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 81 through 90 of 389.00-
Tire/AC woes but overall Im very happy - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By pcs1955 - October 12 - 12:03 pmUsed to have a 2000 Kia Sportage that I adored. I am coming to love my Suzuki almost as much; however, I am not in love with my service technicians! Had to spend $300 on new tires and an alignment. AC keeps gushing water onto my passenger side floor. Been to dealer at least 6-7 times since February with these two problems. Overall, though, Id buy another Suzuki.
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Fine SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By drdud - September 18 - 2:06 pmI purchased this beauty after looking at Honda CR-V ,Hyundai Tuson, and Subarus . It was a few hundred more then the above but it sure was pretty. Its ride is stiffer than Subarus and its seat is higher if you have a bad back thatÂ’s important! It rides a bunch better then Honda. Its a lot better looking then the Tuson and I love Hyundai, Ive had 7 of them. Its seats are comfortable, its drive position is good, its controls are convenient. Its sound system is very good. I love the sun(moon)roof and the keyless starting - all you need is the yey in your pocket. Its great how you can lock it in AWD in bad weather. So far, so good.
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Good Car For The Money - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By rickb - September 5 - 5:23 pmLike the both interior and exterior style. Overall built well. Handles nicely. Being from the old school, keyless entry and drive is a waste. Too many settings for both windshield wipers and lights. Door locks drive me nuts. Up here in the mountains of NC it could use some extra hp and torque. The performance is much better in FL on flat land. We have taken this car on several trips and I have little complaint other than the mileage. The poor hwy mpg really is an issue for a small engine of this size. Gets close to the same hwy miles as my 95 Explorer 4.0 V6. Good car for the money. Stylish and nice to drive.
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New to Suzuki Cars - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By GVXR - August 30 - 8:13 pmAfter looking at and driving every small SUV, were set on a Jeep Liberty. On the way to purchase we saw the Grand Vitara and stopped. Took a test drive and purchased. It drives nice, looks great and offers many features for the money. With no prior experience with Suzuki cars, although I currently own 4 Suzuki motorcycles, it was the warranty that made the decision to purchase easy!
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Fun driving Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Micchael Risso - May 18 - 2:00 amSmall RV,offers more than enough storage rooms and it is fun to drive.
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Solid, reliable, high performing vehicle - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Mike - April 6 - 1:36 pmIm the type of person that looks for high quality at a good price and I keep my "things" as long as they work and take care of them.Ive driven this car for almost 200,000 miles and am the second owner since 7,000 miles in 2002. It has been the most reliable vehicle that Ive ever known. As my friends go through car #2 and car #3, Im still driving this sweet SUV around since 2nd year of college and it rides as though it has 50-70k. Engine starting to make a little noise, AC doesnt work anymore but hey, it has 200k miles. I can definitely see it lasting at least another 60k before any major issues so long as I continue to change the oil every 3k and stay on top of it. Very good investment.
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Good bang for the buck - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Ted1161 - April 6 - 2:00 amOverall I am happy with the Suzuki. Ride is on the hard side even for a SUV. MPG average is 20... acceptable but could use more power... good for around town but NOT good on the highway as it needs constant steering input. Make sure you get the front end alignment checked mine was out over 20 degrees...
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decent for the money - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By dfr - January 24 - 10:00 amThis car was a decent buy for the money but has an annoying squeeking that the dealer cant fix! Its not heavy enough and bounces on the road. The car has good amounts of power with 5 speed. Very good lights. Smooth interstate driving. Inexpensive suv if not cheap small suv, you get what you pay for.
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A great deal - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Serkan - November 23 - 2:00 amA cheap fun car to drive, I recommend college students recent graduates to buy. The gas efficiency is really not that bad. I definetly recommend it. Also has a great powertrain warranty.
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good commute vehicle - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Cork - October 24 - 10:00 amDriving from Asheville, NC to Greeneville, TN daily to and from office, Im in it at least 3 hours a day havent missed a day, it carries me over the mountain daily, both in clear weather, and in ice and snow its important for me to have a reliable and safe vehicle, and thats what this model offers It is tough on the back on long trips (6 hours plus), and it rides like a truck, but it feels safe when i drive it
