Used 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Consumer Reviews
best small SUV w/4wd
I needed a compact SUV with actual low-range 4wd for some seriously steep mountain trails. The choices are basically: this Grand Vitara, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Patriot (kinda), and Toyota FJ cruiser (or old 98-01 4runner) Of those, this is the best deal, bar none. Quite capable off-road, unless the rocks are large (low ground clearance). Gotten me through tight spots in the San Rafael Swell area. Has been perfectly reliable since I bought it @ 30k miles (now has 47k), except for power steering idler pulley needing replacement (known problem - changed for '07+ years). The ride/handling is perfect for me - firm like a truck but handles more like a car.
Excellent Stylish SUV
The 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a fabulous SUV. It has great handling and is easy to drive. They make it easy to fold down the rear seats, though the 2-seater is a bit heavy to pull up. It has such a smooth ride that I barely feel the ton of pot holes that they roads in my area have. I love how high up it is and how this height allows me to see the traffic situation from further up. It handles beautifully and is very responsive. The ride is so smooth I don't realize I'm hitting 70-80 mph unless I look at speedometer. It's a sweet riding vehicle, very comfortable to drive and I have back and leg problems. It makes being stuck in rush hour a way better experience.
- XSport 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,495302 mi away
- Luxury 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,995377 mi away
- XSport 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,995420 mi away
Nice Job Suzuki!
The 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara has an outstanding design. It is an exceptionally well executed vehicle for an unbeatable price. Unfortunately, it has no alarm system and aftermarket alarms are incompatible with keyless start/fob. Also, there is no tint band on windshield. It doesn't have a remote gas flap release and it is a bit noisy. Other things that I don't like about it inc;ude its vague throttle response, lack of a glove compartment light and mudflaps, inaccurate gas mileage readout, and the Silly luxury features that are bundled with the low range gearing. The rest of this truck is great. It begs to be cornered fast and has amazing traction. It's an amazingly sure-footed vehicle. It comes with lots of standard safety features. We plan to keep it a long time.
Great Value for a "CUV"
We have owned many SUV's and we compared the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and the new Toyota RAV. I was at a dealership that represented many manufaturers, and test drove the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The value and qulity for this little Cross-Over vehicle beat the competition hands down. This vehicle is for my wife, and her main concern is 'Safety'. The Grand Vitara comes standard with 6 airbags which usually come only in pricier cars. The exterior and interior design are very contemporary and give the feeling of a more expensive vehicle.
Best value!
Purchased this vehicle for at least $4K less than a comparable CRV or RAV4, those with 4cyl. I was very happy with purchase price and the V6 engine being we were switching from an American SUV with a big V8. Plenty of power, drove it in Blue ridge mountains NC, no problem except a little to eager to downshift. Kids love it, my wife loves it (easy to park). Downside: factory tires stink; worn out after 25K miles. I came from a very large SUV and still cannot get used to the "sensitive" handling of such a short wheelbase. The back door always sounds like it didn't close right.