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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  Love & hate relationship - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By CRAIGM - February 12 - 6:56 pm

  I bought this vehicle because I was in the market for an affordable, reliable small SUV that was rear wheel drive. I am a mechanic by trade and this setup is easier to maintain. However at 15,700 miles, the factory Yokohama tires are shot. I dont believe it to be an alignment issue since they are worn only on the inside just cheap tires. My wife insisted on the solid red one and I am very dissapointed that the paint is rapidly deteriorating, the mirrors are already faded to white on top. Also, there are too many cheap plastic trim pieces interior & exterior that easily fall off and im finding out resale value is really bad. This one is 2wd and has plenty of power for the size of the motor.

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  Real off-roader - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Alex Povolotski - February 8 - 11:36 pm

  The car is a real off-roader in its class. Off the pavement, it beats RAV4, HR-V, Santa-Fe, and probably MItsubishi (though Im not sure about that one). Besides its off-road capabilities, its nothing else. Nothing! Its not a road warrior despite of interior creature comforts. I love the interior and visibility a lot but darn it is noisy! It is the engine noise Im talking about. You cant escape it, especially up the hill. It sounds like another second and the motor will explode out of the hood. You definitely have the feeling that the car is underpowered for its weight and the engine struggles a lot to pull all that weight up hill. Other than that, its a decent car full of defects.

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  Long Drive Commuter - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By 2nd suzuki - February 6 - 7:26 pm

  I commute 120 miles to work and back on the interstate every day and traded in my Verona so I could see over traffic. My gas millage is the same as in the Verona. I am very impressed with the smooth, nimble handling of this vehicle.

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  Great Vehicle for the Price - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Kevin - February 3 - 4:30 am

  We have owned this Grand Vitara for a couple of months now and I can not think of anything negative to say. We are previous Suzuki owners so we were familiar with the quality of product they make. The new body style was appealing but the extra safety features won us over. The interior has plenty of room for a family to travel on a long trip. With all the standard features, this vehicle is definitely a bargain in this price range.

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  2 1/2 years old -- a look back and ahead - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By SilverGirl - January 6 - 3:16 pm

  This is my second Suzuki, first one was an 1987 Samari, I had for 15 years. But the 2002 has had a few recalls. This vehicle has had all the recommended maintenance. It was a reliable and fun vehicle until 18000 miles. Now I am told the engine needs to be replaced. The dealer has had it for over two weeks with no estimated completion date. The dealer was quick to give me a rental car. New cars in the past were reliable, I do not know what has happened to the quality. I miss my Suzuki and hope it comes home soon! I think in the future I will lease a vehicle instead of buying....

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  First New Car - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Scott A Palmieri - December 8 - 3:26 pm

  The interior of my Grand Vitara is loud. It has a lot of engine and road news. However it drives smoothly. Its gas mileage could be a lot better. The interior could be better as well. The parts look and seem very cheap. The seats are already pulling. It needs a better quality sound system. Having said this, it is a fun vehicle to drive, it handles well, and it is very stylish.

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  The best car ever - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By aymanca - December 5 - 12:10 pm

  I bought this car October 2006 and I never had any problem with it, it runs good and it worth every dollar . Its really surprise me to know that the company has closed down in USA, its really a lost not to have this brand here. I recommended to everyone and I really enjoy driving it as the first day I had it. I just recently replaced the battery ( after 8 years) and I had no other issues. I love Suzuki and if the company still around it will be my first choice , better than Honda or Toyota .

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  Odd Headlights - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Tim - December 2 - 5:50 am

  I recently purchased a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4, luxury model. Its a nice vehicle with true 4x4 capability. My main concern is that the low beam HID headlights are aimed in a strange way. The left light does not illuminate as far ahead as the right light. After much concern directed to my local dealers, I was informed that it was by design from the manufacturer. They tell me that the reason is so as not to blind drivers coming in the opposite direction. Dealerships were not aware of it, and there is nothing mentioned about the headlight aiming pattern in the owners manual. It is an annoying vehicle to operate at night. If you are thinking of buying one, drive it at night in a dark area.

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  Great Value - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By sri - November 12 - 11:10 pm

  The Suzuki Grand Vitara has a very quiet ride. I love the way the rear seats fold. It is easy to open the cargo door. The ability to play MP3/WMA discs with a 6 CD changer was a pleasant surprise and it is XM ready. This truck has a lot of safety features for its base price. Its 4WD is actually full time and should be listed as AWD.

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  My Lil Red Fire Truck - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By kimmie - November 8 - 2:43 am

  I am so happy with my new car! I was very skeptical of small SUVs until I drove this one. I was quite surprised at all of the wonderful safety features and how it hugs the road. It does not feel like a 4 wheel drive SUV, it feels like a luxury car. I love my new lil red fire truck!