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-
Good buy - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By JIM - April 3 - 3:13 amWe put 20000+ miles and had very little problems. Only mechanical problem was a squeak in the steering colunm, which was fixed. Gas mileage was OK with about 21.5 mpg on hiway. The car rode and handled as good as any we drove in its class. The hood did cast a shadow on low beam. The cruise contol did shift too soon on an incline, even thought the engine had plenty of power. I liked the car, although we have traded for XL7 because needed three rows of seats.
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2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By markjoe64 - March 21 - 2:23 amThis my third Suzuki in 4 years. I had the Aerio SX and the Chevy Tracker. My new Grand Vitara is like riding in a Lincoln. Fit and finish were first rate. This vehicle can "fly". I normally drive 64 mph on the interstate, but had to "kick it in" when a semi was on my tail. Before I knew it I was doing 97 mph. Sign me as "Happy in Huntsville".
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Great SUV, great looks , good power! - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By vago621 - January 12 - 10:00 amIve owned this SUV for a month now and I absolutely love it. I like the way it looks and how people stare at it when im driving by! i owned a 4 cylinder car before, but when I drove the Grand Vitara What a difference! I look forward to driving it everyday. i do highway 5 days a week and it has nice passing power.I would recomend it to everybody.
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The best in its class - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Win Aung - January 5 - 12:06 pmLet me just say, if you own a TrailBlazer, you will definitely appreciate the Grand Vitara in every way. The stuff that Suzuki offers are real and useable. especially the brakes and the safety features. Everytime I drive this vehicle, I feel much safer than I am in TrailBlazer.
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Great Mid Size SUV - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By PoPPa RocK - December 19 - 9:20 pmI purchased the GV for my wife due to the ever rising gas prices and let me be the first to say "We are impressed!" . I never thought I would ever own a Suzuki, but this mid sized SUV has it all. Now if you are looking for V8 power, buy a V8 but the 2.7L V6 has enough power to get ya down the road. The GV is loaded with extras that most others charge for! We are getting 17/19mpg in the city and we have not taken a road trip yet. Ill report on that later. Cant complain about the handeling or size I am 6 and I have no trouble getting in or outof the GV. Heck, Just go test drive one and see for yourself. The car sold itself!
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WOW - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By My Buggy - November 22 - 4:56 amThis is my second Grand Vitata. I bought a used 99 model and drove it for four years, then my husband thought I should be driving a used Volvo XC70. In four months I was back in a new Grand Vitara. I called the first one my buggy. I now have Buggy Jr. I wonder if it had a more catchy name, it might have better sales (like Spirit or Sprint). Oh well, Im very pleased with my new buggy. My husband found the 99 scrunchy but hes more comfortable in the 06 model. I was looking at Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 but they were too much money for same features as Grand Vitara. I consider myself a smart shopper and the Grand Vitara is a greeat buy!
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2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Jimmy Cruz - November 8 - 8:40 pmI have been a Ford Rangers STX 2005 owner for 2+ years. My first Suzuki now the 2010 Grand Vitara. The new 2010 Grand Vitara is excellent to drive. Most of my miles are in rural and center of the island of Puerto Rico, to my business and from work and support driving for my supermarket and Sport Bar work. The Grand Vitara is very secure to drive. It gets around 22 to 23 mpg on the highway and around 21 around town. It is highway quite and all the features are very functional. All function through the radio speaker nice, the warranty is great for 7 year or 100,000 miles. Comfort is outstanding. Give this small SUV a second look before you have a decision to by a new SUV.
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Grand Vitara = Grand Purchase - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By sweetaries - November 7 - 10:06 pmThis was my first vehicle I ever owned and I loved it. The price was excellent for a brand new SUV (I looked at a 2004 Ford Escape that was the same price as this vehicle). Every drive was smooth, the vehicle gave me no problems, the inside was very spacious (I was able to move to and from college with everything packed inside), and I loved every moment in it.
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Love My SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By gary - November 5 - 6:33 pmThis SUV has a really nice ride thats smooth but reminds you that youre in a truck not a car. it handles very well in all conditions and has a smokin sound system. I would recommend this SUV to anyone who doesnt need a third row seat.
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Awesome! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Bill - November 3 - 5:16 pmThree days after buying this car, I got involved In a freak snow and ice storm here in southwest PA. I was so impressed how it got us home that night and I just have the 2WD version! The traction control is awesome! I have nothing bad to say about it! For the money, getting this vehicle is a no brainer!
