Used 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara Consumer Reviews
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Last Review
Eddie Gelman, 06/22/2016
updated 12/26/2016
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
Can’t catch me!
Sherry, 01/02/2018
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara for sale near you
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Great to Own
Katana, 04/04/2002
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
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.
Still going strong
medco131, 05/25/2013
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Four years later from my 09 review. Vitara still reliable and going strong. I now have 68,000 miles. Exhaust system is showing extreme wear and will probably have to be replaced soon. Also same for clutch. Other than that car is fine shape. Hope to have it to 90,000.
Great SUV
Ron, 10/18/2010
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.)
Best small (true)4X4 SUV on this planet!
MMB, 03/11/2003
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Love this little 4WD SUV, handles very nicely with decent acceleration and OK fuel economy. It feels very solid, big and with a wide track. Handling great on or off road. Remember, this is not an AWD but a true 4X4 with one of 3 drive options either the more common 2WD , 4H 4WD which is good for slippery roads and can be shifted whilst driving or 4L which can be used in very sticky situations including steep inclines. This is a great little package and in my opinion the best small true 4x4 SUV.
God thank you!
cheibaby, 09/17/2011
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is one of the best trucks on the world. My mom got this truck around 2005 and it still strong. She never had a problem with the engine till now, seven years without any major problems is a blessing. The car should last us a few more years if she take care of it!!!
185,000 and going strong
Alison, 11/13/2008
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I am amazed that a vehicle with high mileage can drive so well. Never had any major issues and continues to be reliable. Better than stated with over 20 mpg city/highway. I continue to make sure I change the oil every 3k and do not have any doubts I will hit 250k.
Fun and Reliable
Sandra L Lopez, 07/13/2002
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JS 4dr SUV
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my Suzuki Grand Vitara. I get compliments on it all the time. It's a reliable car, it's attractive, but most importantly it's reliable.
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara has Been Great!
Elizabeth, 08/06/2006
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This truck has been fantastic. I bought it from the original owner and it was taken care of. I have had to do nothing to this truck since I bought it, just regular oil changes and maintenance. The ride is awesome. Thankfully there is some power behind the wheels. I have driven RAV4's and CR-V's they are totally gut-less. I love that there is a gush of power when you want to pass someone on the highway. The best part is that the gas mileage is great. The 2.5 litre 6-cyl. engine is the smallest 6-cyl. in the world. When you compare that to a common 4-cyl. displacement which is normaly 2.3 or 2.2 litres, it's not that much bigger.
Last Suzuki review
Eddie Gelman, 05/10/2016
updated 11/12/2018
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Well I have 82000 miles on the car. Still runs great but rusting like crazy. Tailpipe just rusted off. ABS light is now on permanently. Other than that the car is still fun to drive. On the clutch all the time. Maintenance has been minimal through the years. Very reliable. Its a shame Suzuki didn't do well in the US. Lots of cargo area. Seats are comfortable. Good on the highway. Enjoyed owning this car.
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Susuki GV a lemon
bethliz, 06/13/2002
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JS 4dr SUV
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I had a 1999 GV, 52,000 miles and the engine froze, yes it was maintained and had oil and water. At 30,000 the clutch died it is not covered by warranty I was told "too bad" A new engine is 5,400. The mechanic said this happens i should have bought the extended warranty. Suzuki seems to have little regard for the people buying the product. The company did not return calls. Suzuki made no effort to help with my problem. I did not think that they would pay for a new engine I know it was out of warranty but some help would have made a diffrence.
Not worth the money
Wineordie, 01/26/2004
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JS 4dr SUV
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Pretty much enjoyed the car. Very strong and well performing engine (V6). Breaks and electric components solid. But the a/c is so-so, the stereo outright sucks and the manual transmission isn't smooth.Paint on body of car and moulding seems inferior. The cruise control is difficult to use. Chips easily, small area came loose and hard to clean inside. Pretty rugged to drive and handles very well but too many little dissapointments (depreciation).
Reliable Muscle SUVr
Fausto, 09/18/2004
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JS 4dr SUV
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Since I purchased my Grand Vitara 4 years ago I've really enjoyed driving it. It's solid, turns easily, and has power. Had one problem with the sealer gasket of the engine that had to be replaced once.
11
dhof, 05/07/2002
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In the first year I had to have two head gaskets replaced on my vehicle!!!!
Still going strong
Medco, 02/19/2009
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Thought by now I would have sold it, but still runs and looks great. Repairs have been minimal. Car is super reliable and fun to drive. Great in all weather. Going on 10 years and the way the economy looks, I'll have this another 10. If GM would have made cars like this they wouldnt be in the trouble they are in. Thanks Suzuki.
99 GV
prncss, 10/16/2002
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JS 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car does not start in the morning. Will not go in to gear. Have had it serviced several times. Transmission repaired (although nothing was wrong with it) Not a good value.
Cool Little SUV
rsgiii, 06/09/2006
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JS 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is fun to drive and is versatile with the rear seats folding flat to provide ample cargo space. Even after reaching 75,000 miles the engine runs strong, and the a/c works well. The only negative is that Suzuki does not make its repair manuals available and few aftermarket products are readily available to the consumers. I've had to fabricate the cold air intake, using a K&N filter and a piece of pvc tubing. But aside from that aspect, the vehicle is awesome, you can see performance designed into every aspect of the vehicle from the engine to the suspension front and rear. I love this truck.
Grand Vitara JLX is a Great Truck!
Les, 08/28/2006
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a very smooth riding truck with beautiful overall looks. I love my JLX version with the rims, ground efx, etc. It makes it look way more modern. I live near Buffalo and used the 4x4 during the winter months when it was brutal. I found it to be very safe and steady. I was able to haul all kinds of different pieces of antique furniture, there is lots of room in the cargo area. The used prices are great! Snap one up, if you find one with low kilometers. They are a great value.
1999 suzuki grand vitara
llindenfel, 01/18/2003
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JS 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Vehicle has been a problem since day 1 vibration in steering wheel took two years to get fixed.(bad steering knuckle which damaged all my tires which i had to pay to replace even though i had taken it in a number of times for them to repair vibration!!!!!!! bad switch in transmission-dealer had car for 4 weeks waiting for part etc. etc. suzuki customer service were totally worthless (they actually returned my call almost 2 weeks after i left message!!!) i could go on and on with problems. very disappointing!!!!!!!
Beware at 75000 miles!
camper01, 06/12/2003
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
GV was a good, reliable vehicle until 75000 miles. Since then it's been a lemon. First, the valve cover seal leaked ($1400 fix). Next, the main seal blew out ($400). Next, an axle seal leaked ($150). Now the front exhaust "Y" pipe has a crack ($400), but the part is on indefinite backorder. After last dealer service, air conditioner failed to engage. Dealer claimed corrosion destroyed the piping and estimated $400 to replace tubes. Local a/c repair place found no trouble except that the unit had been discharged! No reaction from local Suzuki dealer. Letters to the factory service representative remain unanswered.
Built Suzuki Tough
Tough and Sporty , 07/09/2008
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this little SUV for 7 years and have had no major repairs except for the a/c needing replacement 3 times. It always starts, never gets stuck, and at 225,000 km has no rattles. I have never seen a vehicle like this that just keeps on going. Going to see if I can get to 300,000 kms. I am just antsy to get something else for a change. I think this is the real deal as it will go off road, has rear wheel drive so it corners well and with the v6 has lots of speed and power with manual tranny. Trying to find better value in a real truck based suv is tough
1999 Grand Vitara
Sether, 04/26/2002
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like the 4 wheel capability of the vehicle. The fit and finish is not great, but then again that's not exactly why you would by this SUV. The dealerships in Southern CA are not reliable or even competent at maintainance of this car. The shocks will go soft quickly. I couldn't find AT tires for the 16" rims at all. Worst of all is a design problem with the rear differential that makes it whistle. Finally a district manager agreed to replace it and even took the car to a test center. He wanted to make sure it was really loud beause if it wasn't, the one he would replace it with might even be louder. The problem still exists, but not as loudly as the first one.
The one we kept
snick, 05/07/2002
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We don't keep cars very long, but this one we kept after the lease was up. In 3 years me oldest son gets it then I will get another one for the next son. I've had a Grand Cherokee and a Cherokee neither has delivered the fun to drive, economy, and reliability of this SUV. For around town it great you can park it anywhere. Highways are not the quietest but I use the Quest for that. Off road it holds its own. The biggest supprise are the brakes they stop great and are very easy to control (no ABS). I have recomended this SUV to a lot of friends. One got a CRV instead and regrets it.
Best Kept Secret
p.faulk, 05/17/2002
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car(little truck) is like a mountain goat-great for hopping around the hills of San Francisco and hauling all kinds of home improvement items including a bathtub! We are yet to find a project that won't fit inside or be tied on top. We haven't yet explored it's towing capacity. The big pluses are nimbleness/power, seat comfort/adjustibility, and general ergonomic design. Downsides are cornering(go slow-high center of gravity), and an uncomfortable rearseat for long distances or bumpy roads.
99 GV
swest, 05/17/2002
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've put 31,000 miles on our GV which we purchased new. Reliability has been flawless. Off-road manners are excellent, and the low range of the V-6 begs for more:) Vehicle is comfortable, engine is peppy. No squeaks or rattles. A/C is just adequate for desert southwest. We love driving it, and if it maintains impeccable reliability, our next vehicle will be a Suzuki too. Only scheduled maintenance has been needed. We've been rear-ended twice so bumper and tail gate have been replaced--no frame damage though. I wish people behind would pay attention!
So Disappointed
L.S.W. , 09/17/2009
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since purchasing this vehicle brand new in 1999, I've had several problems. To name a few: metal protruding through driver and passenger seats, timing chain and tensioner repair, rear diff replaced, A/C replaced, trans replaced, constant rattling noise at acceleration and idle, faulty 4WD, cramped seating, poor cargo space, poor customer service with the American Suzuki Motor Corporation. No help whatsoever regarding issues. It was in the repair shop more than it was on the road. It is truly a lemon!
Great Value!
bennettjw, 10/01/2002
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JS 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been extremely satisfied with this purchase. Over 36,000 miles, I have had almost zero problems - it's like that Timex watch, it just keeps on ticking! It's fun to drive and very versatile. This vehicle has NO rattles at 36,000 miles.
Great little SUV !
commuter, 10/29/2003
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the GV used from an individual 2 years ago, and so far I think it's great. It has the smoothest running engine of any car I have ever owned. When you start it up you have to look at the tach to tell if it is running. The ride is pretty comfortable and the 4WD works great.
My Grand Vitara
minigreeneyes, 02/15/2004
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I wanted a minisuv something with a little more elbow space and leg room I didn't want it to cost me an arm and a leg so when I saw my suv I totally fell in love with it the ride is nice too Though it has some flaws to it every now and then but nothing you can't fix either on your own or in a shop I do hate the fact that not every shop knows how to work on it because I've already experienced this You might have to take it to a dealer who knows your vehicle well so get ready to pay when this happens.
Solid Off Road SUV
JohnnyQuest, 04/19/2004
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this SUV for a few years now, and it hasn't had any major issues. The interior is a little small, but the smoothness and the quietness is unmatched.
down under user
peter Young, 09/02/2004
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
my 2003 Grand Vitara has the upgraded engine (165 bhp) and seems to have plenty of power and torque for the weight and size of the vehicle. I like the build quality, the generally strong appearance of the vehicle and I've never managed to get stuck off-road yet! Suzuki's design and engineering (remember they make motorbikes too which is a harder design job than cars) is very good, take a close look at everything underneath, you'll see it is strong, well-designed and yet relatively simple.
ASR '99 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Andrew S Ratkewicz, 11/26/2006
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am very pleased with this vehicle. It is reliable, has a decent ride, good power, and very low maintenance. It does have disappointing gads mileage for a V6 though. I thought it would be better. I only average 17-18 mpg city and 20-21 mpg highway.
Bad in the Snow
Nick C., 03/25/2003
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had a couple of problems with this car. First, the A/C freezes up when driving long distances in the summer. Also the fan that blows hot or cold air doesn't blow as hard as it used to. I have to crank it up to the maximum level to get any air moving. Also, if you're thinking this car will get you around in the snow in the winter time, forget it! My old 2 wheel drive Buick Century does better than this car in 4 wheel drive. It slip-slides everywhere! Besides those issues, it's been a good vehicle.
Take's a lickin & Keeps on Tickin
cambridgeoh, 04/23/2003
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the GV in 99 as an off-lease and NO trouble at all. Used off-road, camping, rough construction sites, and frequent highway trips. Plowed through deep snow like crazy this winter.
LOVE this car!
Wes & Su, 05/31/2007
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been the best car we've had! Totaled our car, borrowed friends' Rav4 a few days and knew we wanted a small SUV. Got into this one - much more head room than others we'd tried, and power, plus the ergonomic seats! Only probs have been the A/C (live in TX and NEED that!) and our friend who works on it does not like where some parts are located/changing brakes on it! We're having to get rid of it now, but if we had the $, we would DEFINITELY get another one!
Best Vehicle I've Ever Owned
bearlaker, 07/07/2003
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a cute, reliable car. As a single mom I would buy another one in an instant. Only replaced tires & brake pads in 95,500 miles. The reliability is so great I bought my 16 year old the vitara & know the shift-on-the-fly 4whl drive will get us anywhere. Got 26-29 mpg highway & 25 city which is great for SUV. Great for passing up hills w/man trans. Drove it over mountain range for 2 yrs thru blizzards with no problems. I usually only keep a car for 50,000 miles but I would truly hate to part with this one. Maybe I can get 200,000+ miles.
Best Car EVER
L.Brown, 05/24/2021
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I have ever owned. Bought this 20 year car which took me across Aus and back even though the motor had already done 495 thousand. Never missed a beat. Roomy for a small car. My two dog and I slept in back when we had too. Handled well on all surfaced. Best car ever made.1999 sports limited edition is worth every cent you buy her for and spend on her.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value