Used 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2005 Grand Vitara, so we've included reviews for other years of the Grand Vitara since its last redesign.
Got another one
CJ, 11/03/2005
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
I 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 I'm 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.
Saved My Wife's Life
MOdriver, 10/28/2010
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX Rwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
We owned this little car for a year and a half. I took our 2WD through fields, used it to haul hundreds of pounds of landscaping material. Pulled a trailer with it off a tow loop, no trailer hitch. Through all this abuse this car always started up, ran straight, and pushed through everything. Its a tough little truck, tho underpowered for highway speeds. It has strength, but you'll be downshifting up hills and its not too soft about it. 2 weeks ago my wife swerved to miss a raccoon, flew off the road, flipped and rolled 6 times. The air bag deployed and this little car landed upright, my wife is alive along with two dogs. We just bought a new Suzuki to replace this one. Great Car!
2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara for sale near you
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- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: N/A1,200 mi away
I like it!
Ron Cole, 05/02/2005
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Where else could I find a vehicle with automatic temperature control, a great stereo, and a TRUE 4wd for under $19,000? Rebates helped lower the cost a lot. It is fun to drive. I can zip wherever I want to go. It has great all around visibility. I couldn't see out the back of most of the other SUV's I test drove. This is something to think about if you have small children or grandchildren! The "editors" of car review magazines say it's not as good as other vehicles. But they don't tell you it's a heck of a lot cheaper, too! If they didn't get to use free cars and had to make payments, they'd consider this a good, inexpensive SUV that delivers fun to its drivers.
Tough vehicle
Greg, 01/30/2005
2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
We were involved in a rollover wreck on black-ice. This car held up really well, both my passenger and I walked away with no injuries! There were several other accidents that weekend, and I saw many SUV's on the back of wreckers (large and small). My Suzuki was the only SUV that the roof hadn't completely collapsed or caved in at the front. The front corners of the roof came down about an inch, the windshield and driver-side window broke but stayed intact. The rollover happened on pavement, after hitting the guardrail at about a 45 degree angle. We were traveling at 45-50 mph. I was so impressed by how this vehicle held-up, I bought another too replace it.
suzuki gran vitara
wade davis, 08/30/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle mostly because I was able to get so much better deal than a honda, which i actually wanted. I have to say now, after putting 20000 miles on it in the last 6 months, I have never had a car I looked forward to driving as much as this one. I will buy another one of these, i can assure you of that. Oh, there might be some little things here and there I might change, but this is undoubtedly the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. Surely, this must be the best if not one of the best buys for the money available.
Good car for the money
Marcia, 12/17/2009
2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX Rwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
We bought the vehicle used with 26K miles. So far the only major problem has been the failure of the A/C evaporator core (about ($900 to repair). The cargo space is small. My honda civic could carry more stuff. Leg room could be better but okay if you are average height. Otherwise powerful engine, excellent in hwy driving and passing, and hilly terrain.Great features for the price and quality interior components.
This Car is the "Bomb"
Gary Cates, 08/11/2015
2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX Rwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have a 1999 Suzuki Grand vitara with 200,000? miles on it. It's never been in the shop for anything mechanical or major. I'm 68 years old and this is one of the best cars I have ever owned. We live on top of a mountain in Colorado and this car has never let us down. We are looking to upgrade to a 2005 model. But, whatever we buy, it's going to be a Suzuki! Thanks, Gary Cates
- Performance
Great little vehicle
F. LaRock, 06/02/2010
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2004 Grand Vitara LX in Feb 09 and is the first actual 4 wheel drive I've ever owned. I have driven over 15,000 since Feb 09 with absolutely no problems. Car was in excellent condition and I was the 2nd owner and received the remainder of the 7 yr/100K warranty. Vehicle performs excellent here in the winter (U.P.of Michigan) and wouldn't trade it for the world. (Gotta put in a plug for Northway Auto in Rhinelander, WI. Great no-pressure sales and very honest. Had my vehicle in top condition at purchase; even replaced radio with brand new one, replaced all brakes and discs and serpentine belt and produced all docs of proof. Will definitely buy there again and will recommend.
Good value
mike, 06/14/2007
2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
It's a fun little SUV to drive. Great on snow and off road. Not too good from 0 to 60, a bit slow off the start. Gas mileage not the greatest. But has lots of standard features than most SUVs for a great price. Almost all options except sunroof. It's two years later and never had a problem.
Air Conditioning
tpend3533, 07/07/2005
2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX Rwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have not had a successful experience with Suzuki or the dealer concerning the cycling of the air conditioner. It cycles on and off at least 4 or 5 times per minute causing loss of power and erratic performace. I am not happy at all with this vechicle and also with the support from Suzuki. The dealer said it was "normal" and Suzuki said it was all up to the dealer. A catch 22 situation. Suzuki is of very little help when you call about a problem that the dealer will not address. Finally when i got the attention of the Service Manager he saw it was a problem and tried to correct it. As of today it has not been corrected. Suzuki has been of little help as far as I can understand.
Listen to this
SMiller, 01/25/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Unfortunately, Edmunds missed the boat on their review of this vehicle, a common occurrence among their reviewers. They consistently are abnormal compared with more admirable magazines. Anyone who drives the redesigned for 2003 hence 2004 Suzukis would realize the major leap in every aspect that Suzuki has made. Edmunds reviews always leave a lot to be desired when it comes to vehicle reviews, they almost seem as if a reviewer has been paid off to endorse a certain vehicle over others. When is comes to researching vehicles, there are superior choices to consider.
I Love my Grand Vitara
Vince Donofrio, 12/10/2003
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I always said that I wouldn't buy a vehicle not made in America. But guess what, I did and I love it. It rides great, it's 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. I'm 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. That's it.
Great small SUV!!
Daniels family, 07/10/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We love our Grand Vitara!! With the rising gas prices it is wonderful to have a 4x4, attractive, and dependable family car!! Even though it is small, there is plenty of space! The interior is comfortable and stylish also!
The Grand Vitara is GRAND
Brian O, 01/06/2005
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara EX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After owning a 1995 Suzuki Sidekick, I was very pleased with the quality and capabilities of the Suzuki SUVs. My Sidekick, which I refuse to sell now serves as my daily driver and offroad trail vehicle (extensively modified). The Grand Vitara took the sidekick platform and made an already great vehicle that much greater. A more plush ride, major interior improvements and amenities, as well as a highly upgraded engine all make the Grand Vitara awesome. There are a plethora of other Mini SUVs out there. What you won't find on about 80% of the others is a true 4x4 (not AWD), a low range transfer case, and a body of frame. If your travel offroad, get the Grand Vitara.
suzuki xl 7
cpoyanks16, 08/21/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX Rwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
i am 58 years old. i have had chevys, fords, buicks, oldsmobile and cadillacs, this is my most enjoyable car ever. it has 2 and 4 wheel drive. is great in the snow as well as the heat. just is a great car for the money.
EX 4WD Grand Vitara
Di-Jo, 03/13/2009
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara EX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my Grand Vitara yesterday. I have only driven it home and to work today. So far, I love the way it handles and the convenience of all the controls. I have been looking around a while for a good, clean Grand Vitara and finally found one. It's great and just what I wanted with the 4x4 option.
My Suv
olewinel, 02/25/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I looked at several Suv's, but when I sat inside of the Grand Vitara, it just felt right. The size was just what I was looking for and almost all the features I was looking for were standard. Financing and dealer service were also a big plus in my decision. I would definetly purchase another.
Mighty Mini-ute
pacoacodelshannon, 10/08/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara EX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
My Grand "Viagra" is fabulously fun to drive. I always used to say that a car is simply a box on 4 wheels that gets me where I am going. But this little dynamo is so much more! I really love this car...it's my baby. Fun to drive, great stereo, great visibility, manuverable too. It did herculean work during my recent house refurb and cleaned up great afterwards. I would have been dead in the water without it.
Fun To Drive
Dave, 01/06/2005
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a very fun to drive vehicle with great visibility on the highway. It is a real 4x4 that works off road. It tows easy behind my motorhome. Only thing I would change is the factory tires which have poor traction and wear fast.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
txk209, 09/08/2005
2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara EX Rwd 4dr SUV w/ABS (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love my Grand Vitara. As of today, 9/7/05, it has no problems other than a minor one with the CD player. I will go back to dealer and have them to fix the CD changer. This is an excellent little SUV to keep if you tend to keep the car 6 years or longer. Its fuel enconomy is about 19.50 ~ 21.88 mpg in my area. Mine is a great color (I have the blue bi-tone). I suggest using Mobile 1 sythetic oil for motor oil, differential and automatic transmission for long lasting lift of vehicle.
Very bad experience
chris, 08/03/2005
2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX Rwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought the vehicle a few months ago and had nothing but problems with it. Engine smoked twice, brought it to the dealership and they supposeably fixed problem..master cylinder. Engine caught on fire a few nights ago and doors automatically locked myself and passenger inside. Horrible experience, we're okay but truck was destroyed by fire. Suspected defective parts in engine. I wouldn't recommend this truck. Also the trim work kept falling off, was replaced twice. Glued on numerous times.
A great deal
Serkan, 03/11/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A cheap fun car to drive, I recommend college students recent graduates to buy. The gas efficiency is really not that bad. I definetly recommend it. Also has a great powertrain warranty.
XL-7 Great Truck for the Money
Dep, 03/30/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara EX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had this truck for 2 years (2002 model). It has performed flawlessly. Looks great and gets 20mpg
My Grand Vitara
Nike, 10/24/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second Grand Vitara. I had a 2000 that I just traded in for this car. I think this is a nice SUV for a lady.
Love My Grand Vitara!!!
Nina245, 10/31/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara EX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is absolutely perferct for me. The ride is nice, Suzuki does a great job of telling you that this vehicle as they put it "Ruggedly Sporty" which is exactly what it is. Love the handle, lots of great features for the price.
My car's performance
Yvette Perez, 07/16/2007
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara EX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I like to drive my SUV because is light and confortable. But at the same time it is big enough to fit my groceries and mechandise that I purchase.
Very tough and capable.
Gord, 08/01/2020
updated 08/04/2021
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara EX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
True part-time 4 wheel drive traction and a very strong full frame. Short front and rear overhang means fantastic angle of attack. I purposely drove square into a ditch with steep sides and then was able to turn around in the (narrow) ditch and drive back out the same way. Try that with a long wheel base or long overhangs. Windows and door key locks tend to freeze up in sub freezing temps. Luckily I can still unlock with key fob. Hopefully you don't get one where the number 1 timing chain tensioner fails like I did...the part is not expensive but big labor cost to install. Might as well have a new water pump put in at the same time because that is also listed the same 14.4 hour job. Was able to do the job myself. Local dealer quoted $3000. I don't know how commonly that tensioner fails. Supposedly takes less time to change the engine. I still love it though. Fell in love with the cosmic blue and silver paint scheme when I first saw it. Edmunds asked if I would like to update my review. As of now Aug 2021 my opinion is the same. Great little machine. I would add that a little more power could maybe be expected of the 2.5 V-6. Considering it's a dual overhead cam 4 valve fuel injected engine; I would think it could give a little more. It is certainly adequate though. Did Ford get more grunt per cubic inch out of the SOHC 427 all those years ago? Might be fun to research that.
One great car!
Ginny, 03/14/2006
2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I 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.
Grand Vitara
josberg, 09/24/2003
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX Rwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a surprisingly well designed and fun to own car. I kind of held my breath and took the plunge when I bought it but have been smiling ever since.
Love This Vitara
yamahar6, 04/18/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Verything is in the vitara. I like tail lights.
Suzuki stands beind their cars.
MK, 07/23/2005
2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd Vitara & I think they are great. You get the features you need from an SUV, without having to break your bank. Became a repeat Suzuki customer because of their corporate integrity. Had big problem with 1st Vitara-was out of town & timing chain broke. Had to be towed to nearest Suzuki dealer. Was told by their mechanics that this shouldn't happen. Put in a call to Suzuki & even though it was out of warranty/over mileage - they had it fixed at NO cost to me! The owner of dealership was amazed, he had just started selling Suzukis, but had been owned auto mall for 30 yrs. Told me that he had never seen a manufacturer stand behind their products like this! Value & integrity!
Outstanding SUV for the Deseret
John McMullen, 12/24/2003
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned other SUVs different companies have owned six Suzukis and they are the best I pulled one big Cadilac SUV outh of the Hassayampa river bottom with my Suzuki and put a Ford Excursion back on the road from a giant mud roadway the lady was stuck in. So I rate Suzuki #1,as being a trueSUV off and on road.
Fun driving Grand Vitara
Micchael Risso, 01/31/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara EX Rwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Small RV,offers more than enough storage rooms and it is fun to drive.
suv
xandu, 05/15/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara EX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great little suv great in snow and mud on road and off great on the hwy and city
REVIEW OF 2003 GRAND 4 WD
DREW APPLEMAN, 07/09/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX Rwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
CAR HAS GREAT ZIP FUEL ECONOMY A DISAPPOINTMENT HIGHLY DISLIKE RADIO CONTROLS UNDER STEERING WHEEL AS SHIFTS CHANNELS BRUSHES THIGHS APPEARANCE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE A PLUS APPEARS SOLID. MANEUVERS WELL HAS THE POWER IN SNOW INCLIMATE WEATHER. SEAT BELT CONNECTOR NEED EXTENDED
My 1st SUV
JoanieK, 10/02/2004
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX Rwd 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's a great SUV to drive...so much fun!
2005 vitara
Gravedigger, 12/30/2021
2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara LX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent vehicle. I love it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value