Very reliable
Rear wheel brake cylinders at 70,000 miles.
The jeep is very reliable, as it has the Mazda Turbo Diesel engine.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th August, 2010
Love this car, and might get another older one as a off-road play car while at uni
The clutch feels like it's slipping more than it used to, but still perfectly drivable, even in deep sand.
Makes a weird noise when down shifting into second gear sometimes.
The trim where the soft top attaches was broken when I bought it, due to mistreatment by the previous family.
I originally learned to drive on a 1991 Vitara, and wasn't expecting to get another due to wanting a convertible with lots of features, but it was quite simply the best choice for the money.
Since it's four-wheel, I can show up most of my friends larger more powerful customized beasts. Quite amazing how well this little car performs off-road (I've only done sand so far, but only the very steepest hills stop it, and that's because of my clearance while cresting, which I hope to fix soon).
With normal driving it's a bit under powered, but this is easily fixed by down shifting and revving a bit higher than usual. Sure it's a bit hard on the engine, but I swear the little thing just loves you more when revved to 5,0000-6,000 for shifting. Highway passing becomes quite an art-form requiring planning and patience, really teaches you to know exactly what your vehicle is capable of.
I don't know exactly what kind of gas mileage I get, because I've never bothered to work it out, but on a long trip (~400km) with an equal mix of freeway and off-road driving, I only used half the tank (~20L), which was exceptional.
It's strange, but I prefer to drive this rather than my family's 2007 Mini Cooper S Parklane, mainly because of the transmission (mini is auto), but also because this car is just so much more comfortable to sit in and fun to drive.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th March, 2009
An outstanding vehicle!
Nothing for 125,000 miles. Then, two weeks ago the Air Conditioning went out. I am still trouble shooting the Air Conditioning system.
An outstanding vehicle, not one problem for 125,000 miles. This was my second Suzuki, my first Suzuki, was a (1994) 4-cylinder Sidekick which NEVER had a problem. At 118,000 miles I sold it to a Private Party and purchased a 2000 Grand Vitara which was flawless until the Air Conditioning went out two weeks ago..
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 29th January, 2009
Fantastic
Nothing.
I seriously love the my 4x4 V6 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara. I've had it for six years and have never had any problems with it.
I have gotten oil changes and tune ups when necessary, and it's the most reliable car I've had so far.
I had a '99'Mazda Protege before, and had nothing but problems, and now I am happy with what I have, and would definitely get another Suzuki.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th January, 2008
Well worth the money
Out of line when purchased, had to fight with dealership to replace tires, that were ruined because of this. finally got them to come around.
Otherwise I love my suzuki.
Excellent vehicle in snow.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th March, 2003
Represents excellent value and is a good introduction into SUV's
Nothing has gone wrong with the car.
This car offers a different driving experience from standard family cars.
Visibility is excellent and the driving position instills a sense of security.
The steering takes a little getting used to since it is very sensitive and when driving on uneven surfaces it is necessary to make constant adjustments.
Boot space is limited and represents a problem when carrying four passengers and their luggage.
The construction of the vehicle is adequate with nothing special in the way of gadgets, I particularly miss an outside temperature gauge.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th January, 2003
A great all-rounder
Nothing has gone wrong with this car.
Being Japanese it is extremely reliable and considering it is a 4x4 it is a better vehicle to use on a long distance than my Toyota Avensis.
The soft top fits perfectly and it is not too noisy. I can cruise down the motorway at 80mph listening to my CD player without a problem.
The 2.0L 16v engine has 130bhp and the vehicle whilst being quite big, is not very heavy so this engine really gives the GV a serious turn of speed.
You can certainly surprise a few reps in their Mondeos with this car.
A great car all year round. 4x4 for the winter and a soft top for the summer, what could be better!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd November, 2001