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:
Showing 351 through 360 of 389.00-
Good Value - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By rb - October 27 - 8:20 pmThis truck is easy and fun to drive. The stability control is excellent. It has comfortable seating in the front and rear. The heated mirrors are nice.
-
Corporation Lemon - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By paragon - October 21 - 2:16 amI love my vehicle NOW! (after a new motor and many other trips to the dealership.) Dealership couldnt find the problem when the CHECK ENGINE light began coming on at 20K miles. In a years time, I had possession of the SUV only about 3 months. The rest of the time was spent in the shop. NO KIDDING! District and regional even was sent to work on it. To no avail. Corporation then decided to replace vehicle as a lemon; didnt happen. Then buy back vehicle, didnt happen. Then give me money for trade, didnt happen. Then finally told me "tough luck."
-
Great I still have it Works good - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Jose Robleto - September 26 - 10:00 amReliable, fun to drive Drove from Texas to Nicaragua in 2006 with 110,000 miles no problem Drove from El Paso TX to Mazatlan Sinaloa in 2009 cero problems with 149,000 miles
-
Solid Performer - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By JMat - September 25 - 11:00 pmSince I purchased my GV Ive gotten married, got a dog, bought a house and recently became a father. All along the way the GV has never let me down. Weve gone on several road trips and the GV has always been a true pleasure to drive. It now hauls my entire family including the dog with no problem. Reliability has never been an issue and the build quality is top nothch. The only issue Ive had since purchasing it in 2007 has been a burned out headlight which was covered under the warranty and took a half an hour to repair at the dealership. I would recommend this car to anyone.
-
Disappointed in PA - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Gecko - September 23 - 5:53 amOkay, I did my research and it all sounded good. Well 6months after purchasing new, the cluster{?}(all gauges) goes out.Dealers supposed to supply rental, has none and suggests I drive it for a week until part comes in...basically suggesting I drive without a speedometer. Ya, right, is the dealer going to pay the ticket if I get one?? Thank heaven for warranties. Then a year later, I have to replace the tires...I hear common irregular wear problem. Now at 2yrs irregular wear again?? Horrible on Ice or slippery roads, the second I apply any pressure to break, abs kicks in and you will go sliding, even on roads with heavy gravel...steering wheel shakes at 70mph..hoping to get rid of it soon
-
2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Rodney Harkness - September 22 - 2:00 amGreat all around small SUV; can cruise at 65 MPH in 4WD pulling a 1000 pound trailer. Never got stuck anywhere --and I do take this through the woods. Has a very nice sound system.
-
A Suzuki? - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Suzuki Bob - September 12 - 4:36 amIve been waiting to trade my Chevy Blazer ZR2 with 88,000 miles on it for an SUV thats just as "cool." The Suzuki Grand Vitara fits that bill! I like the firm "truck ride" but unlike the my old Blazer the GV is smooth and quiet. The GV is one of the few remaining small SUVs with a real 4WD. Its a great looking SUV and feels good too!
-
This car is really great - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Humberto - September 10 - 10:00 amHey guys. I dont really know whether I am just feeling too much enthusiastic or not with this car. (Its the first new car I just bought here in America new from the dealer, with zero miles). The really thing, is that I just love to drive it everyday even to do simple things like going to work. Its v6 engine is strong, with a good pickup, brakes and comfort. What else can I say about this car? It is a beautiful car. I just feel that I made a great business and saved a lot of money buying it.
-
purchaed new in feb. 12 - 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By boss1mb - September 4 - 10:43 amnot much wrong with this compact suv, much less than others larger ones in price, geared a little low for 1st, handlling good great turning radius for tight spots, if you havent owned a small suv before give careful consideration, its not gonna handle like a sports car at highway speeds. Great for around town and trips, could have used another 2" length in the cargo area. Great body style, lots of safety features, a good value for the price.
-
Happy Me - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By TammyC - September 2 - 9:26 amBought this vehicle the day after turn in and I have loved every minute! I have found no problems with its get up and go at anytime! Including getting on highways on short ramps and getting through heavy traffic. Its now on its second journey to Tenn. from very flat Florida and has been a rock for dependablity. Even though it has spent most of its life a couple feet above sea level it does not not hesistate to tackle the Smokey Mtns with a vengance and ease. I do agree that its a bit shift happy when the cruise controls on or going down hills but I dont have many hills to go down at home and the hills I have encountered (ie: Smokeys), Ill gladly take it downshifting to slow itself!
