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2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Performance Review

October 31, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

not necessarily a top choice for major towing duty
Edmunds

kicks down a gear or two on barely perceptible upgrades
Cars and Driver

highway passing can take patience with automatic transmission
ConsumerGuide

Auto experts at TheCarConnection.com see mixed reviews on the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara performance credentials.

ConsumerGuide reports that this year's Suzuki Grand Vitara is powered by "a 185-hp 2.7-liter V-6," which, according to Edmunds, is “paltry compared to the [Toyota] RAV4's V-6." Although "not necessarily a top choice for major towing duty, the Grand Vitara can tug up to 3,000 pounds." If this Suzuki 2008 motor seems to lack power, Motor Trend suggests "torque may be the culprit, as the Grand Vitara's peak twist resides at 4,500 rpm."

This lackluster engine "teams with either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission" like most Suzuki 2008 vehicles, according to Cars.com, which adds that "the four-wheel-drive system has a Low range and is intended for use only on slippery surfaces." ConsumerGuide reports that "highway passing can take patience with automatic transmission, which downshifts readily for more power," and "the manual transmission doesn't change gears smoothly when rushed."

Edmunds remarks "fuel economy estimates, at 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway for a 4WD model with the automatic transmission, are below average for a compact SUV."

Overall handling characteristics get moderate praise: ConsumerGuide reports "marked body lean but good grip in fast corners," adding that "steering is nicely weighted and the turning circle is commendably tight, but test AWD models exhibited some front driveline binding when turned fully to either side" and "firm, easy-to-modulate brakes provided good stopping control." Kelley Blue Book notes "hard cornering does elicit some body roll, but not an excessive amount." According to Car and Driver, however, once it leaves the pavement, the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara really shines: "off-road, the Grand Vitara was pure Viagra, nearly as solid and capable as the Jeep."

Conclusion

The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara may be good for off-road expeditions, but overall it’s only average.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:not necessarily a top choice for major towing dutyEdmundskicks down a gear or two on barely perceptible upgradesCars and Driverhighway passing can take patience with automatic transmissionConsumerGuide Auto experts at TheCarConnection.com see mixed reviews on the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara performance credentials. ConsumerGuide reports that this year's Suzuki Grand Vitara is powered by "a 185-hp 2.7-liter V-6," which, according to Edmunds, is “paltry compared to the [Toyota] RAV4's V-6." Although "not necessarily a top choice for major towing duty, the Grand Vitara can tug up to 3,000 pounds." If this Suzuki 2008 motor seems to lack power, Motor Trend suggests "torque may be the culprit, as the Grand Vitara's peak twist resides at 4,500 rpm." This lackluster engine "teams with either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission" like most Suzuki 2008 vehicles, according to Cars.com, which adds that "the four-wheel-drive system has a Low range and is intended for use only on slippery surfaces." ConsumerGuide reports that "highway passing can take patience with automatic transmission, which downshifts readily for more power," and "the manual transmission doesn't change gears smoothly when rushed." Edmunds remarks "fuel economy estimates, at 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway for a 4WD model with the automatic transmission, are below average for a compact SUV." Overall handling characteristics get moderate praise: ConsumerGuide reports "marked body lean but good grip in fast corners," adding that "steering is nicely weighted and the turning circle is commendably tight, but test AWD models exhibited some front driveline binding when turned fully to either side" and "firm, easy-to-modulate brakes provided good stopping control." Kelley Blue Book notes "hard cornering does elicit some body roll, but not an excessive amount." According to Car and Driver, however, once it leaves the pavement, the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara really shines: "off-road, the Grand Vitara was pure Viagra, nearly as solid and capable as the Jeep." ConclusionThe 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara may be good for off-road expeditions, but overall it’s only average.  2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA STYLING | [6 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "applies traditional SUV styling cues to a scaled-down package" Motor Trend: "arguably the best looking car in its class" Edmunds: "flowing lines abound" Mother Proof: "rear of the cabin proved to be very basic" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Value for money is a real selling point for the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. For the price of a similarly equipped four-cylinder compact SUV, the Grand Vitara offers a V-6. Unfortunately, performance just isn’t on par with that of the V-6 Ford Escape, Jeep Liberty, or Toyota RAV4. The Jeep Liberty has more torque and is the better choice for demanding off-roading or if you plan to tow a boat, while the RAV4, with its especially useful third row seat, is a top choice for those who plan to go mostly on road. The Liberty’s interior is quite cramped, though. The Sportage, RAV4, and Escape all benefit from carlike handling to bring more security to curvy roads. Then there’s the Grand Vitara’s cumbersome spare tire on the back hatch, which handicaps cargo loading (and visibility, slightly); the RAV4 also follows this silly arrangement.

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See the Suzuki Grand Vitara in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999

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