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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  My Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Nike - April 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Grand Vitara. I had a 2000 that I just traded in for this car. I think this is a nice SUV for a lady.

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  Nice Car - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By NaderTader - April 4 - 7:00 pm

  Very reliable, i tow my boat with it and no problems, good gas mileage on the highway, easy to park. The only problem is that it doesnt have much trunk space or leg room in the back. It runs good

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  Has held up well - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rey - March 28 - 12:43 pm

  Have owned my GV since October, 2005. It now has 52,000 miles. So far have only replaced front brake pads once, power steering idler pulley (under recall), oil changes, coolant, wiper blades, headlight bulbs (twice) and a new set of tires at 40,000 mi. The vehicle has been trouble free minus the recall above. I have no real complaints with reliability/durability. Wish fuel mileage were better. Has held up quite well.

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  I like it! - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ron Cole - March 23 - 7:10 am

  Where else could I find a vehicle with automatic temperature control, a great stereo, and a TRUE 4wd for under $19,000? Rebates helped lower the cost a lot. It is fun to drive. I can zip wherever I want to go. It has great all around visibility. I couldnt see out the back of most of the other SUVs I test drove. This is something to think about if you have small children or grandchildren! The "editors" of car review magazines say its not as good as other vehicles. But they dont tell you its a heck of a lot cheaper, too! If they didnt get to use free cars and had to make payments, theyd consider this a good, inexpensive SUV that delivers fun to its drivers.

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  Great small SUV!! - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Daniels family - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We love our Grand Vitara!! With the rising gas prices it is wonderful to have a 4x4, attractive, and dependable family car!! Even though it is small, there is plenty of space! The interior is comfortable and stylish also!

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  My 1st SUV - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By JoanieK - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Its a great SUV to drive...so much fun!

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  Nice Redesign - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By AlRod - January 7 - 3:36 am

  For the money, the Grand Vitara is a very nice vehicle. It is much bigger than the Toyota RAV4 and with lots of nice features. The 06 is much better than last years model in looks and quality.

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  I love my truck! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By hpeaks - December 30 - 8:00 pm

  I love the way the Suzuki Grand Vitaga feels when I drive. It feels good and is fun to drive!

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  Saved My Wifes Life - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By MOdriver - December 28 - 10:00 am

  We owned this little car for a year and a half. I took our 2WD through fields, used it to haul hundreds of pounds of landscaping material. Pulled a trailer with it off a tow loop, no trailer hitch. Through all this abuse this car always started up, ran straight, and pushed through everything. Its a tough little truck, tho underpowered for highway speeds. It has strength, but youll be downshifting up hills and its not too soft about it. 2 weeks ago my wife swerved to miss a raccoon, flew off the road, flipped and rolled 6 times. The air bag deployed and this little car landed upright, my wife is alive along with two dogs. We just bought a new Suzuki to replace this one. Great Car!

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  Great Value SUV with nice details - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Diane - December 21 - 6:53 pm

  My husband was in a four car crash in 2002 in our 2001 Gr Vitara Limited, there were two fatalities in this accident. We feel that the safety features of the Gr Vitara was definitely put to the test in this accident, even though the airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was totaled, but due to the lack of injuries sustained, we felt the safety features were a definite reason to replace it with another like vehicle. The 2002 Gr Vitara Limited had heated seats and side mirror defrosters, both options are great!