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 41 through 50 of 389.00-
Good Buy so far - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By mike - August 3 - 11:56 pmI bought my suzuki with 18,000 miles already on it. The gas mileage is as stated if you drive 55mph or less, at 70mph it drops to 19/21 mpg. engine power is avg but the transmission seems weak. Interior is holding together well, so is exterior. 4-wheel alignment is a must as it comes from the factory way off. The brakes seem to fade away when slowing from high speeds. Undecided if i would buy another Suzuki or not, but i think a better vehicle would be much more expensive.
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Amazed - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Wow - July 23 - 9:50 pmWe use these cars at work to truck around parts into NYC and im amazed, i never thought we would be seeing 200k plus miles without an issue, especially when we beat the crud out of them. Some go as much as 10k before an oil change. we had 4 of them, one died at 225k miles the others are at 183k and 205k mpg at best is 18mpg-hwy and 14mpg combined. the one that died was due to being run without oil... which was jiffy lubes fault. (estimated 9k miles before its death without oil) The other two dont burn, leak, or make any odd noises. I wouldnt be shocked at seeing 300k miles...
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Previous Suzuki Grand Vitara Owner - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By leo56 - April 15 - 6:56 amI purchased a 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara with 120259 miles off the street. Well, I have to say that this vehicle from the start did not let me down. The performance was is fantastic, steering and driving has been an absolute joy especially on overdrive, it takes off like an airplane. I love the Suzuki Grand Vitara so much that I went out and purchased a 2009 model. It has everything I want in a small SUV with plenty to spare. I have not driven my new Grand Vitara yet, but my expectations are greater.
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Love 95% of this car! - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By kltschida - January 15 - 9:26 amBeing a suzuki owner for the past 6yrs, I didnt hesitate to buy another. I wish I would have looked a little harder though. I got a good deal, but I understand now that my monthly savings on my loan is going straight into the gas tank. Features are missing too... but I didnt miss them until I started reading the other reviews. I didnt mind that the steering wheel buttons didnt light up until I read about it and now it drives me NUTS! I love the size, I can haul a lot inside and tow my camper with no problem. I would recommend to a friend but warn them that gas will kill ya! Nice to read about the K&N Airfilter on the other review, Ill try that! Oh, whats with not having an ipod jack????
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Fun To Drive - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Dave - October 23 - 1:50 amThe 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a very fun to drive vehicle with great visibility on the highway. It is a real 4x4 that works off road. It tows easy behind my motorhome. Only thing I would change is the factory tires which have poor traction and wear fast.
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Enjoy it - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By ajo1975 - September 26 - 10:00 amFun to drive, affordable, though not very economical as far as gas goes. 4x4 is fun to use, and helpful in certain weather. Sturdy and enjoyable little ride.
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Vitaria - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By daleyk - September 12 - 10:00 amgood in the snow.
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Some Good, Some Bad - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Scott - September 7 - 5:10 pmI love the features like Smart Key that you dont find on vehicles in this class. I have one serious gripe. The mechanical valve lifters need to be serviced ever other year. Ive heard it costs anywhere from $500 to $2400 out of our pockets! Thats unacceptable for a modern engine. The rest of the car makers ALL use hydraulic, maintenance-free lifters. My 67 Ford even had them. Suzuki saved $100 and we will be paying for it for years to come. My valves are already ticking with only 7,000 miles. Also, the MIL came on and the fuel gauge went to "E" so thats my first trip to the dealer for repair. The valve train ruins it for me. Cannot recommend this SUV for this reason. Try again, Suzuki.
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Costa Rica Grande Vitari - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Carl Hallberg - September 7 - 3:23 amHugs the road better than any other car especially in the rainy mountains. Love the constant 4 wheel drive. Gas mileage could be better. Love the keyless entry,
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This worries me a little... - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Jessica - August 5 - 8:50 pmThe Grand Vitara is a nice vehicle to drive around the city. Its peppy, but not very fast. What worries me is this: when I get on the freeway, its sometimes really difficult for my Grand Vitara to accelerate, especially when going uphill. I used to drive a 95 Cadillac Seville, and when I used the cruise control, the car would remain at whatever speed I set it at, whether going uphill or downhill. With my GV, when I use cruise control, if Im going uphill it wont keep it at the speed I set it at; itll sometimes go down 5 mph. Also, sometimes my windshield wipers get stuck when I turn them off. There is barely any lumbar support, so driving for long distances is tiring and a bit painful on my back. I only paid $21,000
