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 381 through 389 of 389.00-
This is My First Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By virginia ternigan - February 28 - 7:43 amIm really happy with my Grand Vitara. I think its a classy SUV. It is a lot of vehicle for the money. I was looking at the Toyota RAV4, which looks somewhat similar, however theres no comparison for the value this was a much better choice as far as looks, features, and most of all the price. Its nice to unlock my car and start it without looking for my keys in my purse!
-
Save your money - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By DenverSuzuki - February 23 - 7:30 amI had a bad experience with my second suzuki. I had it four days then the motor locked up. Four days of decent driving then out of the blue kerwham. The dealer has had my car now for 27 days, I keep thinking maybe tommorow ill get it back. its comfortable. The gas mileage it gets is terrible, I understand there is a breaking period however 7 miles to a gallon is terrible. I am driving a old 1977 ford truck that gets 19 mpg. Anyone in the market for a 2009 Grand Vitara with 247 miles on it?
-
Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Alan - February 16 - 5:36 amI looked at the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4, but I felt that the design and build quality of the Suzuki Grand Vitara were far superior. This vehicle is driven mainly on interstates across the Northeast and it has never let me down. With the V6 engine and a 5-speed transmission, its a blast to drive. Its fuel economy has been approximately 24 mpg highway, which is outstanding for a V6.
-
POOR FACTORY SERVICE - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Mr, Not/Happy - February 2 - 10:00 ama/c broke ,Took about 2 weeks to get the part.Gas mi. only 17 mpg. Car has a very annoying vibration. I have been trying for about 2 months calling sukuki 800# to get factery rep ,twice he told me he will be out in about 3 weeks .I thought of tradeing the car in but these cars deprecate very much and the car is worth thousands of $ less then the loan. payoff.
-
Got another one - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By CJ - January 14 - 1:36 amI had a 1999 Grand Vitara for 3 years and NEVER had a lick of trouble with it (except for the typical air conditioner problem). I then bought a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo LS, which I hated. I had lots of problems with it. I regretted getting rid of my little Suzuki, so I decided on another Grand Vitara. The level of refinement from 1999 to 2004 is amazing, and Im happy to be back in a vehicle I have a lot of confidence in. I read what owners say about this truck, I know my experiences with the vehicle, then I read the "experts" tests. Well, the "experts" are nuts IMO. They are worried about defrost button illumination, minor engine noise, etc. You think that this truck gets poor gas mileage? Drive a V6 Rodeo around for awhile.
-
Decent Transportation - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Jim in KC - January 10 - 10:00 amPurchased JLX+ new in February 2000. This vehicle has served its purpose well- fairly inexpensive, reliable transportation. It has been mechanically sound. It has pretty good acceleration when merging into highway traffic or passing. Its easy to handle in traffic. The 4wd has been great in snow, except the vehicle is light and can seem a little "floaty". Surprisingly, this vehicle has more headroom than most SUVs. Im 65". The legroom is okay for around town, but for long hauls it gets a little cramped. And forget about anyone riding behind me in the back seat. There is quite a bit of wind noise and rattling.
-
One great car! - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Ginny - January 7 - 1:43 pmI had a 1991 Suzuki Sidekick for years and loved it. When I went for a new car in 2005, I knew exactly what I would purchase. This car drives like a dream and is extremely comfortable.
-
I Love my Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Vince Donofrio - January 4 - 2:00 amI always said that I wouldnt buy a vehicle not made in America. But guess what, I did and I love it. It rides great, its very easy to judge parking, has plenty of power and it is, for me, fun to drive. It has all the amenities that, with maybe the exception of one or two, that I could possible want in a car. I never owned a 4WD before and we had our first snow fall a few days ago and it worked great. I have only two small complaints. Im a smoker and I am not crazy about where the ash tray is, and, while the engine produces heat quickly, the interior takes a while to warm up. Thats it.
-
The best for quality and price. - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
By Eddie - January 2 - 11:33 pmI bought my 06 Grand Vitara in September of 05. I traded my 01 "peace Symbol" looking sports car for it, oouch. It was either that or pay 8 grand on maintenance. I now have just a hair over 7,000 miles on the Grand Vitara and I have had no problems with it so far. I know the basic 3 year warranty will cover any problems that I will encounter. It has the best powertrain warranty in its class, thats a plus for me. Its cheap, reliable and I no longer have to put premium fuel. This SUV will serve me for years to come, even when gas prices reach $10/gal. Now that the weather is getting better, its time for me to load up the bikes and roller blades and go have some fun in the sun with my girl and pet Pug.
