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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  Overall satisfied with my purchase. - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By GVL - October 21 - 2:00 am

  When I first bought my Limited Grand Vitara, I felt like it was designed for me. A year and a half later, I still feel the same. Its a Cute Ute, with some nice features. For driving from A to B, it is a nice little package.

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  My 06 Manual GV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By mjss25 - October 12 - 7:10 pm

  Very nice looking car, had some issues with the tires, shock absorber and skid plates as well as the fuel comsumption. Other than that, I feel very happy with my car, specially the "looking good" factor. The 4x4 capabilities are in no doubt, very well capable in deep mud, dust, hills and other obstacles.

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  Great Grand Vitara - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Steelers Fan - August 12 - 5:53 am

  I bought my GV after having a SX4 for a year. (Loved that little car) But I was too accustomed to a Grand Cherokee for many years! So after convincing hubby I wasnt totally crazy for trading cars, even he has to admit the GV is wonderful. I mainly do city driving, so yes, the gas mileage isnt the greatest, but not the worst either. I have taken it on a few runs to nearby states, and actually got top gas mileage. And I can fit us comfortably in it and we can look good in the new SUV! I too, would like lit features on the steering wheel, and a rear window that opens would have been a big plus! All in all, Im very happy with the purchase.(we got a great deal by buying year end!).

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  Great little suv - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Robert - August 3 - 8:40 am

  I have about 30,000 miles on my 06 GV luxury and have been very happy with it. This is the only compact suv with real 4WD. I drive on the beach all season with this and love the way it handles on and off road. Had one issue with a faulty throttle body bit once replaced acceleration was excellent. Love the appearance, size, interior, stereo. Hope future models improve gas mileage. Great for a small family.

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  Small, but a real machine - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By chiqui - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Suzuky Grand Vitara probably is the smaller SUV around the world but its performance in and out the road make this auto a great, real and powerfull machine.

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  Great little vehicle - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By F. LaRock - March 29 - 8:36 pm

  I purchased my 2004 Grand Vitara LX in Feb 09 and is the first actual 4 wheel drive Ive ever owned. I have driven over 15,000 since Feb 09 with absolutely no problems. Car was in excellent condition and I was the 2nd owner and received the remainder of the 7 yr/100K warranty. Vehicle performs excellent here in the winter (U.P.of Michigan) and wouldnt trade it for the world. (Gotta put in a plug for Northway Auto in Rhinelander, WI. Great no-pressure sales and very honest. Had my vehicle in top condition at purchase; even replaced radio with brand new one, replaced all brakes and discs and serpentine belt and produced all docs of proof. Will definitely buy there again and will recommend.

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  Good SUV for its size and price - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By William Epperly - March 10 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle 2 weeks ago, and we are mostly satisfied. The biggest issue we had was that the cargo area cover does NOT snap out easily as stated in the owners manual, we actually had to break ours to get it out. Also, the rattle from the back door that someone else mentioned is annoying at times. Otherwise, the Grand Vitara is a great vehicle!

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  WOW! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By gailr - February 25 - 12:50 pm

  After having my last vehicle (a Honda) for 13 years and 225,000 miles, I had no intention of changing loyalties. However, being intrigued by the design I opened the door and the rest is history! A test drive and two emails later, I bought one of the first Suzukis this dealer offered. With extremely long legs, I had resigned myself to never being comfortable on long drives...three months and 3,500 miles later, I can testify that 4 1/2 hour trips without stopping are no longer painful!

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  Initial impressions - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By city slicker - January 17 - 10:23 pm

  just bought mine so this quality/reliability rating is irrelevant. All the reviews suggest the only small X overs you can actually take off road are Subarus and the GV and the GV is incrementally better off road. That was my deciding factor, despite reliability concerns. Always owned Hondas which have been bullet proof. My X Sport has true 4X4 w/lower gearing. I wanted the 6 cylinder with its addtl off road capability, but they are sold out in my region. I NEEDED to buy, Suzuki has $3K rebate and Sept sales were awful so dealer was willing to deal so I decided not to wait for 2010s. The GV price was right, the interior is nice & it has some off road chops. well see about reliability.

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  Good so far - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By MLZ - September 6 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought this vehicle with 27,000 km we have only been driving it for a short amount of time and have loved it so far. It drives well, it’s comfortable and versatile.