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 This Truck - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By broncododge - November 30 - 3:56 pmI love my Grand Vitara. In fact I adore it. I have named it the little red rocket. It is very comfortable!
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Fun to drive with awesome power - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Supererb power - November 29 - 2:16 pmIts been a few weeks since i bought it and I already love it. As others, i do have a :( about the Fuel economy but i cant complain since its an SUV. My first one for ever. Its nice, peppy and great interiors. The fuel economy of the new car generally increases within 1-2 months of the purchase. Love the ESP, Tire pressure monitoring, mp3 and great interior. The head lights are similar to new Land rovers and are really bright. I also like the audio controls on the stearing which come standard. It gives me around 20-22 (hwy + city) and 24 hwy yet but i am sure its going to improve a bit after a month.
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Great Little SUV - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By gr8wit - November 25 - 9:10 pmTraded in a 2007 Chevy Colorado for the Suzuki. I have had nothing but pickups for the last 12 years or so and was always happy...until the Colorado, but that is another story. I decided on an SUV for the cargo capacity and wanted something compact, and different. Back in the 90s I had a Geo Metro, and my wife had a Geo Tracker, both were very well made and reliable, so it was a natural to go to the Grand Vitara. I love this SUV, very well made, comfortable, and looks great. The only problem is a 16 gallon gas tank. Averaging 25 MPG, the tank is too small. Also, the radio stinks,too dim. Would I do it again. At this point, yes. You are cheating yourself if you do not look at this SUV.
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Qwsome - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Laura - October 24 - 10:16 pmI love to drive this car is comfy, and you get a lot of cool things in the car and you dont even pay much for it. I was going to buy a Nissan, but they charged me as much for a standard model as they did you a fully 4x4 sport model Suzuki and it drives a heck of a lot better.
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Air Conditioning - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By tpend3533 - October 11 - 9:16 amI have not had a successful experience with Suzuki or the dealer concerning the cycling of the air conditioner. It cycles on and off at least 4 or 5 times per minute causing loss of power and erratic performace. I am not happy at all with this vechicle and also with the support from Suzuki. The dealer said it was "normal" and Suzuki said it was all up to the dealer. A catch 22 situation. Suzuki is of very little help when you call about a problem that the dealer will not address. Finally when i got the attention of the Service Manager he saw it was a problem and tried to correct it. As of today it has not been corrected. Suzuki has been of little help as far as I can understand.
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A Lot of Truck for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By kevin johnson - September 21 - 8:56 pmI love the truck. I have been watching the Grand Vitara for a bit and the articles I read all had positive things to say about it.
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2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr. 4WD auto - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By semco - September 18 - 12:26 pmI got our 2007 GV Lux 4WD auto last Jan as a second 4WD vehicle in the family for my wife. She and I love it. Great car, no doubt, very comfortable for family of 4 (two kids: 5months and 16 y/o). Loaded with everything you could ever want. Quality is much better than in Toyota Rav4. 4WD is impressive, CRV or other cant stay close. Just be careful with stock tires Yakohama, they are too bad in winter!
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Suzuki 06 - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By naag22 - September 7 - 8:16 pmWe were happy with our vehicle in the first year of purchase.We have now realized that we need more room and the fuel economy is not what was expected by far!! It does not pick up speed as well either. A good car but not great. We are a family of four now and need something more efficient and roomy.
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love My Uki - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Renetta - September 7 - 10:03 amOk, I went out on bought this on my own and I could not be prouder... I love it... It is roomy and comfortable... with all rows of seats up there is not much cargo room, but then who travels with 6 pasengers.... The only fault I have found is that is eats gas like I do MacDonalds french fries... and on the highway it is somewhat noisy, however for the past 7 years I have driven a Honda Acord EX...so the comparisson is probably not fair... It makes me feel young and sporty...didnt really need the 4 wheel drive...but now I have no excuse not to visit the kids in Utah and Idaho in the winter.... I love the 6 CD changer...and the interior is great... Ilove the fact that the rear door swings out.
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Our First SUV! - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Brannan Family - August 23 - 4:26 amWe have drove several SUVs and just couldnt find the right one. When we test drove the Grand Vitara and were very happy with the style, amount of pick up, and the build of the vehicle. Especially the 100,000 mile warranty. We are also very impressed with all the standard features you receive that are usually not in other SUVs and the great pricing! We recently discovered that Suzuki offers a large amount of assecories for reasonable prices so we can upgrade as we good. This vehicle drives like a sports car, has the power of a truck, and the style of luxury and class. We would recommend this vehicle to our friends and family.
