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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  4 wheeling in A/C comfort - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ralph - July 16 - 9:13 am

  I live in the Mohave Desert of Calif and do a lot of off roading on very bad, rocky, dirt roads, dry stream beds. Thats what I bought it for. mpg 18 town, 23 hwy. 126k miles, run Mobil 1, replaced tires, dash temp control, tune up,brakes, in all these miles. I take this where 4x4 trucks and larger 4x4s wont go because of the limited size. Interior is leather, comfortable, seats 5, fold down rear seats for anything,paint has held up in our sun with wax but bushes have put desert pen stripes everywhere. I intend to get another used one with a tow bar installed so I can tow it behind my truck and camper.

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  250,000 MILES!!!!!!! - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By willis1987 - July 1 - 7:48 pm

  Need i say more? lol no really 250,000 plus miles and still going strong although there have been some problems along the way a rear main seal luckily a family member could fix. A new barely used rear end had to be put under it about 2grand there. Just now in need of throttle position sensor also just realized a tranny mount broke needs replaced so couple hundred bucks but it has been an absolute beast of a car all 250,000 miles put on it great vehicle would def recommend to anyone looking into purchasing one they are stroooooonnnngggg little motors tranny is smooth and overall comfort of ride is pretty well great

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  Very Impressive - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By dhump33 - March 26 - 11:43 pm

  My wife and I never thought we would ever own a Suzuki. We were planning on buying a Honda CRV or a Subaru and then one night we saw the new Suzuki Grand Vitara. After doing our research, viewing the standard options and price we were almost sold. We went for a test drive one and that same weekend purchased it! We are impressed with the interior quality, fit and finish. We are also impressed with its AWD capabilities (we drove it in the snow and torrential rain). We will certainly keep this one, recommend the dealership and the model. Keep up the good work Suzuki!

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  Multiple problems down the line - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By waguy2012 - March 9 - 7:24 pm

  The one thing that i have a problem with this car is that it leaks a ton in the front. I had it checked and multiple mechanics cant figure out where the leak is coming from. My dad and i replace some seals in the front and the leak stopped for a bit but then it comes back with a vengeance. When we go one drives just 10-15 miles down the road there will be small puddle of oil on the ground. Just a little annoying and i hope it doesnt lead to bigger problems. We are at 175,000 miles on it so i guess thats what we get for having it so long! :) Also, be caeful w/ the air conditioning. Ours went out and now to replace it will cost $$$$$$. Rather wait to get a new car than pay for repairs.

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  Happy New Owner - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By spbehrens - March 4 - 8:36 pm

  My 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara has clean lines and an aggressive look. My wife finds it easy to drive and maneuver. It provides good comfort over longer distances. The fuel economy is much better than our previous 1998 Isuzu Trooper. The price was very good considering all you get for the money. Our dealer is friendly and helpful.

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  Love & hate relationship - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By CRAIGM - February 12 - 6:56 pm

  I bought this vehicle because I was in the market for an affordable, reliable small SUV that was rear wheel drive. I am a mechanic by trade and this setup is easier to maintain. However at 15,700 miles, the factory Yokohama tires are shot. I dont believe it to be an alignment issue since they are worn only on the inside just cheap tires. My wife insisted on the solid red one and I am very dissapointed that the paint is rapidly deteriorating, the mirrors are already faded to white on top. Also, there are too many cheap plastic trim pieces interior & exterior that easily fall off and im finding out resale value is really bad. This one is 2wd and has plenty of power for the size of the motor.

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  Long Drive Commuter - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By 2nd suzuki - February 6 - 7:26 pm

  I commute 120 miles to work and back on the interstate every day and traded in my Verona so I could see over traffic. My gas millage is the same as in the Verona. I am very impressed with the smooth, nimble handling of this vehicle.

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  First New Car - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Scott A Palmieri - December 8 - 3:26 pm

  The interior of my Grand Vitara is loud. It has a lot of engine and road news. However it drives smoothly. Its gas mileage could be a lot better. The interior could be better as well. The parts look and seem very cheap. The seats are already pulling. It needs a better quality sound system. Having said this, it is a fun vehicle to drive, it handles well, and it is very stylish.

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  The best car ever - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By aymanca - December 5 - 12:10 pm

  I bought this car October 2006 and I never had any problem with it, it runs good and it worth every dollar . Its really surprise me to know that the company has closed down in USA, its really a lost not to have this brand here. I recommended to everyone and I really enjoy driving it as the first day I had it. I just recently replaced the battery ( after 8 years) and I had no other issues. I love Suzuki and if the company still around it will be my first choice , better than Honda or Toyota .

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  Odd Headlights - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Tim - December 2 - 5:50 am

  I recently purchased a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4, luxury model. Its a nice vehicle with true 4x4 capability. My main concern is that the low beam HID headlights are aimed in a strange way. The left light does not illuminate as far ahead as the right light. After much concern directed to my local dealers, I was informed that it was by design from the manufacturer. They tell me that the reason is so as not to blind drivers coming in the opposite direction. Dealerships were not aware of it, and there is nothing mentioned about the headlight aiming pattern in the owners manual. It is an annoying vehicle to operate at night. If you are thinking of buying one, drive it at night in a dark area.