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! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dinakar - July 10 - 1:46 pm

  I was looking for a small four wheel drive SUV with enough power (6 Cyl) and thought that Toyotas RAV4 would meet my needs. However, I happened to pass by a Suzuki dealership and test drove the Grand Vitara. I bought the SUV the same day! It handles exceedingly well (specially around the curves) and has great safety features. The features that come standard with this SUV can only be found in expensive SUVs. I am certainly enjoying it.

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  250,000 MILES!!!!!!! - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By willis1987 - July 1 - 7:48 pm

  Need i say more? lol no really 250,000 plus miles and still going strong although there have been some problems along the way a rear main seal luckily a family member could fix. A new barely used rear end had to be put under it about 2grand there. Just now in need of throttle position sensor also just realized a tranny mount broke needs replaced so couple hundred bucks but it has been an absolute beast of a car all 250,000 miles put on it great vehicle would def recommend to anyone looking into purchasing one they are stroooooonnnngggg little motors tranny is smooth and overall comfort of ride is pretty well great

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  Great for 3 years... - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Cascades Hiker - June 5 - 12:36 pm

  I bought my G.V. new and enjoyed 3 years of problem-free transportation. At 38,000 miles, the engine failed and required significant work to replace a broken 2 part gear which drives the Cam. The work took more than 6 weeks to complete. 3 weeks after the vehicle was returned to me, it broke down again. Yet more engine work took 4 weeks to complete. Throughout this experience, I learned that Suzukis Customer Service is poor despite their claim of Americas best powertrain warranty. After deciding I could no longer rely on this vehicle, I traded it in for a 2009 Toyota RAV4. Never again will I purchase a Suzuki product.

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  Dont Buy it - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By GV Owner - May 27 - 10:00 am

  This car has had electronic problems since day one. Most recently, the air conditioner went out. After only a year and a half, they said the hoses leading to and from the condensor have coroded. In addition, the lights, speakers, and remote unlock features have been problems.

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  Lemon - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By cherylkf - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Has 40K miles...Has gone through 2 sets of tires, leaks transmission fluid, burns oil, gets far worse gas mileage than manufacture indicates. Very disppointing overall.

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  WOW, this car is a keeper - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Laurie M Ryan - May 7 - 8:07 am

  I am from Detroit and I have bought, leased, rented and driven MANY different vehicles in my 40+ years of driving. The Grand Vitara is the only one I will KEEP until it dies, if it dies. It 10+ years old, has about 150K miles and I cannot wait tell you how wonderful the performance has been. This SUV has never had a tune up, not even spark plug change, never replaced the brakes and still its running and braking for me, I love it. I always get oil changes on time (synthetic), I drive responsibly and clean it regularly inside and out. For a while I had to replace the tires often, then I found tires that would last from Discount Tires. It seems like the bulbs on the headlamps blow too often, but hey, theyre easy to replace. I hope this car is my last one ever. I am so sorry that Suzuki removed their dealerships in the USA. If I ever need another car, I hope to find another Suzuki I can love for years and years.

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  Budget SUV with Decent Quality - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Zukilver - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Owned this car since 36k miles, now 65k. Not so bad. Hard to find parts and accessories. Overall, very reliable, like a mini 4Runner. Limited edition is very rare, I only saw 3 in my whole life, but comes with very useful package. Never went to the shop, never. I only do regular oil change. Resale price is unbelievably higher knowing that this is a budget SUV.

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  Suzuki quality lacks - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By ricbrk - April 5 - 8:33 pm

  This our third Suzuki, and by far this is nothing like the first two. The quality just is not there. We ended up leasing this Suzuki, with every intention of buying it when the lease was up. We will not, and we have another year on the lease. The radio reception is terrible. The vehicle rattles. Factory tires lasted 11,000 miles, my 48 year old wife is the only driver. The motor is noisy. Suzuki decided to design this 2.7 V-6 back to the 50s. Every 21,500 miles you have to have the valve lash adjusted at $1,200 a pop. Dont have it done and good bye warranty. The seals leak, belt tensioner pully lasts 15,000 miles, "plastic", and the original Suzuki quality isnt their. Wont own again.

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  Great Choice in Vehicles - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Shelly - April 5 - 8:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle new in 2001 after doing a lot of research. I could be happier with my choice. I love it and have never had a real issue with this SUV. The only maintenance has been oil changes, windshield wipers and tires - it still has its original brakes, etc. It did have one minor recall issue that was fixed easily by the dealership. I have done some off-roading and felt very secure. The back end is light, but add a couple of sand bags in the winter and it does great in 4WD. It is a pleasure to drive on or off road.

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  A Lot for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Bill - March 30 - 11:36 am

  I have driven my Grand Vitara for 1,500 miles and am pleased with this small SUV. I previously owend a Honda CRV and was disappointed with its lack of power. The Grand Vitara has the Honda CRV beat in both power and off road capability. I am impressed with the handling of the Grand Vitara in ice and snow, awsome! The interior and exterior of the Grand Vitara are outstanding and are more like a $30,000 SUV. The only advantage the Honda has over the Grand Vitara is resale value, but that may change as more people discover the great value Suzuki has to offer with this redesigned SUV. My general impression of the Grand Vitara is "Great Bang for the Buck".