2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review
The Grand Vitara was unveiled in 1999 as a compact, rugged SUV. A luxury Limited trim was released in 2000. A standard CD player was added in 2001. In 2003, the JLS, XLS, and Limited trims were dropped, and replaced by the simpler 2WD and 4WD designations. The two-door and four-cylinder models were cut the next year. The base model was dropped in 2005. The second generation debuted in 2006. Now based upon a car platform, the Vitara is available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is an overlooked, but rugged little SUV. Costing much less than competitors, the Vitara delivers on almost all of their features, and backs it up with every safety feature the BuyingAdvice team expects. Our only qualm with the Vitara is its last generation’s numerous reliability issues. Looking past that, the Vitara is a great buy.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The Viatra only earned two out of five stars in J.D. Power’s initial reliability survey. The first generation only had minor issues, such as fuel leakage, keyless entry, and vibrating suspensions. However, it was recalled a whopping twelve times between 1999 and 2004 for issues such as breaking brakes, gas pedal sticking, and fuel loss. Expect below average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Vitara earned four out of five stars in government frontal crash tests, and five stars in side tests. The IIHS has no data available. The Vitara is loaded with safety features, such as full side airbags, ABS, tire pressure monitoring, and stability control.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Great value for the money
+ Full load of safety features
+ Small, yet rugged
Cons
- Sordid history of recalls
- Tiny interior
- Only earned four stars in government frontal crash tests
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Vitara packs in a lot of features for a small price. It costs $1,800 less than the Hyundai Santa Fe, but it has a much smaller interior. It costs over $2,000 less than the Mercury Mariner, but the Mariner offers a standard automatic transmission. However, for the same price as the Vitara, you can pick up the Dodge Nitro SXT, which has a larger engine, more payload capacity, and 25 more hp, without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
What Others Are Saying:
“With two 4WD systems as well as rear wheel drive, V6 engines, automatic and one of the few remaining manual transmissions, they provide distinctive products. Upscale interior styling and accessories like keyless entry and ignition are equally unique in this class. So, I don’t have to revise my conclusion that Suzuki offers one of the best values in small SUVs; it remains quiet, rugged, roomy, and reasonably priced.” – The Auto Channel
“I have always been a fan of the Grand Vitara, as well as its Suzuki predecessors, the Samurai, Sidekick, and Vitara, and the Suzuki-derived Geo (Chevrolet) Tracker. To me, these vehicles were always the standard for compact (or mini) sport utilities. If you wanted the smallest vehicle capable of going off-road or dealing with snow and mud, then you looked toward Suzuki.” – The Family Car
“The main thing that hasn’t changed between Grand Vitaras old and new is off-road ability, which we sampled on slick mud roads in Costa Rica. Four-wheel drive with low range is available, and there’s 7.9 inches of ground clearance. You might not bash it over rocks as readily as you would the old one, but that’s only because you want to treat it better.” – Automobile Magazine
Read more about the 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara at the Suzuki manufacturer web site.
