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 Good Long Term Investment - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Satisfied Buyer - May 5 - 10:20 pmMy Grand Vitara has exceeded my expectations. This is a solid well-built vehicle. There is only one way to get this SUV - with the Luxury Package. The keyless entry and start is fantastic. My wife never takes the control unit out of her purse. The combination of two-tone leather, brushed aluminum and wood grain finish is rich and classy. The driver seat subwoofer will rock your world if needed. The driving is nimble; ride is acceptable for a SUV. However, watch when you test drive one. The dealers over inflate the tires (40 PSI), resulting in a bumpy ride. Once we got the correct tire pressure (32 PSI) the ride was fine. The strong V6 engine gets, 21 MPG on avg (its an SUV). For the money, extras and quality this one was the best product.
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Disappointed - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Vickie - April 18 - 3:50 amAt first loved this car. Disappointed at 15,000 miles needed new tires - Have 28,000 miles on and wont pass inspection - needs new brakes and left rear wheel bearing. Compared to my other cars in the past I never had this many problems at 28,000 miles. Tire pressure light constantly comes on. Very noisy when you turn the a/c on. Just feel this car was very cheaply made. Worried if my brakes and tires went this quick - what about the engine?
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New Family SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Chuck H. - April 4 - 9:03 amWe traded my wifes VW cabrio on a Grand Vitara XSport 2WD last week. We needed more room since we have a child on the way. We love this SUV. The long list of standard options and safety features along with the XSport option made it the best value for the price. The exterior design is outstanding. The projector headlights, keypass entry system, sound system and a well designed comfortable interior make it feel more like a luxury vehicle than a value priced SUV. The road manners are verry nice and it gets decent fuel mileage with the peppy V6, 23 mpg average so far. My wife has a hard time admitting that she loves an SUV with gas prices near $3 a gallon.
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Better at some things than other - 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By hunqapillar - March 27 - 10:08 amWe bought a lightly used 2011 GV Limited with 5700 miles on the odo. After two months of owning it and another 1500 miles on the odometer weve discovered what we like and what we dont. First off, we love the looks. We love that it is NOT just another RAV4, CRV, or Forester that everyone else around here owns. Seats are comfortable, stereo is good, standard GPS is a nice touch. The ride is a bit rough but manageable. Rear seat is more cramped and the cargo space is lacking compared to our Forester. Gas mileage SUCKS!! It was a compromise taking the hit on mpgs compared to the Subaru we traded in, but we are not even getting the listed mpg. Mixed city/hwy of 16-17. Good car for the $$.
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HVAC - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Steve - March 20 - 10:10 pmHi guys, I had no heat in my Grand Vitara after the huge snow storm. Its been a week since I brought it back to the dealer with the problem. The dealer said my heating blower went bad. Suzuki doesnt have him in the stock and they were on back order. Nobody knows when the part will be in and when I will have heat in my car. The dealer said that I was the fourth person to come in with the same issue. Since I am not the only one having this problem to me this seems to be a recall issue. I just want to let everybody know.
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Good value - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By mike - March 20 - 2:53 amIts a fun little SUV to drive. Great on snow and off road. Not too good from 0 to 60, a bit slow off the start. Gas mileage not the greatest. But has lots of standard features than most SUVs for a great price. Almost all options except sunroof. Its two years later and never had a problem.
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Great LIttle SUV - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By johnny.martini - March 18 - 11:13 amSo far this GV fully loaded with leather is a great deal for the canadian market. Has great handling and is less noisy. Very comfortable and smooth. A little more gas for now but it still is not broken in. It will be on course with my ex 2003 crv. Great on country roads.
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The Best Small SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By RUBEN HERNANDEZ - March 14 - 12:20 pmI test drove five other similar vehicles, and was very impress with the Suzuki Grand Vitara. I have been a Suzuki owner for five years and believe this is the best vehicle Suzuki has put together. Congrats Suzuki.
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Buy 2 His and Hers - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Suncoast Great - March 13 - 2:43 amIt has never given us any problems. I did have to replace both low beams over the past 3 years, other than that nothing. Had to replace tires, but thats normal for any vehicle. Compared to the GM very affordable. We Love it...Id buy another one in a heart beat!
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The Absolute Best... - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Lisa - February 9 - 5:33 amThis is the best vehicle in its category. Far less external noise can be heard inside than in the RAV4 and even the Highlander. I will definitely buy this vehicle again in the years to come.
