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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The Wonderful World of the Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By maryr - February 4 - 1:13 pmI bought a 2006 Grand Vitara this summer and it is the best vehicle I have ever owned. The engine has a very quick response with zero hesitation. The vehicle is very easy to maneuver and parking is a breeze. The Grand Vitara is so much fun to drive, I am a middle aged woman who feels every bit a teenager when I drive this vehicle!
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My take on this cute ute... - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Rob in Canada - January 29 - 10:00 amI find the G.V. lots of fun to drive, but consumes a bit too much gas! Having changed form a Toyota Camry V6LE to this vehicle, I find it rattles & squeaks and can be annoying at times. Overall, I rate the quality between 7 & 8 on a scale of 10. By the way, the hood latch is responsible for an intermittent squeak, may have to be adjusted more than once... Tends to spin in rain & snow in 2wd but handles well in 4wd.
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Love Our Grand Vitara - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By pspallone - January 25 - 4:10 pmWe were to buy a new vehicle due to a serious accident we had two weeks ago. We looked at Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tuscon, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4. The Grand Vitara stood out like a shining star with its features, styling and performance. Best kept secret among small SUVs. Drives and looks great.
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decent for the money - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By dfr - January 24 - 10:00 amThis car was a decent buy for the money but has an annoying squeeking that the dealer cant fix! Its not heavy enough and bounces on the road. The car has good amounts of power with 5 speed. Very good lights. Smooth interstate driving. Inexpensive suv if not cheap small suv, you get what you pay for.
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2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By fishwar - January 8 - 12:16 amThe 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a great vehicle and a great value.
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What a surprise! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Nat - January 6 - 7:23 amI am so impressed with this car and the price makes it even more funner to drive. I actually do not covet my fellow drivers cars.
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Great after 30 thousand miles! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Rey - January 1 - 8:40 amThis is my second review. The first was submitted at 1500 miles. I am happy to report that the GV has held up very well, and has been very reliable after 30,000 miles. With the exception of oil changes, and front brakes I have had no problems. Even the tires have held up well. The engine sounds quiter, and feels peppier now. About a year after we purchased it we got heavy down pours, and heavily flooded roads, the GV performed admirably. It performs great snow as well. Based on my experience, I highly recommend it.
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All in one compact 4WD SUV 09/25/06 - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Mike Brown - December 25 - 12:53 pmAwesome interior, great price, nice V6/4WD combo, good looks, best warranty! I just got the new Grand Vitara Luxury edition on 9/25/06. I am very impressed with the handling and performance of the 06 Vitara. Amenities inside are amazing! I got mine with all the toys! Leather, sunroof, 17in wheels Keyless entry Handling, appearance, quality interior Grand Vitara luxury interior with all great standard stuff It had V6, 4WD, real truck/tank-like built & frame, keyless entry (wife loves), and nice looks. Smooth quiet ride and has neat power thrust button for automatics (puts sport back in SUV). Compact body is important if you live in upstate NY.
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Good All Around Truck - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Paul - December 12 - 4:16 pmThe Grand Vitara is absolutely fantastic. Its a fun vehicle with a real thirst for those everyday jobs too. It is almost the best vehicle that I have ever owned (the best was an Audi TT roadster). Buy one and bag yourself loads of fun and practical driving, too. It uses a lot of fuel though... :0)
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Good Car - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Al - November 30 - 3:56 pmLove the Grand Vitara. I had a 99 Dodge Intrepid with the 2.7 engine and my Grand Vitara has so much more pick up It cruies on the interstate at 75-85 mph quite well. The only complaint, I have is on the luxury model with CD/Aux radio, I still havent found the input jack. I guess that is optional.
