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 61 through 70 of 389.00-
Nice Job Suzuki! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Sgrant - August 20 - 9:16 amThe 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara has an outstanding design. It is an exceptionally well executed vehicle for an unbeatable price. Unfortunately, it has no alarm system and aftermarket alarms are incompatible with keyless start/fob. Also, there is no tint band on windshield. It doesnt have a remote gas flap release and it is a bit noisy. Other things that I dont like about it inc;ude its vague throttle response, lack of a glove compartment light and mudflaps, inaccurate gas mileage readout, and the Silly luxury features that are bundled with the low range gearing. The rest of this truck is great. It begs to be cornered fast and has amazing traction. Its an amazingly sure-footed vehicle. It comes with lots of standard safety features. We plan to keep it a long time.
-
I Love It - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By trajtman - July 18 - 10:00 amI just got my new SUV, a Suzuki Grand Vitara and i really like it. I just wish that I could have afforded the 4WD one, but I love mine.
-
Suzuki...Oh~oh oh oh...what a Feeling!?! - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By GregOgh - July 2 - 12:13 pmI was enamored with the vehicle but now that Ive driven it a month in different conditions/road surfaces, Ive feel that I overlooked a few things during the purchase phase. The seats are physically hard to get comfortable in. Theyre designed/built for an anthropometric model of a 55" person. Leg room in cockpit seat is cumbersome and your legs go numb on trips lasting 3-4 hours. Controls for the stereo and cruise control on the steering wheel are also awkward to use when not looking directly at them. Theyre not lighted for nighttime operation... Extremely annoying. The stereos tinny and rattles when the bass is on 0 & volume on 15. The cloth seats are minimal~go with leather! Good luck.
-
Surprising Value - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Dustin Huston - June 18 - 2:00 amJust purchased the XL-7 for my wife who wanted a SUV with 4WD. Really nice to haul the kid(s) around. Looks great. The interior in on the Touring edition could use some upgrades, but the Limited is great. I wouldnt want to haul 7 adults in it, but 4 adults and a couple of kids is no problem.
-
2006 4WD LUX MODEL - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By littlejjam - May 23 - 11:13 pmAfter 15k miles w/ this vehicle, Im coming away quite impressed. The power from the 2.7L V6 is adequate for most situations; Ive never felt it didnt have enough power to pass or merge. Could it use another 20hp and 30ft/lb of torque? Sure it could. For what it is, the little V6 does just fine. The trans. sometimes stays in a lower gear longer than wanted (uphill climbs). Releasing the gas pedal and allowing the trans to upshift, and then reapplying throttle very gently, usually works to keep vehicle in highest gear possible. Interior design is awesome, "clean and modern". Materials used are consistant w/ this vehicles price range. If you want Lexus luxury, then you should buy Lexus.
-
Learned to love this vehicle - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By grandvitdriver - May 11 - 9:17 amOverall, an excellent vehicle. Over 85k miles...yep, 85 on an 08...without a serious concern. Stock tires were junk (Yokohama) -- 2 non-repairable flats in less than 5k miles; replaced all 4 w/less than 11k miles. Took me several months, numerous trips to dealer and countless phone calls to resolve the issue of DUST....a true SUV and you cant drive it on a gravel road without be choked with dust? Problem solved (simple!! keep control set to "outside"). I am very pleased with the vehicle. I drive on 35 - 40 miles of scoria (gravel roads) on a daily basis...the GV has held up exceptionally well.
-
A Great Lil SUV - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Diana R - February 18 - 4:43 pmIve had my Suzuki Grand Vitara Limited since 2/2002, and it has been a wonderful vehicle to own. Ive had just one recall on it, and I was notified of it promptly. My only regrets were not having side-curtain airbags and a GPS system. The airbag situation seems to have been rectified in the 2006 model.
-
At 60,000 miles as good as Honda or Toyota - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By reyz - January 27 - 9:08 amI am happy to report that my GV has been very reliable. I bought the GV new in October of 2005, minus a recall for an idler pulley, and an oxygen sensor that went bad I have only had to perform regular maintenance. The body, and interior have held up well. No different from a Honda or Toyota product, which I have also owned. The GV has taken the harsh NJ winters with stride. The GV offers lots of value, and its interior is quite spacious for a small SUV.
-
The Lil Truck That Could - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Jon Yankasky - January 24 - 2:00 pmThe ride is astounding and the features this car has in unreal. Climate control, all time 4wd, anti lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring system and many others. There is plenty of leg room and head room and the ride is so nice and smooth. I did have the front seats altered. As someone said they were uncomfortable and it is an easy fix. In both seats are three steel rods that can be easily removed and when this is done, the seats are just perfect and comfortable. I also had an upholstery man make a 3 inch pad and add it to the center console and this car is a great comfortable ride. Buy the car/truck. You will not be unhappy.
-
Suzuki 06 - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By naag22 - September 7 - 8:16 pmWe were happy with our vehicle in the first year of purchase.We have now realized that we need more room and the fuel economy is not what was expected by far!! It does not pick up speed as well either. A good car but not great. We are a family of four now and need something more efficient and roomy.
