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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Big Improvement - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By bdriver - August 27 - 1:06 pmA friend of mine had a 2002 Grand Vitara and had no problems with it, but the style left something to desire. When my friend purchased the new Grand Vitara I ran out to see what it looked like and really liked what I saw. So I went and purchased one for myself. It has been a pleasure to drive and so far I have no complaints about anything. I have taken some long trips with it and I always feel comfortable in it.
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So Far a Great Vehicle! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By PackagingPro - August 26 - 9:20 pmI was hesitant to buy this vehicle. I am really impressed overall with the levels of comfort and features. It has two minor flaws: 1) higher road and engine noise than I expected. 2) Window on tailgate doesnt open. Overall I would recomend this vehicle.
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Great Car for the money. - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Drumscansing - July 30 - 3:23 amI have owned this vehicle for two years and have not had any problems with it. I get between 21 and 25 miles per gallon. The engine is plenty powerfull for this car. If you want a small SUV this is a good choice. If you want a sportscar or an SUV that rides like a Caddy...this is not the car for you. I think the person that rated this car a 1.1 must have had a bad experience and should have bought a more expensive, larger car. This is a great car for the money! I have never had a car that "Held" its value! I have had to sell each one of them at a loss or traded-it in on a new car.
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Love, Love, Love My Grand Vitara Sport! - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By jkl - July 28 - 10:00 amMy husband surprised me with a Grand Vitari Sport. "Suzuki?" I thought but it was a great looking design, & the interior was sharp. I didnt expect the included extras like the bluetooth, garmin nav, foglights. The thing I find amazing is that my husband is over 6& I am just barely 5 & we both are comfortable with enough leg & head room for him & then adjusts to a great fit for me. Thats a first for us.
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Luv the Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Nick - July 27 - 7:53 pmI was NOT in the market for an SUV. I wanted a compact car like the Scion, but then my eyes fell on this red beauty with the premium package and I fell in love. Shes easy to manuver, turns on a dime and the brakes are wonderful. I notice no noise and shes as smooth and sweet as cream to drive. She can haul so much stuff - I moved into a new home and have been buying used furniture and have been all over town. I managed to fit a dining table and four chairs in the back. Its so convenient to know that I can buy huge items and it will fit. The stereo is wonderful, the leather feels so fine and I love the moonroof that doesnt mess my hair. I use to hate to drive, now I love it.
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Nice mini 4x4 - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Ammx - June 25 - 7:26 amI like this vehiche very much, powerfull and strong made desing
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Best Value - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By paul H - June 23 - 10:00 amIf you are going off road or on the beach, this is truly best bang for the buck.
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Small SUV, with a great engine - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Rob - June 11 - 9:50 amA great engine, I like this suv, that´s all, it has a great price, and grat value.
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Tough vehicle - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Greg - May 24 - 3:56 pmWe were involved in a rollover wreck on black-ice. This car held up really well, both my passenger and I walked away with no injuries! There were several other accidents that weekend, and I saw many SUVs on the back of wreckers (large and small). My Suzuki was the only SUV that the roof hadnt completely collapsed or caved in at the front. The front corners of the roof came down about an inch, the windshield and driver-side window broke but stayed intact. The rollover happened on pavement, after hitting the guardrail at about a 45 degree angle. We were traveling at 45-50 mph. I was so impressed by how this vehicle held-up, I bought another too replace it.
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Suzuki fan - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By kacz - May 10 - 6:56 pmI have enjoyed the last year with my new Grand Vitara. It looks appealing to the eye and has an atractive interior. The heating and cooling system are very good. The interior is very functional. Also, the lights are great. The safety features are outstanding! Overall, in my first year of ownership, I have become a fan of the Suzuki brand.
