2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara [ 2008 ]
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Overall Score - 8.2 (Very Good)
The Grand Vitara offers standout off-road performance and a roomy interior, but provides a less comfortable ride in around-town driving than top crossovers in its class. If you're in the market for an affordable compact SUV, consider the highly-rated Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. For good off- and on-road performance, consider the Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Reviewers in general find the 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara to be a capable performer in the competitive compact SUV class. The Grand Vitara is designed to excel at all-terrain driving, and it does. However, it can't match the on-road performance, comfort or family-friendly options available with top compact SUVs. But Suzuki gives the Grand Vitara an edge on price, with the base model starting at less than $20,000, and with a class-leading warranty. If you want both on- and off-road performance in a small package, Kelley Blue Book praises the Grand Vitara for being "desirable as a small wagon or crossover SUV" in addition to "the perfect off-road companion." But Car and Driver warns that "it still hasn't reached the levels of refinement and sophistication of its competition."
Reviews are mixed on whether or not the 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara represents a good value. Edmunds writes, "Despite adding several thousand dollars to the cost, we think an optioned-up or top-of-the-line Suzuki Grand Vitara still offers an attractive value when compared with other competitors," and adds that it is "one of the better small SUVs available." The 2007 Grand Vitara is even a Consumer Guide "Best Buy." But Car and Driver disagrees, saying "in general, buyer discretion is advised. Although the Grand Vitara starts at a price below that of much of its competition, the gap is not so big that it isn't quickly closed once options pile up." IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Grand Vitara a value rating of "poor" (the lowest possible) for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared to other vehicles in its class.
Grand-Vitara Performance - 7.2 (Good)
Most critics feel the 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara's performance is good enough, though not outstanding. Motor Trend says that "despite excellent off-roadability, the changes with the new model give it much more show than go." continue
Grand-Vitara Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)
Critics are very pleased with the Grand Vitara's exterior styling. Car and Driver says its "pugnacious styling looks tough enough to scare off most competitors, although the Dodge Nitro is likely to call its bluff and give it a swirly for trying." continue
Grand-Vitara Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
Suzuki has steadily been improving the interiors of its vehicles, and the Grand Vitara may be its best effort yet. "Step inside -- easily, thanks to the unibody construction -- and you enter a cabin that has gone from worst to near first," says Automobile Magazine. continue
Grand-Vitara Safety - 8.1 (Very Good)
The Grand Vitara boasts an impressive list of standard safety features. In addition, the 2007 model earned fairly good scores in government crash tests. continue
Grand-Vitara Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Suzuki offers impressive coverage, including a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty. continue
