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 211 through 220 of 389.00-
Superb Value - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Rey - November 2 - 4:53 pmBefore purchasing my Grand Vitarra (GV), I considered the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. However, after doing some extensive research, I found the GV to be a well rounded package, which offers true off road ability and standard equipment found in much more expensive SUVs. I now have 1,500 miles and thus far the driving experience has been very good. The road noise is kept to a minimum, the V6 is smooth and peppy and the brakes do a fine job, stopping short and straight. The interior looks upscale and the exterior looks modern and "fresh." I especially like the front end. The fuel mileage is good for a V6. Prior to this, I owned a 2000 Nissan Xterra, and that was quite thirsty. The GV is highly recommended!
-
Love it, every day I get in it!! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By gruss - October 21 - 5:13 pmThis is my second GV. Sure the mileage could be better, but its right there on the sticker when you buy it. I generally drive a couple of miles below the speed limit or right at it. So my mileage is great, 30hwy. Great stereo system and the six of my CDs of the moment sound great through the speakers and sub!! Seats are very comfortable, like your favorite chair. It is longer than the previous model, and it was noticed, in backseat room and cargo space. I cant say I needed it and I liked my 99 better in that respect, but I got over it. To you, drive it, love it, buy it, and love it again everyday till you are ready for a new one! I know, and will get another when the time comes.
-
Grand Vitara - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By t2trider - October 7 - 2:00 amThis is an excellent car for in most categories. The major problem is interior room. Children even have a hard time sitting in the back seat. However, the car is great for around town and has plenty of power to play with. Solid construction.
-
Awesome - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By GVCbJ - September 5 - 2:50 pmIve owned this vehicle for a year now, and I like it as much as when it was brand new. It is great on slippery roads/snow, has a lot of room for its class, and is quite comfortable for long trips. I really cant think of anything Im displeased with.
-
XL-7 Limited - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By R Webster - September 1 - 10:00 amVery happy. Great vehicle with great service. Excellent value
-
A compact SUV with real 4WD - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Bob - August 27 - 9:03 pmI have about 2,500 miles on my Grand Vitara. Having stepped up from a 4 door compact car, the only thing I miss is the good gas mileage, especially with the current gas gouging going on. I have driven mostly on pavement and a little bit on loose sandy beach trails and really have no complaints. The basic feel of the suspension is taut but very comfortable. Its a great looking, great handling, and very comfortable little SUV, whose only real competition for true off-roading is the Jeep Liberty, which, based on my experince is another $5,000, and reputed to be less relaible.
-
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.
-
Fantastic SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Bev - August 13 - 2:26 pmIm very happy with my 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara. Ive always driven compact cars and I found this SUV easy to drive. The price is hard to beat with all the safety features that come standard on this SUV, not to mention the great warranty. The ride is smooth and its very fun to drive. The interior is appealing and the exterior is bold.
-
I love my Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Classylady - August 7 - 12:46 amI have always been a sedan driver. I preferred Nissan over other sedans. When I purchased my Suzuki Grand Vitara February 13, 2006 really was in the market for a new Nissan Altima but was amazed at the design of the Grand Vitara and how easy it was to drive without feeling like I was in a big Ford truck. Thanks Suzuki for designing such a wonderful vehicle. I have been a Nissan owner for over 20 years so to get me hooked on your vehicle says a whole lot. I love My Suzuki Grand Vitara.
-
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.
