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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Great Value - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Matt - February 7 - 5:00 amThe vehicle is very smooth shifting and very powerful. Its much faster than the Jeep Liberty that I had. The power is better that most of the vehicles that I viewed. I have not had ANY problems with my Grand Vitara. Neither has my wife who has the Luxury model. I have purchased 7 cars in the last 4 years and I would have to say I like it the most, over the Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Endeavor to name a few.
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Watch Out Toyota - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Vance - February 1 - 5:50 pmI considered getting a CR-V, RAV4, and Subaru. I was surprisingly unimpressed by their overpriced stickers and lack of standard features. Many Subarus had rattles. Plus they are now pricing consumers out of their market. After researching JD Power and Edmunds, I kept looking convinced that many pro reviewers are in the pocket of Honda. Their reviews are glowing, while consumers say otherwise. We were pleasantly surprised by the standard features and the thoughtful elegant interior/exterior. I expected a budget vehicle and found a quality surprise. This isnt a $40,000 SUV, but it certainly shares many attributes. Its materials arent cheap in look/feel! The seats are very comfortable. It drives like a car-based SUV with solid handling. It has good power.
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Value for Money - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By bearsgv - February 1 - 4:53 pmWas considering buying either a Toyota RAV4 or Suzuki Grand Vitara for my first SUV. After doing lots of research, I decided to test drive the two. The RAV4 looks just like the last model while Grand Vitara looks stunning and the interior is just first class. I bought it two weeks ago and have done just over 1,000 miles in it. I am very happy with the performance of this truck. It is nice looking, good to drive, and has plenty of room inside.
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best small SUV w/4wd - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By dan_at_utah - January 31 - 9:43 pmI needed a compact SUV with actual low-range 4wd for some seriously steep mountain trails. The choices are basically: this Grand Vitara, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Patriot (kinda), and Toyota FJ cruiser (or old 98-01 4runner) Of those, this is the best deal, bar none. Quite capable off-road, unless the rocks are large (low ground clearance). Gotten me through tight spots in the San Rafael Swell area. Has been perfectly reliable since I bought it @ 30k miles (now has 47k), except for power steering idler pulley needing replacement (known problem - changed for 07+ years). The ride/handling is perfect for me - firm like a truck but handles more like a car.
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2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By diane - January 3 - 2:06 amWe traded my wifes Rodeo for the GV, she wanted something smaller. We spent 2 months researching every SUV on the market. This is a great little suv for the value. Nothing to brag about-just an ordianry suv with limited features. Its perfect for the local driving...
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The "Zuki" rocks for the price - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By zukirocks - December 17 - 1:16 pmNeeded a tow-car for the new RV. Not a huge listing of vehicles that can be towed all 4-wheels on the ground. Looked at the Honda CR-V, Saturn VUE and the Grand Vitara. Loved the idea that we could get a 4WD tow vehicle. Inspected all and by far the Suzuki gave us the most goodies for the dollars. I love the smartkey, the streamlined lay-out of the dash, different lighting in console, auto climate control (south Texas gets hot!) Fun to drive, very responsive. Not sure on the reliability yet. Havent had it long enough to gauge mileage. Know its not as good as the CR-V, but it has so many more features, we can certainly live with it. Looks to be a great little vehicle!
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Great Small SUV! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By blueyedangel1207 - November 23 - 10:46 pmWe just bought the Grand Vitara and have only had it for a couple of months. So far we LOVE it! Its a great vehicle to drive and to be a passenger in! I have 2 kids and they fit comfortably in the back seat (with 2 car seats). In the back cargo area I am able to easily fit the double stroller along with any shopping I have for the day.
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A Very Luxurious SUV for a Reasonable Price - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By christa - November 14 - 6:26 pmI love the Suzuki Grand Vitara! I fell in love with it at first sight. I drove a couple of them until I found the right one. I love the Smartpass system. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Joey - November 13 - 8:36 pmThis car is a dream to drive. It was my first SUV and I am very impressed with all of its standard features, performance, off-road capability, and craftsmanship. It handles well in all weather conditions and has a comfortable ride with plenty of room in the passenger and cargo areas. For an SUV it is great on gas. I just wish I had gotten the Luxury model with the Smart Pass Entry System. I highly recommend it over over all the other SUVs in its class.
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My Suv - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By olewinel - October 29 - 2:00 amI looked at several Suvs, but when I sat inside of the Grand Vitara, it just felt right. The size was just what I was looking for and almost all the features I was looking for were standard. Financing and dealer service were also a big plus in my decision. I would definetly purchase another.
