2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara limited four wheel drive V 6 from North America

Summary:

Good city car, poor overall

Faults:

Nothing mechanical has gone wrong with the car, a few recalls.

One time, entering a curve too fast resulted into a skid that almost rolled the car, I now go very slow into curves and stops, something I never had to do with my Cavalier.

General Comments:

1. underpowered- merging with traffic can be difficult.

2. handling- poor, very tippy feeling even at slow speeds.

3. weak blower- for heat/air conditioner is very poor.

4. very small cabin, even for medium-sized people, leg room in back is very limited.

5. when door is shut lights go out inside instantly, irritating at nighttime.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th December, 2004

18th Mar 2012, 15:04

I have owned several 4x4's, from Merc ML 270, Land Rover 90, Mitsubishi Pajero, Subaru Forester, Jeep junk Cherokee, Lada Niva, and 5 Suzuki 4x4s, Samurai 1.3, Vitara 1.6 plus V6, and two Grand Vitaras 2.5s.

I live in Africa, travel millions of kilometres over the roughest terrain as well as the finest highways, and only the Suzuki's have never let me down. The rest I call plug and pay vehicles. Why? Because they are all plastic junk, full of computer gizmos that cost a fortune to replace, and don't last anyway.

If you want a vehicle that you know will take you and your family off the beaten track, then there is no alternative. Suzuki are probably the last company to offer you a vehicle that is not a rip off.

In reply to 18th Mar 2012, 15:04

9th May 2013, 05:12

What tyres do you find best?

2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara Ltd. V6 from North America

Summary:

I cannot recommend this vehicle for 4x4 use.

Faults:

Transfer case jumps out of gear and locks up between 4H and 2H when descending hills in 4H. Transfer case gears could not be unlocked by owner.

General Comments:

Transfer case is unreliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th September, 2004

18th Mar 2010, 18:51

Did you check the oil in the transmission sometimes?

2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara Soft Top 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great fun - change the way you live!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car.

General Comments:

This car is great fun.

I love the high driving position and the being able to open the soft top at every opportunity.

There was NO competition for me as no other manufacturer makes a 4 seater sort-top SUV.

I am always looking for excuses to take my Zuke off-road - as the TV ad says "it does what it says on the tin".

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th July, 2003