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 My Grand Vitara!!! - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Nina245 - June 14 - 10:00 amThis vehicle is absolutely perferct for me. The ride is nice, Suzuki does a great job of telling you that this vehicle as they put it "Ruggedly Sporty" which is exactly what it is. Love the handle, lots of great features for the price.
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Fun driving Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Micchael Risso - May 18 - 2:00 amSmall RV,offers more than enough storage rooms and it is fun to drive.
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Excellent Stylish SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Nickie - April 30 - 11:30 pmThe 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a fabulous SUV. It has great handling and is easy to drive. They make it easy to fold down the rear seats, though the 2-seater is a bit heavy to pull up. It has such a smooth ride that I barely feel the ton of pot holes that they roads in my area have. I love how high up it is and how this height allows me to see the traffic situation from further up. It handles beautifully and is very responsive. The ride is so smooth I dont realize Im hitting 70-80 mph unless I look at speedometer. Its a sweet riding vehicle, very comfortable to drive and I have back and leg problems. It makes being stuck in rush hour a way better experience.
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Great Vehicle - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By sodgod - April 22 - 6:53 pmI had originally went to dealership to look at SX-4 crossover. Liked it, but wife thought we needed something a little bigger. I agreed, so we decided on the GV. Great driving vehicle to commute to work, great around town and on interstate, easy to park, and holds plenty of stuff. Put in a K&N air filter and averaging around 24 mpg mixed driving. Looked at CRV, RAV 4 and Escape. Went with the Suzuki and thus far no regrets.
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Good car for the money - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Marcia - April 8 - 12:33 pmWe bought the vehicle used with 26K miles. So far the only major problem has been the failure of the A/C evaporator core (about ($900 to repair). The cargo space is small. My honda civic could carry more stuff. Leg room could be better but okay if you are average height. Otherwise powerful engine, excellent in hwy driving and passing, and hilly terrain.Great features for the price and quality interior components.
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Solid, reliable, high performing vehicle - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Mike - April 6 - 1:36 pmIm the type of person that looks for high quality at a good price and I keep my "things" as long as they work and take care of them.Ive driven this car for almost 200,000 miles and am the second owner since 7,000 miles in 2002. It has been the most reliable vehicle that Ive ever known. As my friends go through car #2 and car #3, Im still driving this sweet SUV around since 2nd year of college and it rides as though it has 50-70k. Engine starting to make a little noise, AC doesnt work anymore but hey, it has 200k miles. I can definitely see it lasting at least another 60k before any major issues so long as I continue to change the oil every 3k and stay on top of it. Very good investment.
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Good bang for the buck - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Ted1161 - April 6 - 2:00 amOverall I am happy with the Suzuki. Ride is on the hard side even for a SUV. MPG average is 20... acceptable but could use more power... good for around town but NOT good on the highway as it needs constant steering input. Make sure you get the front end alignment checked mine was out over 20 degrees...
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I love my Grand Vitara! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By melissam - April 5 - 4:00 pmThis is by far my favorite of all the vehicles that I have ever owned. It drives exceptionally well. It has every feature I could want and was still reasonably priced. It looks like a much more expensive vehicle and the 2006 body style is a tremendous improvement over previous years styles. You will love it!
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Love this Sport SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Angie - March 25 - 7:00 pmWhen I get into my new Suzuki Grand Vitara, it feels like Im in my own world. The handling of this SUV is tight, quiet, and smooth. The sound system is awesome and I got a sunroof added.
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goes everywhere - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By terry in pittsburgh - March 20 - 4:36 amIn 4000 miles, I needed new brakes. The dealer covered it in. 11,000 miles I needed new tires so I bought the best tires I could get.
