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 21 through 30 of 389.00-
High value, Low MPG - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Patagonia - September 19 - 3:20 amI bought the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara before learning about the new Toyota RAV4 thats coming soon. The RAVs 269 horsepower and 28 mpg highway sound better than my Grand Vitaras 185 horsepower and 23 mpg. Especially since I have averaged less than 19 mpg, having driven 7,000 miles in the two months since I bought it. Who knows, maybe Toyotas fuel economy ratings are also exagerated and the Grand Vitara is less expensive than the RAV4 will be. Otherwise, this is a very nice SUV that handles much better than average, has a great interior, comfortable seats, tons of features and excellent inclement weather handling. The traction control and AWD work wonderfully in snow and ice.
-
The Best of the Rest - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Dan - August 19 - 12:53 amMy wife and I were looking for a replacement vehicle for my 2002 Audi A4. We needed a vehicle that could be flat towed by a motorhome and be able to pull more than 1,500 lbs. The Suzuki fit the bill. I drove the Honda CR-V, Jeep Liberty and Saturn VUE. None of them offered the total package of good looks, luxury and utility that the Suzuki provided. I shopped several dealerships in the area to get the best price. The vehicle performs admirably and is attractive to boot. My only complaints thus far concern fuel consumption (17 mpg) and the lack of frontal adjustment for the front seats.
-
Best compact SUV Ive had - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By GV 07 - August 9 - 12:30 amVery nice compact SUV. Looks better than most of its competitors and it also has better performance as well as more amenities than its competitors. Handles better than a car. Very fun to drive. It can be used for towing as well as for off-roading. This small SUV is capable of taking you almost everywhere you take it. My rating for this SUV is 8/10.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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...
-
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).
-
Suzuki now has a good reputation - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By cdang - February 25 - 8:30 pmI 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.
-
NICE TRUCK - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By jflippy - December 8 - 6:40 amWe have this truck about 4 months and it is pretty nice. We have the Luxury model with all the bells and whistles.
-
So far so good - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By so far so good - December 8 - 5:43 amThis 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
