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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  A great deal - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Serkan - November 23 - 2:00 am

  A cheap fun car to drive, I recommend college students recent graduates to buy. The gas efficiency is really not that bad. I definetly recommend it. Also has a great powertrain warranty.

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  Beware! DONT Buy this Car. - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By urbest_buddy - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle was a huge waste of money! The vehicle hydroplanes on damp to wet pavement, practically blows off the road on windy days, and is terrible on gas mileage compared to other mini- SUVs. Clearly not worth the money and time spent on it. Will be traded in and taking a $5000 dollar loss due to the vehicle not holding any kind of value - no dealership will give a reasonable amount of value on trade in and was told it was a bad choice of car and it would never hold any kind of value. If you have children, consider that the safety-level of the Grand Vitara is of the lowest grade, and second guess buying as a family vehicle. Beware!

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  Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ronald Wilkinson - October 29 - 3:20 am

  My Suzuki Grand Vitara is wonderful to drive. It has very well mannered handling for an SUV, firm but forgiving. The level of creature comforts far exceeds its price. The automatic climate control works great. The fit and finish are A1. Everything works the way it should. The stereo system is very nice. There is good reception on the radio for weak signals and it has an excellent sound.

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  good commute vehicle - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Cork - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Driving from Asheville, NC to Greeneville, TN daily to and from office, Im in it at least 3 hours a day havent missed a day, it carries me over the mountain daily, both in clear weather, and in ice and snow its important for me to have a reliable and safe vehicle, and thats what this model offers It is tough on the back on long trips (6 hours plus), and it rides like a truck, but it feels safe when i drive it

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  Great looking, smooth handling little SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Bob - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Pros: Ride, comfort, performance, looks. Cons: rear hatch would be better if hinged at top, or at least on the driver side. Driving experience: Solid, quiet, and very comfortable. This truck easily handles soft sandy beach trails. This is my first SUV and I test drove only the Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Nissan Xterra because they had the components and reliability I was looking for. I now have 10,000 miles on this vehicle and all I can say is, the more I drive it, the more I like it. It handles very well, its comfortable, I can take it off road, unlike other small SUVs, and it looks great. Its also the perfect size vacation vehicle for a family of three.

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  Bad in snow - should be 4 wheel standard - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Tale - September 15 - 3:03 am

  Nice car internally and externally. Bad in snow and rain.

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  its like driving a bob sled... - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By ricco - September 11 - 10:00 am

  since new it has been wandering all over the road, has had 9 front end alignments will not hold them for more than a week.needed struts,front brakes,fuel tank,computor went bad,four wheel drive stopped working,tires need replaced at 9000 miles.other than that no other problems to speak of...

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  Great SUV - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Willy - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for a year and I never had a problem. It accelerate quickly. The Grand Vitara will outspeed the Honda CRV, KIA Sportage, Toyota Rav4, and the Geo Tracker. This car is a great deal for the low price. It also a smooth ride. The engine is not loud when driving at high speed.

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  Cute compact SUV not so cute gas mileage - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By lucgrad00 - September 1 - 12:56 pm

  I love everything about my Grand Vitara except for the lousy gas mileage. I only get 14-15 MPG in town. Other compact SUVs are far superior in this area. If gas mileage is a primary concern a Rav4, Vue or CR-V would be a better choice.

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  Great car for the price - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By RCLyons - August 30 - 2:00 am

  For the price this is a great little SUV. Just dont expect a volvo ride and solidness. Ive had it four years. Had 2 recalls done - no problems except occasionally the air bag light comes on dimly during drives. Dealer couldnt find problem. Overall you get a lot more car for your money.