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Used 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
27 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

I LOVED MY GRAND VITARA!!

Happy Happy Owner, 10/31/2016
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
18 of 18 people found this review helpful

I just lost my Grand Vitara in an auto accident where I was rear ended. I REALLY didn't want it to be totaled & was so disappointed when I got the news from the insurance company. I really wish I still had my car. The Grand Vitara was the most reliable car I've ever owned, along with a Honda Civic I owned in the 90s. And I've owned lots of different cars- Oldsmobile, Mazda, Mercedes, BMW, etc....I never had any problems with the Vitara whatsoever. It had over 87,000 miles on it when I lost it, and I had never had to take it in for anything other than oil changes, battery replacement, and a recall on the catalytic converter. SUCH a reliable car! I took it to the mountains, it did great. Took it to the beach, it did great. Drove it for 12 hour drives out of town on more than one occasion, did great. Handled well on clear roads, snow & rain, smooth ride, super quiet, really comfortable, good speakers, good gas mileage. I could drive 5 hours straight on a full tank. The ONLY complaint I really can think of, is that since I'm pretty short, the headrest curved a bit towards the back of my head, so when driving long distances, my neck would start to hurt just a bit after a few hours- but that's literally because I'm short and due to where my head was in relation to the back of the seat. In the end, my head actually hit that part of the seat in my auto accident & caused me a nice bump. If you're around 5'3" like me with a short torso, I would still highly recommend the car but just be aware of that. The cargo area was quite spacious- I have moved plenty of boxes & a desk at once with the back seats down, no problem. Suzuki did a great job with this car. It's really a beast & can handle lots of situations well. I'm so nervous to try any other car now!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.25 out of 5 stars

Learned to love this vehicle

grandvitdriver, 12/22/2010
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
23 of 24 people found this review helpful

Overall, an excellent vehicle. Over 85k miles...yep, 85 on an '08...without a serious concern. Stock tires were junk (Yokohama) -- 2 non-repairable flats in less than 5k miles; replaced all 4 w/less than 11k miles. Took me several months, numerous trips to dealer and countless phone calls to resolve the issue of DUST....a true SUV and you can't drive it on a gravel road without be choked with dust? Problem solved (simple!! keep control set to "outside"). I am very pleased with the vehicle. I drive on 35 - 40 miles of scoria (gravel roads) on a daily basis...the GV has held up exceptionally well.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great Vehicle

sodgod, 11/03/2008
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
22 of 23 people found this review helpful

I had originally went to dealership to look at SX-4 crossover. Liked it, but wife thought we needed something a little bigger. I agreed, so we decided on the GV. Great driving vehicle to commute to work, great around town and on interstate, easy to park, and holds plenty of stuff. Put in a K&N air filter and averaging around 24 mpg mixed driving. Looked at CRV, RAV 4 and Escape. Went with the Suzuki and thus far no regrets.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Grand Vitara = Grand Purchase

sweetaries, 01/03/2010
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV w/Hard Spare Tire Cover, Cargo Cover (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful

This was my first vehicle I ever owned and I loved it. The price was excellent for a brand new SUV (I looked at a 2004 Ford Escape that was the same price as this vehicle). Every drive was smooth, the vehicle gave me no problems, the inside was very spacious (I was able to move to and from college with everything packed inside), and I loved every moment in it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great for people with back problems.

Deena Lincicome, 09/03/2015
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV 4WD w/Hard Spare Tire Cover, Cargo Cover (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful

In 2008, this Suzuki was equipped with a lot of different features that I hadn't seen in other vehicles. I just wanted a small SUV because it's just me and my son. I'm 5'5 and have extreme back problems and can't stand cars because the pain of getting in and out of them was just too difficult. The GV seat is place exactly for my height. I can just sit and swing around to the front painlessly and effortlessly. The few things I wish it had was an outlet for my ipod, but they started making those even in other vehicles a couple of years later. I wish my steering wheel controls lit up. If I had only waited for the 2009, I see that was standard for it. It would be nice if the rear window could go down so my golden retriever could be placed in the back where's there more room, then in my back seat. My vehicle honestly doesn't use the gas everyone keeps saying it does. It's not the greatest, but it is 6 cylinders and an SUV so I don't know what people expect. In 2015 now, my GV only has 56,201 miles on it, and the kelly blue book price for trading it in sucks. My GV was hit while I was shopping and all they had to do was replace the plastic bumper and side door, which even came pre-painted, but it makes sounds like it was in a major collision, so I get value points dropped for that. It would also be nice to have removable cup holders so I could take them out and clean them. The back seat fold all the way up, but really it doesn't create more room, it would be nice if after folding them up, you could push a button to remove them. Mine didn't come with fog lights and I haven't checked to see how much it would cost me to get them put in. They now have an upgraded stereo system with navigation and all the plug-ins you could ask for and I'm tempted to purchase it, but if it won't upgrade my trade-in value, then I don't see the point....The only thing I don't like about my GV is the antenna. I can't get any radio stations and there's plenty around here.. I didn't have that problem with my honda.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Love after 9 years

Karen Myers, 02/09/2017
updated 08/10/2017
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV w/Hard Spare Tire Cover, Cargo Cover (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

They just don't make them like this anymore, so sad 😣. I love this SUV. 9 years, no major problems, still runs excellent 😎

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

very reliable car

happy owner, 12/21/2019
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful

Bought this car new August of 2008. We still have it as of December 2019. My wife drove it for 9 years and 11 months then we bought her a new car. When we got her new car we move the Suzuki to our back up car. At that time of being a back up it had 298 k on it. As of December 2019 it now has almost 304 k on it. It has been a very reliable car with only a starter and throttle body being put on it besides general maintenance. Everything else is the ordinal parts. I do wonder if anyone else has one with close to our miles

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love My Car

Alycia, 09/19/2008
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

I never imagined loving my car this much! I absolutely LOVE my car. I would never have purchased a Grand Vitara if my sister didn't work for Suzuki. I was able to get a great deal on the car! I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a small SUV. It drives great & is extremely comfortable. The features are endless. I am 25 and live in O.C. & anyone who drives my car says the same thing. All my friends want one & the VP of my company said he was definitely going to look into Suzuki SUV's when they purchase their next car. I had never even driven a Suzuki until the day I got mine. I got it becasue of the deal & never imagined loving it this much.

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5 out of 5 stars

A beast in the snow!

Luke, 03/05/2018
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

I love my GV! Great ground clearance and great turning radius! I have put this GV through many of the same demanding trails/mud/snow that I did when I previously owned a wrangler. This little 4x4 is more capable than most will need it for. Even the cargo space with the seats tumbled forward in back is great, I got a king size lazy boy recliner in there (with the back of the chair off and laying on top of the seat) without it even being tight. The proximity key is great for winter with not having to remove your gloves to get your keys, just keep it in your pocket. I had to custom fit roof racks for my GV as I couldn't find any that fit, a sawsall helped shorten the width on some other ones I found online and now fit great. Overall I would recommend this little suv, it has been problem free and a joy to drive.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love it

CraigB, 12/21/2007
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

We traded my wife's Murano for the GV, she wanted something smaller. We spent 3 months researching every small SUV on the market. Test drive and features sold us. This is a great suv and a great value. Handeling is marvelous, and the ride is solid. Could use a tad more power. Smart key took some getting used to, but love it now. Everything about this little truck rocks. I want to drive it, and leave my Lincoln in the garage!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Mid Size SUV

PoPPa RocK, 09/22/2008
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV w/Hard Spare Tire Cover, Cargo Cover (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I purchased the GV for my wife due to the ever rising gas prices and let me be the first to say "We are impressed!" . I never thought I would ever own a Suzuki, but this mid sized SUV has it all. Now if you are looking for V8 power, buy a V8 but the 2.7L V6 has enough power to get ya' down the road. The GV is loaded with extras that most others charge for! We are getting 17/19mpg in the city and we have not taken a road trip yet. I'll report on that later. Can't complain about the handeling or size I am 6' and I have no trouble getting in or outof the GV. Heck, Just go test drive one and see for yourself. The car sold itself!

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5 out of 5 stars

Easy going, just enough of everything!

Ciara M., 11/29/2019
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV 4WD w/Hard Spare Tire Cover, Cargo Cover (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I've had this car for a little over a year now (bought in late 2018 with 101,000 miles on it) and I loved it as soon as I sat in it! I had an older Suzuki sedan before I got this car and I loved that one too. This little SUV is big enough that I can see more while driving (I'm small at 5'), haul some stuff in it or with it, and still be super comfortable and spacious. I get pretty decent gas mileage for what it is and it handles really well. This vehicle is full of surprises and is hopefully going to last me a long time! Love it!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.13 out of 5 stars

NICE TRUCK

jflippy, 11/09/2009
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful

We have this truck about 4 months and it is pretty nice. We have the Luxury model with all the bells and whistles.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

The Lil Truck That Could

Jon Yankasky, 11/30/2008
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV 4WD w/Hard Spare Tire Cover, Cargo Cover (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

The ride is astounding and the features this car has in unreal. Climate control, all time 4wd, anti lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring system and many others. There is plenty of leg room and head room and the ride is so nice and smooth. I did have the front seats altered. As someone said they were uncomfortable and it is an easy fix. In both seats are three steel rods that can be easily removed and when this is done, the seats are just perfect and comfortable. I also had an upholstery man make a 3 inch pad and add it to the center console and this car is a great comfortable ride. Buy the car/truck. You will not be unhappy.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Awesome for the field

arcy, 03/16/2009
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

I bought the SGV for its "bring-it-on" performance and it delivers. Nothing can match the looks and the 4-mode drive-- having AWD and low range-is awesome. The SGV is at home in the city or for light off-roading. Its handling, build, safety, fit and finish are at a par with its closest competitors.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Cute compact SUV not so cute gas mileage

lucgrad00, 07/13/2008
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I love everything about my Grand Vitara except for the lousy gas mileage. I only get 14-15 MPG in town. Other compact SUVs are far superior in this area. If gas mileage is a primary concern a Rav4, Vue or CR-V would be a better choice.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Suzuki...Oh~oh oh oh...what a Feeling!?!

GregOgh, 04/28/2008
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV 4WD w/Hard Spare Tire Cover, Cargo Cover (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I was enamored with the vehicle but now that I've driven it a month in different conditions/road surfaces, I've feel that I overlooked a few things during the purchase phase. The seats are physically hard to get comfortable in. They're designed/built for an anthropometric model of a 5'5" person. Leg room in cockpit seat is cumbersome and your legs go numb on trips lasting 3-4 hours. Controls for the stereo and cruise control on the steering wheel are also awkward to use when not looking directly at them. They're not lighted for nighttime operation... Extremely annoying. The stereo's tinny and rattles when the bass is on 0 & volume on 15. The cloth seats are minimal~go with leather! Good luck.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Grand ohhhh Feeling

Grand E, 05/12/2008
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

So far this little truck has been doing a great job for my wife and I. We have taken a few road trips in it now and she performs great. The last trip it was a total of 6 passengers as well as luggage and all fit comfortable within the little truck. Great pick up on the engine smooth shifts just a pleasant drive all around.

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4 out of 5 stars

Love 95% of this car!

kltschida, 08/20/2009
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV 4WD w/Hard Spare Tire Cover, Cargo Cover (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful

Being a suzuki owner for the past 6yrs, I didn't hesitate to buy another. I wish I would have looked a little harder though. I got a good deal, but I understand now that my monthly savings on my loan is going straight into the gas tank. Features are missing too... but I didn't miss them until I started reading the other reviews. I didn't mind that the steering wheel buttons didn't light up until I read about it and now it drives me NUTS! I love the size, I can haul a lot inside and tow my camper with no problem. I would recommend to a friend but warn them that gas will kill ya! Nice to read about the K&N Airfilter on the other review, I'll try that! Oh, whats with not having an ipod jack????

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The "Zuki" rocks for the price

zukirocks, 11/17/2008
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Needed a tow-car for the new RV. Not a huge listing of vehicles that can be towed all 4-wheels on the ground. Looked at the Honda CR-V, Saturn VUE and the Grand Vitara. Loved the idea that we could get a 4WD tow vehicle. Inspected all and by far the Suzuki gave us the most goodies for the dollars. I love the smartkey, the streamlined lay-out of the dash, different lighting in console, auto climate control (south Texas gets hot!) Fun to drive, very responsive. Not sure on the reliability yet. Haven't had it long enough to gauge mileage. Know it's not as good as the CR-V, but it has so many more features, we can certainly live with it. Looks to be a great little vehicle!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Costa Rica Grande Vitari

Carl Hallberg, 12/18/2008
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV 4WD w/Hard Spare Tire Cover, Cargo Cover (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Hugs the road better than any other car especially in the rainy mountains. Love the constant 4 wheel drive. Gas mileage could be better. Love the keyless entry,

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4.88 out of 5 stars

soooo fun to drive!!

dkmc03, 04/22/2009
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury 4dr SUV 4WD (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is the first SUV i have ever bought and so far, i love it! got rid of my van and bought this, i love being able to whip in to parking spaces with so much ease. Handles great on dry roads as well as in the rain. very roomy, great for my family of four. the back door opening like a regular door is great for getting groceries out with the garage door shut, i could not ever do that with the hatchback door on that van! great family car and i love the way it looks!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive with awesome power

Supererb power, 12/08/2007
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV 4WD w/Hard Spare Tire Cover, Cargo Cover (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

It's been a few weeks since i bought it and I already love it. As others, i do have a :( about the Fuel economy but i can't complain since its an SUV. My first one for ever. Its nice, peppy and great interiors. The fuel economy of the new car generally increases within 1-2 months of the purchase. Love the ESP, Tire pressure monitoring, mp3 and great interior. The head lights are similar to new Land rovers and are really bright. I also like the audio controls on the stearing which come standard. It gives me around 20-22 (hwy + city) and 24 hwy yet but i am sure its going to improve a bit after a month.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Our replacement vehicle

Previous CRV owner , 11/26/2008
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV w/Hard Spare Tire Cover, Cargo Cover (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I wasn't looking at Suzuki at first to replace our 2004 Honda CRV which was totaled after a accident but after owning and driving the Vitara I am quite impressed with its performance and styling, inside and out. The fwd/rear mounted engine is easy to work on, having low range control is great.

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4 out of 5 stars

2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara

diane, 10/09/2009
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV 4WD w/Hard Spare Tire Cover, Cargo Cover (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We traded my wife's Rodeo for the GV, she wanted something smaller. We spent 2 months researching every SUV on the market. This is a great little suv for the value. Nothing to brag about-just an ordianry suv with limited features. It's perfect for the local driving...

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I love my cae

Rosie Mendoza, 07/09/2010
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This was my very first car that I have bought. I fell in love with from the beginning I never liked small sedans cause i just think they are too small and I need a lot of room. My car I have taken everywhere I travel at least twice a month to far places and my car was just so comfortable. I can drive 5 hrs on a full tank and I have a lot of room in my car to pack my luggage and my 3 dogs. It would have been great if they had an ipod plug but its ok. Other than that I LOVE MY CAR!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great Grand Vitara

Steelers Fan, 09/15/2009
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV 4WD w/Hard Spare Tire Cover, Cargo Cover (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought my GV after having a SX4 for a year. (Loved that little car) But I was too accustomed to a Grand Cherokee for many years! So after convincing hubby I wasn't totally crazy for trading cars, even he has to admit the GV is wonderful. I mainly do city driving, so yes, the gas mileage isn't the greatest, but not the worst either. I have taken it on a few runs to nearby states, and actually got top gas mileage. And I can fit us comfortably in it and we can look good in the new SUV! I too, would like lit features on the steering wheel, and a rear window that opens would have been a big plus! All in all, I'm very happy with the purchase.(we got a great deal by buying year end!).

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