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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An unexpected purchase - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Ron L. - July 16 - 12:40 amI wasnt expecting to buy, but 3 1/2 hours later drove off with my new 06 Grand Vitara with the luxury package. My father had owned a 93 Sidekick and best friend an old 87 Samurai, which are quite plebian by the Vitaras standards, but Suzuki always had a great reputation for its engines and drivetrains. I got a "killer deal" with $5,000 off the MSRP and they are putting in the XM from my old car into the Vitara for free. So, for $18,500 I have all the bells and whistles, moonroof, leather, nice stereo, etc... you just cant get this level of performance, engine, and a luxury package with any other SUV in its class or higher. All Japaneese parts and assembly is certainly a plus.
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My 06GV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By K10whosun - July 12 - 3:03 pmI really like this vehicle except for the tread wear that I have noticed on the tires. I also own an 07 same make and model. It also is having premature tread wear on the tires. I compared the tire wear with the 5 wheel and it is a big difference for only 20K miles. Other than the tread wear of the tires. The car is very quick in accelerating and looks very sporty. If holds a good bit of cargo as well.
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2nd suzuki - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By resp - July 5 - 3:23 pmGetting 26.1 MPG in my first 3000 miles of mostly highway driving, pretty good for 4WD. I like the standard doohickeys, keyless entry, sunroof, 6 disk cd. Really good price, no competition from its competitors, especially with the 3000 incentive. Bought the SX4 last year, gave that to my daughter, upsized for more room for me.
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Outstanding Vehicle - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By hendricks - June 7 - 2:53 pmWe owned two of them, but traded one in on a 2005. These SUVs are great. They glide right through the snow in 4WD. They perform great in local traffic and on the highway. If you are having doubts about this vehicle, dont. Just buy it and enjoy.
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Check this truck out! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Rafael H - May 19 - 11:23 pmI just got the 2006 Grand Vitara. I am amazed at all the stuff that comes with this truck and the price! I got mine with the premium package. I love the keyless entry system. The stereo is relly nice. The leather and the wood panels make it feel more expensive than it is.
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The Best Car I Have Ever Owned! - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By shannon - May 9 - 6:40 amI live in the mountains with snow and fog during winter. I drive 65 miles a day to work in the flat lands. This has been the most dependable car that Ive ever owned. When I totaled it six months later, it had 134,500 miles on it. I cried. Im definately buying another Suzuki Grand Vitara!
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Lots of SUV for the Price - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Jay - April 28 - 6:00 amThis is my first SUV. I did a lot of pricing and research, and found that the Grand Vitara XSport offers the best package compared to its competitors. I love how it drives and handles. The interior is very refined and classy, and it has a well-finished exterior. I am very impressed with my GV and I have noticed heads turn when I am parking or riding the vehicle. Family and friends eyes have popped when they ask how much this particular model goes for. All of them thought it should cost a lot more!
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Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Mani - April 22 - 9:06 pmThe Grand Vitara is an excellent Vehicle. I had to buy one after the test drive. It has lots of cool features, like keyless entry, a 6 CD player with 7 speakers, ESP etc..
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A wonderful SUV - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By shaun025 - April 19 - 10:00 amThis is an awesome vehicle, I absolutey love it! It is fast and user friendly, fun to drive, and interior design is emaculate.
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Excellent - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By shibu - April 8 - 8:20 amI have had this truck for two months and have found it fun to drive, very adequately powered and to have a very pleasing interior and exterior. The controls look as if they are frome a very high priced vehicle and it is an awesome SUV. Two thumbs up for this one from Suzuki.
