Would never own another Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mary - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought my GV with 17 miles on it and by 13,ooo miles had to replace 2 tires. At 23,000 had to replace the other two tires. Had to deal with 2 recall issues, one happened before the recall notice was made. Brakes started to feel mushy and at 38,000 miles 2 more tires were wearing out!! Gas mileage was terrible and the head lights made driving terrible at night! Just traded it in on 09/06/10 for a Toyota that I love!! Buying the Suzuki was the most costly and stupid mistake I ever made.

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  not too good, Even at that price. - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By medin - September 17 - 11:56 am

  Overall the car is not horrible, but I keep having problems with the aligment and the dealer has done it 5 times with no success. I have had problems with the door locks, body molding, radio and tires. The dealer has not been the most attentive one. I would not buy another and would not recommend it. I would also not recommend the dealer, Bill Seidel, for anything. The only positive thing that I can really say is that the car has a good pick-up and is a sturdy SUV.

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  Not for towing - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Johnny - August 18 - 6:43 am

  Decent back and forth to work vehicle, in many types of weather, buts thats it! Looks good, but Im very dissappointed in fuel mileage and the shift points in the transmission. The dealer says there is nothing wrong with it. Well you travel 460 kms (round trip approx 920 ) and spend 500 dollars in gas (497) this is ridiculous! Hauling a single axle aluminum snowmobile trailer with 2 atvs which weigh 525 lbs and 402lbs, trailer might weigh in around 400 lbs. This thing is being sold. My old Ford pick-up would get better gas mileage . Very dissappointed, however make sure when you ask about towing small trailers before you buy.

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  Dissappointed overall - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By tonyw - July 28 - 7:16 pm

  Have 48,600 miles on this vehicle. Regret buying it to replace a Mits. Montero LX. Really poor mpg, underpowered. Handles well after replace OEM Yokohama tires, which lasted only 20,000mi. Have had to replace the drivers seat cover because of poor fabric quality. Second will not last, either. Very cheap upholstery and even cheaper carpet (have covered with rubber mats). Brakes are spongy (common complaint) low-beam headlights have shadows and point at the pavement (cant be adjusted). Have an intermittent engine miss or transmission slip dealer cant find. Have ping in a u-joint that dealer replaced a faulty rear hub instead. Overall, this is not worth the money and has not held value.

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  Does The Job Nicely - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By llapper - June 23 - 11:33 am

  Approaching two years of onwnership with my Grand V Lux Pak and have been pleasantly surprised so far. Outside of three oil changes, Ive had no maintenance issues at all. The vehicle rides nicely on highway, but road bumps are a wee bit jarring. Engine output is just okay for daily commuting but passing is a challenge on CA highways. This car does what it is supposed too and as advertised. Alas, at the two year point I think I hear hear a Buick Enclave calling my name.

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  goes everywhere - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By terry in pittsburgh - March 20 - 4:36 am

  In 4000 miles, I needed new brakes. The dealer covered it in. 11,000 miles I needed new tires so I bought the best tires I could get.

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  My take on this cute ute... - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rob in Canada - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I find the G.V. lots of fun to drive, but consumes a bit too much gas! Having changed form a Toyota Camry V6LE to this vehicle, I find it rattles & squeaks and can be annoying at times. Overall, I rate the quality between 7 & 8 on a scale of 10. By the way, the hood latch is responsible for an intermittent squeak, may have to be adjusted more than once... Tends to spin in rain & snow in 2wd but handles well in 4wd.