 2007 Grand Vitara | 2007 Grand Vitara Pikes Peak Special | 2009 Grand Vitara  |
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Image credits: © Suzuki.
MSRP: $19,350-25,150
Invoice: $18,575-24,140
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara news, pictures, and information | ||
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2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA: AN AUTHENTIC SUV
• Refined on-road handling and rugged off-road performance• Received the prestigious Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy award
• Winner of AutoPacific's 2007 Ideal Vehicle Award in the compact SÚV/off-road vehicle category
In a §egmènt dominated by car-based crossovers wîth only the pretense of off-road capability, Suzuki's Grand Vitara combines unexpected on-road refinement wîth an aggressive dose of off-road capability. With its powerful go-anywhere standard V6 engine, available Four-Mode full time four-wheel drive wîth two-speed transfer case, reinforced unibody chassis wîth built-in ladder frame and 3,000 lbs towing capacity, it's clear the Grand Vitara was built for the life enthusiast's 'Way of Life.'
In its inaugural year, the new Grand Vitara collected numerous top honors, including Sport Truck Connection Television's 'Annual Light Truck and SÚV' award, the 'Best Kept Secret of 2006' editors' choice award by Autobytel and AutoPacific's 'Vehicle Satisfaction' Award for best compact SÚV. The Grand Vitara also was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year and Four Wheeler magazine's Four Wheeler of the Year. The 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara received the prestigious Consumer Guide1 Automotive Best Buy award, out-ranking nearly 20 other vehicles in the compact sport-utility vehicle category, and the AutoPacific 2007 Ideal Vehicle Award in the Compact SÚV/Off-Road Vehicle category.
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 2.7 L., 6-cylinder Power: 185 hp Torque: 184 ft-lbs | |
5-speed Manual, 5-speed Automatic | |
As wîth all 2008 Suzuki automobiles, the Grand Vitara is backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-miles/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.Standard DOHC V6 Power
The standard 2.7-liter, V6, 24-valve DOHC engine delivers 185 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels. This engine gives the Grand Vitara a tow rating of 3,000 pounds – enough to haul light recreational boats, personal watercraft or Suzuki motorcycles, and double that of several competitors.
Advanced technology also reduces maintenance requirements, building on the vehicle's affordable price point wîth economy of operation. The dual overhead camshafts are driven by a self-adjusting, self-lubricating timing chain that requires no maintenance in normal service. In addition, a specially tuned variable induction system (VIS) improves throttle response and increases overall engine efficiency. As part of the overall refinement, the engine now sits on hydraulic engine mounts to further reduce vibration and noise.
The Grand Vitara is fitted wîth a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. It also offers an available electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)Four-Wheel-Drive Traction
The Grand Vitara equipped wîth the Four-Mode full time four-wheel-drive system offers the best of both worlds: it is exceptionally capable off-road, but behaves perfectly on the asphalt. With excellent approach, break-over and departure angles, and 7.9 inches of ground clearance (4WD models), the Grand Vitara means business. Adding to that credible off-road capability is a sophisticated available Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system wîth two-speed transfer case. On the road, drivers can leave the interior-mounted transfer case switch in 4H and the electronically controlled on-demand all-wheel-drive system will apply traction to the front wheels as needed, making city driving smooth and precise. When traveling off-road or for low-speed power and traction, drivers can turn the switch to high-range 4H Lock or low-range 4L Lock to engage the center differential lock.
RV prospects should note: the Grand Vitara equipped wîth the Four-Mode full-time 4WD system can also be towed wîth four wheels on the ground – wîth the transfer case switch in the neutral position – to reduce driveline wear and prevent non-driving miles from accumulating on the odometer.
The Grand Vitara delivers EPA fuel economy estimates of 17 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway wîth the automatic transmission and two-wheel drive. Advanced Structural Engineering and Chassis Design
All Grand Vitara models feature lightweight-yet-rigid unibody construction enhanced wîth a built-in ladder frame to offer the best of both worlds – a refined on-road ride and the rugged off-road performance expected from Suzuki SÚVs. The structure is teamed wîth four-wheel independent suspension – MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link design in the rear – to provide precise handling both on-road and off-road. The Grand Vitara also features large, vented front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, power-assisted rack-and-pinion §teering and an available 225/65R17 tire package.
Úncompromised Safety Features
Every Grand Vitara is fitted wîth numerous active safety features, including ABS wîth electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP)2 including traction control. The ESP system uses a variety of electronic sensors to measure vehicle speed, §teering wheel angle and yaw faster than a typical driver might. This information is sent to a central controller that can intervene as needed. Únder certain conditions, such as when unintended oversteer or understeer is detected, the system can apply individual brakes and reduce engine torque to help the driver maintain the proper cornering line.
Together wîth the traction control system (TCS), ESP helps the driver maintain control when cornering, under acceleration, during emergency maneuvers and/or when driving on slippery road surfaces. The Grand Vitara comes equipped wîth six airbags as standard equipment – driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbag supplemental restraint systems (SRS), advanced dual-stage front airbag SRS, advanced weight-sensing front passenger airbag SRS and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Notably, rollover sensing also is standard equipment.
The three-point driver and front passenger seat belts feature pretensioners and shoulder height adjustment. In the rear seat, each passenger is provided wîth a three-point seat belt system and a headrest. A rear child-seat LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), along wîth rear-door child safety locks, is designed to help protect young rear-seat passengers.
Beyond offering a strong-yet-lightweight structure, the innovative stamped steel unibody wîth built-in ladder frame provides comprehensive protection.
Features such as a reinforced cabin wîth the added safety of head-impact protection padding and front and rear side-impact door beams are designed to help maintain the integrity of the cabin. In the event of a collision wîth a pedestrian, the hood is designed to absorb some of the impact and help protect against serious head injuries. The front end and the bumper also use energy-absorbing materials to help reduce the possibility of serious leg injuries. In addition, the 2008 Grand Vitara is fitted wîth a standard tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Sleek & Dynamic Meets Versatile Functionality
In too many compact sport-utes, the 'sport'' is compromised by the 'utility', or the utility is marginalized by the vehicle's sporting intentions. The sporty Grand Vitara virtually eliminates the compromise, offering ample interior space for driver and passenger comfort. There is 24.4 cubic feet of storage space wîth the seats up and 68.9 cubic feet of storage space when the convenient 60/40 split-folding seatbacks are folded forward.
With a carefully engineered control layout and close attention to materials and fit-and-finish, the interior of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is both functional and attractive. From the outside, the Grand Vitara offers unmatched style. Short overhangs, roof rails and a rear-mounted spare tire are some of the attributes of this serious off-roader. Mirrors, door handles and bumpers are all color matched, and the sleek lines of this off-road warrior lend it a sharp, refined look for the life enthusiast's more urban adventures.
Trim Levels and Packages
The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is offered in three trim levels: Grand Vitara, XSport and Luxury. Buyers also can choose between rear-wheel drive and a sophisticated Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system, both available in all trim levels. Four-wheel-drive models come wîth standard heated outside mirrors.
The base Grand Vitara is fitted wîth a five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The extensive standard equipment list includes a wide array of safety equipment: ABS wîth EBD, ESP, TCS, TPMS, six airbags (including front and rear side-curtain airbags); and a long list of interior and comfort amenities such as air conditioning wîth automatic climate control, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM Radio-capable audio system, §teering-wheel-integrated audio controls, remote keyless entry, 16-inch wheels and power mirrors. The starting MSRP for the base Grand Vitara is $19,349 plus $650 destination and handling.
The Grand Vitara XSport adds the following to the list of standard features: electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, SmartPass keyless entry and start system, six-disc in-dash CD changer wîth seven speakers, including two tweeters and a subwoofer, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, fog lamps, privacy glass, cargo cover, hard spare tire cover, roof rails and power tilt-and-slide sunroof. The starting MSRP for the Grand Vitara XSport is $22,349.
The top-of-the-line Grand Vitara Luxury includes all of the equipment featured in the Grand Vitara XSport and adds leather seating surfaces and §teering wheel, heated front seats, woodgrain trim accents, standard power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, HomeLink3 wireless control system and heated outside mirrors. The starting MSRP for the Grand Vitara Luxury is $23,749.
Customers who want the convenience of a fully integrated iPod4 system can purchase an iPod interface from their Suzuki dealer. Once the device is plugged in, it works seamlessly through the radio – or the §teering wheel-mounted controls – and playlists and each song's information appear on the radio display.
All Grand Vitara models reflect Suzuki's commitment to meeting modern consumer needs wîth contemporary design, modern functionality and a traditional commitment to quality, reliability and durability. Whether Suzuki's Grand Vitara combats urban congestion or rugged paths it can easily serve as the multi-purpose tool for one's life adventures.Source - Suzuki
The Suzuki Sidekick, as it was known in North America, was produced under various names from 1989 through 2003. The Sidekick was known by many names; in Europe it was the Vitara as well as North America after 1999, and the Suzuki Escudo, which was produced from 1989 through 2004. The project was a joint venture between General Motors and Suzuki. GM's version were known as the Geo Tracker, after 1998 they were the Chevrolet Tracker. In Canada they were the Pontiac Sunrunner, in Spain it was the Santana 300 and 350. It even carried a Mazda badge in the Japanese market.
For the North American market, the Suzuki Sidekick was first introduced in 1989. It was offered in two bodystyles including a two-door convertible or hardtop. The JA version was fitted with a 1.3-liter engine. The JX and JLX trim levels had a 1.6-liter engine rated at 80 horsepower and given a four-wheel drive system. The JLX version was removed from the line-up in 1990. A four-door version of the Sidekick was introduced in 1991, sitting on a larger wheelbase, and greatly enhancing the versatility and appeal of the vehicle. A Sport version appeared in 1996, featuring a 1.8-liter engine that was good for 120 horsepower. The package included 16-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone paint scheme, and dual airbags for safety.
1996 was the same year Suzuki introduced their X-90, which was basically a Sidekick with two doors, seating for two, a trunk, removable T-bar roof, and a much rounder body. Mechanically, they were identical. The X-90 never sold well as the public did not agree with the design. Production lasted for a short time, ending in 1998.
In 1999, the Sidekick/Escudo/Vitara was redesigned. For North America, the name 'Sidekick' was dropped in favor of Vitara. The four-seater vehicle could be purchased with a 1.3L, 1.6L, or 1.8L four-cylinder engine with carburetion or electronic fuel injection. Diesel engines were made available in Europe. A four-speed manual was standard, with a five-speed manual and automatic being offered as optional equipment. The Vitara came in two- or four-door models or soft-top 2-door models.
The Vitara remained in production in North America until 2003. Its twin, the Chevrolet Tracker, follwed the same fortune the following year.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007
For more information and related vehicles, click hereFor the North American market, the Suzuki Sidekick was first introduced in 1989. It was offered in two bodystyles including a two-door convertible or hardtop. The JA version was fitted with a 1.3-liter engine. The JX and JLX trim levels had a 1.6-liter engine rated at 80 horsepower and given a four-wheel drive system. The JLX version was removed from the line-up in 1990. A four-door version of the Sidekick was introduced in 1991, sitting on a larger wheelbase, and greatly enhancing the versatility and appeal of the vehicle. A Sport version appeared in 1996, featuring a 1.8-liter engine that was good for 120 horsepower. The package included 16-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone paint scheme, and dual airbags for safety.
1996 was the same year Suzuki introduced their X-90, which was basically a Sidekick with two doors, seating for two, a trunk, removable T-bar roof, and a much rounder body. Mechanically, they were identical. The X-90 never sold well as the public did not agree with the design. Production lasted for a short time, ending in 1998.
In 1999, the Sidekick/Escudo/Vitara was redesigned. For North America, the name 'Sidekick' was dropped in favor of Vitara. The four-seater vehicle could be purchased with a 1.3L, 1.6L, or 1.8L four-cylinder engine with carburetion or electronic fuel injection. Diesel engines were made available in Europe. A four-speed manual was standard, with a five-speed manual and automatic being offered as optional equipment. The Vitara came in two- or four-door models or soft-top 2-door models.
The Vitara remained in production in North America until 2003. Its twin, the Chevrolet Tracker, follwed the same fortune the following year.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007
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| Similar Automakers | |
| Hyundai | Kia |
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| Suzuki: 2001-2010 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Other models by Suzuki |
| Manufacturer Website |
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| Aerio Cappuccino | Equator Esteem | Forenza Kizashi | Reno Sidekick, Vitara, Escudo, Tracker | Swift SX4 | X-90 XL-7 |
| 2007 Grand Vitara | 2007 Grand Vitara Pikes Peak Special | 2009 Grand Vitara |
