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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  Great I still have it Works good - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jose Robleto - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Reliable, fun to drive Drove from Texas to Nicaragua in 2006 with 110,000 miles no problem Drove from El Paso TX to Mazatlan Sinaloa in 2009 cero problems with 149,000 miles

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  Solid Performer - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By JMat - September 25 - 11:00 pm

  Since I purchased my GV Ive gotten married, got a dog, bought a house and recently became a father. All along the way the GV has never let me down. Weve gone on several road trips and the GV has always been a true pleasure to drive. It now hauls my entire family including the dog with no problem. Reliability has never been an issue and the build quality is top nothch. The only issue Ive had since purchasing it in 2007 has been a burned out headlight which was covered under the warranty and took a half an hour to repair at the dealership. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  purchaed new in feb. 12 - 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By boss1mb - September 4 - 10:43 am

  not much wrong with this compact suv, much less than others larger ones in price, geared a little low for 1st, handlling good great turning radius for tight spots, if you havent owned a small suv before give careful consideration, its not gonna handle like a sports car at highway speeds. Great for around town and trips, could have used another 2" length in the cargo area. Great body style, lots of safety features, a good value for the price.

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  ITS GREAT! - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By NICOLE - August 28 - 2:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE HANDLES GREAT! ITS COMPACT SIZE MAKES IT EASY TO CONTROL, AND ITS A GREAT CAR FOR TEENS TO LEARN TO DRIVE IN! IT HAS GREAT TURNING ABILITY AND ALL AROUND THIS IS A GREAT VEHICLE.

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  air bags - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By hocuspoc - June 21 - 10:00 am

  over all I loved this vehical, that is up until I had a accident where i was hit in the passenger front end, bad enough that the vehical was totalled and neither the driver side or passanger side air bag came out... still havent got any reason as to why they didnt go off ...

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  REVIEW OF 2003 GRAND 4 WD - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By DREW APPLEMAN - April 30 - 10:00 am

  CAR HAS GREAT ZIP FUEL ECONOMY A DISAPPOINTMENT HIGHLY DISLIKE RADIO CONTROLS UNDER STEERING WHEEL AS SHIFTS CHANNELS BRUSHES THIGHS APPEARANCE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE A PLUS APPEARS SOLID. MANEUVERS WELL HAS THE POWER IN SNOW INCLIMATE WEATHER. SEAT BELT CONNECTOR NEED EXTENDED

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  Should Have Better Tires - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Evelyn - April 25 - 5:23 pm

  I purchased my Grand Vitara in April. I only had 12,000 miles on it when I had to replace my rear tires. I would think the tires should last longer than that. I took the car back to the dealership that I purchased it at an I was told there was nothing they could do for me (bummer)! Check your tires! Have them rotated and make sure that your have the the air pressure checked.

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  Could drive into a wall and still work! - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Andrew - April 19 - 6:56 pm

  From an engine standpoint, the only problem I had was with the exhaust system rusting out. This truck keeps on going and going. I believe that it would probably run without oil! (only joking). I am now on my second Suzuki (XL-7), but it had that GM body (everything else is great, except the GM stuff). The 2001 units are great and will last a long time, as long as you take care of it.

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  Good SUV for the money - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By BEK - March 28 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Gran Vitari JLX+ for almost 2 years now. Its been a very good mini suv. Have not had it in for any repairs. I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles and wash it once a week and were good to go. If you are in the market for a mini suv I would pick this one over the Kia, Crv, Rav4 or Tracker any day of the week.

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  Loving It but Improvements Needed - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By carloscai - March 9 - 8:40 am

  The vehicle has many good things to talk about, such as nice interior, smooth drive, 4x4, 6 CD, low price...it really stands out of, the line of other Suzuki cars, not to mention those Daewoo junks that Suzuki brough back to life. Buyers should not expect the resale value of the vehicle to be anything even close to RAV4 or CR-V. It will take more than one vehicle to establish the brand name for Suzuki. For all the lovers of Toyota and Honda, even if they are selling Cavalier, it would have the best resale value. Nothing more, you are not buying the brand here. Suzuki should really consider putting a better engine into this vehicle, 185hp on a V6 is a not-so-funny joke.