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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  Should Have Better Tires - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Evelyn - April 25 - 5:23 pm

  I purchased my Grand Vitara in April. I only had 12,000 miles on it when I had to replace my rear tires. I would think the tires should last longer than that. I took the car back to the dealership that I purchased it at an I was told there was nothing they could do for me (bummer)! Check your tires! Have them rotated and make sure that your have the the air pressure checked.

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  Could drive into a wall and still work! - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Andrew - April 19 - 6:56 pm

  From an engine standpoint, the only problem I had was with the exhaust system rusting out. This truck keeps on going and going. I believe that it would probably run without oil! (only joking). I am now on my second Suzuki (XL-7), but it had that GM body (everything else is great, except the GM stuff). The 2001 units are great and will last a long time, as long as you take care of it.

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  we got a lemon - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By lovebug - April 13 - 1:46 am

  Bought truck in April 2009. LOVING the truck until the cold weather hit and we started turning on the heat. Late November motor started overheating. They replaced the thermostat. Early December motor overheating again, and no heat in the vehicle. They replaced the thermostat again, but it was still overheating. They opened up the motor and the head was cracked! Theyve had our vehicle since Dec 14th, waiting for parts from Japan. Asside from the mechanical/electrical problems, my biggest complaint is about their customer service. Theyve never once contacted us to give us an update. Its always us calling them. We usually get voice-mai

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  2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By brad averitt - April 12 - 12:43 am

  I love this vehicle. It has great gas mileage. I cant say enough about how much we enjoy it.

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  My Third Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Holly Wensel - April 1 - 5:13 am

  This is my third Suzuki. I started with an 95 Sidekick, then got a 00 Grand Vitara, and finally upgraded to the new GV in June. Each vehicle has been steadfastly reliable and Im hopeful this one is too. So far, so good. This is one solid vehicle. It feels much heavier than the previous models. Its interior design is simply awesome and the exterior is sharp. I love the new size, compared to my 00 GV it is much more spacious. It is nice to know that I can carry passengers and have room to spare for "stuff". It has a decent engine - this vehicle wants to take off on the highways!

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  Just Purchased! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By So UTAH - March 31 - 1:30 am

  After reviewing nearly every midsize SUV availabe for under $25,000, I instantly knew the 06 Grand Vitara was the one for me. It has an amazing look and great power behind it. You can not go wrong with this vehicle.

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  Good SUV for the money - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By BEK - March 28 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Gran Vitari JLX+ for almost 2 years now. Its been a very good mini suv. Have not had it in for any repairs. I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles and wash it once a week and were good to go. If you are in the market for a mini suv I would pick this one over the Kia, Crv, Rav4 or Tracker any day of the week.

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  Love my Truck - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By cobratan - March 23 - 11:04 pm

  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.I live in Alberta where there is only few months of Summer and Longer Winter months.It drives like a Truck cause it is a Truck but much better than my old GM Truck.I have been enjoying it for the pass 4 years with no major issues.

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  Traded in a Touareg - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By texas22 - March 19 - 10:50 pm

  Much happier with the Grand Vitara XSport. Clearly the best of class. Tightest turning circle of any on the market. After 9 months, I love it.

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  Loving It but Improvements Needed - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By carloscai - March 9 - 8:40 am

  The vehicle has many good things to talk about, such as nice interior, smooth drive, 4x4, 6 CD, low price...it really stands out of, the line of other Suzuki cars, not to mention those Daewoo junks that Suzuki brough back to life. Buyers should not expect the resale value of the vehicle to be anything even close to RAV4 or CR-V. It will take more than one vehicle to establish the brand name for Suzuki. For all the lovers of Toyota and Honda, even if they are selling Cavalier, it would have the best resale value. Nothing more, you are not buying the brand here. Suzuki should really consider putting a better engine into this vehicle, 185hp on a V6 is a not-so-funny joke.