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2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Quality Review

October 31, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

rear seat is short on legroom
Cars.com

ample headroom and foot space
ConsumerGuide

interior storage compartments are lacking
Edmunds

seats feel like airliner surplus
Motor Trend

far louder at idle than any other engine
Car and Driver

Reviewers around the Web fault the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara’s lack of refinement, along with its seating and space, though its fit and finish earn kudos.

ConsumerGuide reports that Suzuki 2008 "leather-upholstered seats have an overly firm cushion and insufficient lumbar support," adding that "cloth seats are softer but also need more lumbar support." Kelley Blue Book says "comfortable front seats provide good lateral support while the seatbacks of the 60/40-split rear bench offer adjustable reclining and room for two six-foot adults or three kids."

Cars.com observes that "modest cargo space behind the rear seat can be expanded from 23.4 to 50.2 cubic feet by folding down the split rear seat"; according to ConsumerGuide, "space is good behind the rear seat," but Edmunds contends that Suzuki Grand Vitara "interior storage compartments are lacking...luggage capacity is a meager 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up."

Inside the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara, ConsumerGuide reports that "the cabin is a smart blend of hard plastic surfaces and padded panels; nothing looks or feels cheap." Motor Trend adds that the Suzuki Grand Vitara "fit and finish is solid, with no squeaks, rattles, or untoward panel gaps," but "the seats feel like airliner surplus in comfort and material quality."

Car and Driver comments that the Suzuki 2008 engine is "far louder at idle than any other engine here"; ConsumerGuide notes "moderate road, bump, and wind noise," which "increases markedly above 65 mph."

However, ride quality stands as a positive. Edmunds reports that "city driving feels smoother and more carlike compared to other body-on-frame truck-based SUVs.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara feels smaller but better finished than many rivals.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:rear seat is short on legroomCars.comample headroom and foot spaceConsumerGuideinterior storage compartments are lackingEdmundsseats feel like airliner surplusMotor Trendfar louder at idle than any other engineCar and Driver Reviewers around the Web fault the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara’s lack of refinement, along with its seating and space, though its fit and finish earn kudos. ConsumerGuide reports that Suzuki 2008 "leather-upholstered seats have an overly firm cushion and insufficient lumbar support," adding that "cloth seats are softer but also need more lumbar support." Kelley Blue Book says "comfortable front seats provide good lateral support while the seatbacks of the 60/40-split rear bench offer adjustable reclining and room for two six-foot adults or three kids." Cars.com observes that "modest cargo space behind the rear seat can be expanded from 23.4 to 50.2 cubic feet by folding down the split rear seat"; according to ConsumerGuide, "space is good behind the rear seat," but Edmunds contends that Suzuki Grand Vitara "interior storage compartments are lacking...luggage capacity is a meager 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up." Inside the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara, ConsumerGuide reports that "the cabin is a smart blend of hard plastic surfaces and padded panels; nothing looks or feels cheap." Motor Trend adds that the Suzuki Grand Vitara "fit and finish is solid, with no squeaks, rattles, or untoward panel gaps," but "the seats feel like airliner surplus in comfort and material quality." Car and Driver comments that the Suzuki 2008 engine is "far louder at idle than any other engine here"; ConsumerGuide notes "moderate road, bump, and wind noise," which "increases markedly above 65 mph." However, ride quality stands as a positive. Edmunds reports that "city driving feels smoother and more carlike compared to other body-on-frame truck-based SUVs.” ConclusionThe 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara feels smaller but better finished than many rivals.  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.

Next Steps:

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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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