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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  Fun, Sporty Reliable V6 5-spd=grt value! - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By jazzbabe2 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  26000K down the road, and I would highly recommend this SUV. Before buying, I compared it to Mazda, Honda, & Toyota - offered in 4 Cyc SUVs built on car frames, at a higher price + w/o power incl. The GV is built on a truck frame w/shift on the fly 4-wheel drive, + power options incl! I added after market extras and the car looks sporty. Fun to drive, it has exc interior passenger space + headroom, quality comfortable seats, good cargo space, + handles well in snow. No problems in 26,000+ miles + dont anticipate any problems ahead. I live in Boston yet drive to the Fitchburg dealer because their cust. serv. is unsurpassed!

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  Nice Little Sport Ute - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Joe M. - October 31 - 2:30 pm

  I havent owned it for long, but my 2006 Grand Vitara Luxury AWD seems like a keeper. Made entirely in Japan, the quality seems a cut above the problematic British built Honda Civic Si I got rid of to buy it. Its not fast, but I had a comfy, drama-free drive home from the dealership during a snowstorm with the seat heaters on and knew I had made the right decision. Everything has an expensive feel; plenty of little storage cubbies, and secure handling for a light truck make this a nice package that WAY undercuts the competition in price. My advice: buy one now while Suzuki is carving out a niche in the North American marketplace and pricing them so aggresively.

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  Love it - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By CraigB - October 9 - 5:03 am

  We traded my wifes Murano for the GV, she wanted something smaller. We spent 3 months researching every small SUV on the market. Test drive and features sold us. This is a great suv and a great value. Handeling is marvelous, and the ride is solid. Could use a tad more power. Smart key took some getting used to, but love it now. Everything about this little truck rocks. I want to drive it, and leave my Lincoln in the garage!

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  suv - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By xandu - September 30 - 10:00 am

  great little suv great in snow and mud on road and off great on the hwy and city

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  Best value! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By scott777 - September 28 - 11:13 pm

  Purchased this vehicle for at least $4K less than a comparable CRV or RAV4, those with 4cyl. I was very happy with purchase price and the V6 engine being we were switching from an American SUV with a big V8. Plenty of power, drove it in Blue ridge mountains NC, no problem except a little to eager to downshift. Kids love it, my wife loves it (easy to park). Downside: factory tires stink; worn out after 25K miles. I came from a very large SUV and still cannot get used to the "sensitive" handling of such a short wheelbase. The back door always sounds like it didnt close right.

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  I love my cae - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rosie Mendoza - September 26 - 9:33 am

  This was my very first car that I have bought. I fell in love with from the beginning I never liked small sedans cause i just think they are too small and I need a lot of room. My car I have taken everywhere I travel at least twice a month to far places and my car was just so comfortable. I can drive 5 hrs on a full tank and I have a lot of room in my car to pack my luggage and my 3 dogs. It would have been great if they had an ipod plug but its ok. Other than that I LOVE MY CAR!

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Desarae - September 17 - 4:16 am

  I have a 2007 Grand Vitara I had a Forenza previously. I love the vehicle I have had no Major issue I have changed tire on the vehicle that is it it was at 30,000. Its reliable and I love it! i would recommend it to people. And I think people below should not complain about maintenance on your vehicle. Its part of being a vehicle owner deal with it!

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  Beast in the Snow! - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By dalx - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Had this for almost a year. Were i live the winters are brutal, hence buying this vehicle. No regrets! Awesome in slippery/snowy conditions. I tryed a few times to get it loose control, and its almost impossible. The ESP will put the brakes on for you if your too slow.

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  Love the Cehicle - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Bears fan - August 15 - 3:23 pm

  This is a great vehicle. It gets good gas mileage and is fun to drive. My two year old son calls it his car. For my wife and I this was our first new car purchase together. We are from Chicago and she was sent to work in Detroit for three months. My son and I made many trips there. We loved every minute of the drive there. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a SUV.

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  Best Small SUV for the Money - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jeff Mertz - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Id buy another one in a heart beat. I get 24mpg city and 28mpg highway