CTC Review: 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara

[CD_Editor]

Day 1:

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This week, a lesser-known -- and seen -- vehicle hits my driveway: the Suzuki Grand Vitara.  This is not a vehicle you see that often (at least I don't in my travels) but it offers exceptional value for money in the compact SUV category.  More ...

[guest]

i loved how the vitara looked both inside and outside, but 2 main drawbacks kept me away from it.
1. Thirsty engine
2. Extremely noisy engine for a, even worse than any I4 out there.

[Jack]

Nice size and good looks but unfortunately the Toyota Rav-4 offers far more power with the V6, better gas mileage, and better resale... for the same money!

[carcrazy]

FWIW, similarly equipped, the RAV4 is thousands more.

However, the GV is smaller than the rest of the compact SUV class and indeed the engine is a deal breaker – week, thirsty and loud. I would compare it with Tucson and Sportage.

[carcarcar]

is this car a suzuki original, or is it a gm base? the inside looks very similar to the old vue and the Equinox...

[Thinking Out Loud]

GM base, Equinox/Torrent I believe.  The only 'Suzuki' that the dealer sells is the SX 4 - the Swift being another GMDAT clone of the Wave from Korea.

Unlike Toyota, you can likely cut a substantially better deal off the already competitive price.

 

[wing]

According to wikipedia....

The Grand Vitara was replaced in the fall of 2005 by a new vehicle using some components of the GM Theta platform, and is built in Japan. The 2006 Grand Vitara was developed independently by many of the same Suzuki engineers who developed the Theta. Although it uses some Theta componentry, especially in the suspension, it is quite different and should not be considered a Theta vehicle. Notably, it uses a longitudinally-mounted engine and is rear-wheel drive with a 103.9 in (2639 mm) wheelbase, while all other Theta vehicles are transverse engined with front-wheel drive as the default.

[Thinking Out Loud]

Thanks Wing!

[mrthompson]

(citation needed)   

[carcrazy]

The XL7 is based on Equinox. IIRC you could even find many interior parts from GM's parts bin.

[Blueprint]

2008 is the last year for the Suzuki-sourced V-6.  According to Car and Driver, next year the GV will feature a smaller-displacement version of GM's "high-feature" 3.6 l V-6.  Suzuki already builds this engine in Japan under licence from GM.  The engines are then shipped to Canada for assembly in the XL-7 crossover.

[carcrazy]

Oh, and if the GV is ready for a facelift, they should loose the swing rear door too.

[initial_D]

I see a few around here fro some reason. The Local Suzuki dealer also specialize in Boats and RVs.

At that price and a good listing of equipment, seem like a decent value for the money.

[articsteve]

When Suzuki attempts to pitch one of their stores to a potential franchisee they continually proclaim "Japanese quality at Korean prices".  I think that is debatable.  IMO, Suzuki dealers, like their Korean counterparts, will require "zero %" financing to move units indefinitely.

[initial_D]

When Suzuki attempts to pitch one of their stores to a potential franchisee they continually proclaim "Japanese quality at Korean prices".  I think that is debatable.  IMO, Suzuki dealers, like their Korean counterparts, will require "zero %" financing to move units indefinitely.

Used vehicle bargain.

[carjoe]

My rebranded Suzuki has fared pretty well save for the rust on the rocker panels. In my experience, Suzuki's are very reliable despite the cheap moniker.

Wing, can you get the Vitara with a selectable 2WD/4WD?

[mwqa]

I'm just passing this along - I found it on another forum and I think it applies to the US market (nothing like being definitive). 

2009 SGV. Coming in August 2008

There is a slight facelift and a few new features:

- Signal lights in the side mirrors.
- Revised front bumpers.
- New alloy wheel options/designs.
- New digital climate control panel.
- New driver information centre in instrument panel.
- Two new engine options: 2.4L VVT I4 and 3.2L V6.
- New metallic pearl colors - red, green and purple.
- Rear disc brakes (no more disc/drum).
- All Leather models also get Smartkey, S/Roof, HID, Cruise Control, 6CD w/6Sp+Sub & ESP

Trims:
5 Door 2WD - 2.0L - JLS – Fabric, 16" Alloys
5 Door 4WD - 2.0L - JLX – Fabric, 16" Alloys
5 Door 4WD - 2.0L - JLX-AH – Leather, Smartkey, S/Roof, HID, Cruise Control, 17" Alloys
5 Door 4WD - 2.4L - JLX-EL – Leather, Smartkey, S/Roof, HID, Cruise Control, ESP, 17" Alloys
5 Door 4WD - 3.2L - JLX-EL – Leather, Smartkey, S/Roof, HID, Cruise Control, ESP, 17" Alloys

http://www.suzuki-forums.com/2g-2006-grand-vitara/22237-grand-vitara-2009-a-3.html

[wing]

2WD?  No I believe it is only available in 4WD here.

[airbalancer]

Wing
do you get a press package when you get a car?

[wing]

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.  This time no.