1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- By far the most powerful engine in its class.
Cons
- Offers less front and rear legroom than a CR-V.
What’s new
The Grand Vitara is a completely new design from Suzuki and offers a standard V6 engine.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JS 4dr SUV and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $5.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$364/mo for Grand Vitara JS
Grand Vitara JS
vs
$254/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
In creating the Grand Vitara, Suzuki has raised the bar by offering a standard V6 engine in the mini sport-ute class. This all-new, 2.5-liter V6 makes 155 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque. Even more impressive is that this maximum torque figure is reached at a relatively low 4,000 rpm, providing drivers with plenty of go-power even under real-world conditions. Harnessing those 155 horses is either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
A monster engine isn't all that the Grand Vitara has to offer. Suzuki wanted to take expectations in the small sport-utility segment to the next level. This meant including a long list of standard features like air conditioning, power windows, keyless entry and daytime running lights.
Styling is another area where the Grand Vitara has gone its own way. The use of flush-surface design techniques has reduced the variance between windows and body panels to almost nil, cutting wind noise and creating a dramatic look. A chrome grille, body-side cladding, and an available two-tone paint scheme accent the overall wedge shape of the Grand Vitara.
Underneath the skin is an all-new chassis featuring a steel ladder box frame. A five-link coil spring suspension in back and independent MacPherson strut coil springs up front are designed to deal with on- or off-road activity. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard, as are 16-inch wheels with 235/65R-16 all-season tires.
The Grand Vitara is available in either two- or four-wheel drive configurations, each with two trim levels. Upgraded models (JS+ and JLX+) come standard with ABS and alloy wheels.
The enthusiasm with which Suzuki has re-entered the mini-SUV class shows how serious the company is about attracting customers. With the only six-cylinder currently available to cute-ute buyers, the strategy will probably work.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
5 star(45%)
4 star(34%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(8%)
1 star(0%)
38 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Can’t catch me!
Sherry, 01/02/2018
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
At almost 19 years old I’m running 345,000 miles on the original engine, transmission and clutch. Replaced 4WD transfer case a couple of years ago after many satisfactory years of moderate off roading. No visible rust; Colorado truck. I put a 2.5” lift and bigger tires on it 15 years ago which caused me to run through a set of CV axles but oh! the places I’ve been with my Suzi.
This … vehicle has only ever mostly had normal wear and tear repairs and maintenance. Never missed an oil change and it has been the little engine that could. Only left me on the side of the road twice in 19 years for an alternator and coolant hose.
If Suzuki still sold in the US I would consider buying another one.
5 out of 5 stars
Last Review
Eddie Gelman, 06/22/2016
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
This is my fifth review. Since the last review I have had a few repairs. Right side ball joint replaced ($280) and catalytic converter ($420) New tires ($510).
Have about 85,000 now with a 90,000 objective. Still running good. Going on 18 years.
4 out of 5 stars
Great to Own
Katana, 04/04/2002
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
Well my Vitara just turned 3 years old.
No problems so far. Been fun to drive.
Nice handling and very comfortable.
Nice zip with the 6 cylinder. Gas
mileage could be a little better on the
highway. Last summer drove 17 hours
from Boulder Co to Chicago Il. Car ran
great. No problem crusing at 85 miles
an hour. This is my 3rd Suzuki in a
row. 1988 Samurai,1995 … Sidekick
(excellent), 1999 Grand Vitara. Oh did
I mention my 2001 Suzuki Katana 600. :-)
Suzuki makes a great product.Cant wait
to see what Suzuki offers in a few
years. I highly recommend the Vitara
for inexpensive, fun transportation.
5 out of 5 stars
Great SUV
Ron, 10/18/2010
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
I bought the GV used with about 40,000 miles on it. Then I drove the heck out of it before passing it on to my daughter who proceeded to do the same. It now has 210,000 miles and is still running strong. But we're retiring it in favor of a new car for her to drive. During this time, the only repair has been to replace a rear wheel bearing. Nothing else. (Actually we have two of these … and I'm still driving mine.)
1999 Grand Vitara Highlights
JS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $364/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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