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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  Suzuki...Oh~oh oh oh...what a Feeling!?! - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By GregOgh - July 2 - 12:13 pm

  I was enamored with the vehicle but now that Ive driven it a month in different conditions/road surfaces, Ive feel that I overlooked a few things during the purchase phase. The seats are physically hard to get comfortable in. Theyre designed/built for an anthropometric model of a 55" person. Leg room in cockpit seat is cumbersome and your legs go numb on trips lasting 3-4 hours. Controls for the stereo and cruise control on the steering wheel are also awkward to use when not looking directly at them. Theyre not lighted for nighttime operation... Extremely annoying. The stereos tinny and rattles when the bass is on 0 & volume on 15. The cloth seats are minimal~go with leather! Good luck.

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  Best Buy for the Money! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By mike a - June 21 - 3:20 am

  Before we bought, we test drove the CR-V, RAV4, and Forester. The Gran Vitara, had the roomiest interior and is very comfortable. It I am 6 feet tall and the wife is 410", and to find a small SUV that would be comfortable for the both of us was not easy. The Grand Vitara, fit like a glove! It was also the quietest on the road, had a 6-cylinder engine for extra power, and it has plenty of that. It also had other features that we wanted like air bags, front and side, electronic transfer case, and ESP with traction control. My wife swears the ESP saved her from a wreck one day when she had to swerve to miss a car that had pulled out in front of her! This vehicle has great fit and finish, this one is a keeper!

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  Surprising Value - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dustin Huston - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the XL-7 for my wife who wanted a SUV with 4WD. Really nice to haul the kid(s) around. Looks great. The interior in on the Touring edition could use some upgrades, but the Limited is great. I wouldnt want to haul 7 adults in it, but 4 adults and a couple of kids is no problem.

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  2006 4WD LUX MODEL - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By littlejjam - May 23 - 11:13 pm

  After 15k miles w/ this vehicle, Im coming away quite impressed. The power from the 2.7L V6 is adequate for most situations; Ive never felt it didnt have enough power to pass or merge. Could it use another 20hp and 30ft/lb of torque? Sure it could. For what it is, the little V6 does just fine. The trans. sometimes stays in a lower gear longer than wanted (uphill climbs). Releasing the gas pedal and allowing the trans to upshift, and then reapplying throttle very gently, usually works to keep vehicle in highest gear possible. Interior design is awesome, "clean and modern". Materials used are consistant w/ this vehicles price range. If you want Lexus luxury, then you should buy Lexus.

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  Learned to love this vehicle - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By grandvitdriver - May 11 - 9:17 am

  Overall, an excellent vehicle. Over 85k miles...yep, 85 on an 08...without a serious concern. Stock tires were junk (Yokohama) -- 2 non-repairable flats in less than 5k miles; replaced all 4 w/less than 11k miles. Took me several months, numerous trips to dealer and countless phone calls to resolve the issue of DUST....a true SUV and you cant drive it on a gravel road without be choked with dust? Problem solved (simple!! keep control set to "outside"). I am very pleased with the vehicle. I drive on 35 - 40 miles of scoria (gravel roads) on a daily basis...the GV has held up exceptionally well.

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  Your Bang for your Buck - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Gene - April 27 - 3:13 pm

  I researched a lot of vehicles for my off-roadster. The 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara came up just in the nick of time. I almost bought the 05 version. What can I say? Our daughter has one which is over ten years, 160,000 miles old. I just drove it cross country and it is still going strong. She now criss-crosses CA at here leisure while attending college over there. The 06 Premium model with 4WD that I have is rock solid, and with and attitude to boot, not to mention the great, affordable price. My only complaint is the short ratio in first gear. I drive the stick, but this is an all-terrain after all. Once in 5th gear, it zooms. It feels like a truck, yet it drives like a car. It is a great achievement on Suzukis part.

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  Would never own another Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mary - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought my GV with 17 miles on it and by 13,ooo miles had to replace 2 tires. At 23,000 had to replace the other two tires. Had to deal with 2 recall issues, one happened before the recall notice was made. Brakes started to feel mushy and at 38,000 miles 2 more tires were wearing out!! Gas mileage was terrible and the head lights made driving terrible at night! Just traded it in on 09/06/10 for a Toyota that I love!! Buying the Suzuki was the most costly and stupid mistake I ever made.

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  Value and then some - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mark - April 20 - 9:33 am

  I have owned my Grand Vit since Aug.2003. Bought it new w/only 60 (demo) miles on it. I dont drive much ( thats why the LOW mileage after over 18 months. I live in Syracuse, NY. We get lots of crappy weather including SNOW (measured in feet) during the winter months. One of the standard features for this model is elect/defrost for the power mirrors. It also has electronic climate control for heat/AC and a Clarion sound system w/ subwoofer right under the drivers seat. I think those clipboard toting snobs at JD Power are being way too techy/harsh. This is an EXCELLENT VALUE for anyone wanting an SUV (4WD capable) with quite a few creature comforts- not a LEXUS but u can buy 2 Suzukis

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  What a great little SUV! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Barry - April 2 - 12:30 am

  What a surprising little SUV! The Grand Vitara is a HUGE advance for Suzuki. The external AND internal styling, materials, and fit and finish are absolutely top rate! My wife and I compared and drove all of its closest Japanese competitors - and it knocked the socks off them! The interior is particularly good - with a modern, robust, rattle and creak-free cockpit. Its legroom is surprisingly good, although the trunk is smaller than the Toyota RAV4s. Its gas mileage is perhaps not the best, but it is still quite acceptable. The 4-mode full-time AWD and the proper ladder-type chassis seem to be a more robust alternative and a cut above its more car-like SUV competitors, and the 7-year warranty is very reassuring. I HIGHLY recommended tihs vehicle!

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  2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By owlsnest - March 4 - 2:13 am

  The 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury is one niec truck to drive. Its interior is very pleasant. It has a very solid and quiet highway ride. Suzuki has a winner on its hands.