2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 59 Grand-Vitara reviews and test drives.
Suzuki Grand Vitara - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara ranks 10 out of 27 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 59 published reviews and test drives of the Suzuki Grand Vitara, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
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. Still, it ranks in the top half of the segment.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is designed to excel at off-road driving, and it succeeds. However, it can't match the on-road performance, comfort, or family-friendly options available with top compact SUVs. Regardless, Suzuki gives the Grand Vitara an edge on price, with the base model starting at less than $20,000, and with a category-leading warranty. "The 2008 Grand Vitara -- which has seats for five, a standard V-6 and a limited powertrain warranty that lasts for 100,000 miles or seven years, whichever comes first -- has the lowest starting retail price of all 2008 V-6-powered SUVs with four doors," says the Associated Press.
If you want both on- and off-road performance in a small package, reviews show that the Grand Vitara is a good option. However, some reviewers are still unsure about the Grand Vitara's overall value, especially given its poor gas mileage for the class.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara introduces its 2008 model with no major changes, but a redesign is expected for 2009. The four-door SUV seats five and is available in several trims -- base, X Sport, and Luxury -- with either two-wheel or four-wheel drive.
- "The Vitara has good overall vision, a spacious cabin, and straightforward controls. Its side-hinged, rear cargo door provides quick and efficient access and the Suzuki has the feel of a multi-use ranch vehicle. Beyond its appealing price, it may not do anything as the best in its class. But it does most things well." -- The Weekly Driver
- "Suzuki's Grand Vitara wasn't thrilling to drive, but it's pleasant enough -- and pleasure becomes relative when price enters the mix. If you're part of a family of four that's looking for functionality AND great value, this SUV might just have you shouting for joy." -- Mother Proof
- "For a small ute, this one is not all that bad, although we wonder just how many folks have Suzuki on their radar screen." -- AutoWeek
- "The latest version of this small SUV is not all that small and is far more contemporary than the fundamental truck it replaced. It has a much cleaner look, and a new unibody chassis improves on-road ride and handling substantially. One carry-over: the 100,000-mile warranty." -- Car and Driver
Grand-Vitara Performance - 6.8 (Mediocre)
Most critics feel that the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara's performance is simply adequate. "Compared with the car-based Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, it suffers from dull turn-in and more pronounced body roll," says Car and Driver. Test drivers also find the V6 engine a bit sluggish at highway speeds. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn about the Grand Vitara's capable off-roading skills. continue
Grand-Vitara Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)
Critics are generally 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 with our full Exterior Review to learn why reviewers say the Grand Vitara's look is more refined than the previous model, or check out our Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue
Grand-Vitara Interior - 7.8 (Good)
Suzuki has steadily been improving the interiors of its vehicles and the 2008 Suzuki 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 with our Interior Review to learn about the Grand Vitara's impressive level of standard features -- including a great base stereo system -- or check out our interior photos. continue
Grand-Vitara Safety - 8.8 (Very Good)
The Grand Vitara boasts an impressive list of standard safety features. In addition, the 2008 model earned fairly good scores in government crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn about the Grand Vitara's other standard equipment. continue
Grand-Vitara Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 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 provides a three-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about the Grand Vitara's long powertrain warranty. continue