Suzuki Grand Vitara Opinions
- Thread starter Gerry
- Start date
lifeverlasting78
Cathlete
Hi Gerry!
I've had a Suzuki Forenza for about 4 years now (I bought it new at the end of 2005, but it was a 2006 model), and I have not had any problems with it at all besides regular maintenance. It came with free oil changes and inspections for life as well as a 7 year, 100,000 mile full (bumper to bumper) warranty. It was less than $10K too (came to a bit over after taxes of course), so it was a great investment for me. It drives well, although the tires that came on the car were horrible in the rain!!! I did have to get new tires because of that, but now it's fine in bad weather. But this one is reliable and I have to say I love it because of that! The body of the car is still in great condition, but my hubby keeps it nice with washes and waxes. It runs smooth and is roomy & comfy!
I know you asked about the Grand Vitara, but I figured I'd let you know my experience with Suzuki in general.
Hope this helps and good luck!
I've had a Suzuki Forenza for about 4 years now (I bought it new at the end of 2005, but it was a 2006 model), and I have not had any problems with it at all besides regular maintenance. It came with free oil changes and inspections for life as well as a 7 year, 100,000 mile full (bumper to bumper) warranty. It was less than $10K too (came to a bit over after taxes of course), so it was a great investment for me. It drives well, although the tires that came on the car were horrible in the rain!!! I did have to get new tires because of that, but now it's fine in bad weather. But this one is reliable and I have to say I love it because of that! The body of the car is still in great condition, but my hubby keeps it nice with washes and waxes. It runs smooth and is roomy & comfy!
I know you asked about the Grand Vitara, but I figured I'd let you know my experience with Suzuki in general.
Hope this helps and good luck!
lainiefig
Cathlete
My mom had one--but it was a few years ago so I can't speak to the newer ones. She liked it but we felt like we were riding in a bucket of bolts every time we rode with her. It was like being on a bumpy rollercoaster--you could feel every dang bounce. I hated that car. But if you give it a long enough test drive (maybe try to go down some side streets) you'll know if that's still an issue or just an older model problem.
GMonkey
Cathlete
Yahoo has a section with car reviews by owners and test-drivers. You can look it up by make and model.
I do admire the fact that this model had horrible safety ratings one year, and by the very next model year, it received among the top ratings. Most large car companies would take years to improve safety ratings, and they did it in one year.
I do admire the fact that this model had horrible safety ratings one year, and by the very next model year, it received among the top ratings. Most large car companies would take years to improve safety ratings, and they did it in one year.
BarbaraP
Active Member
I had a 2000 Grand Vitara and I loved it. DH talked me into getting a newer vehicle in 2003 though. iMine was a standard shift so it handled well...I do not think automatic shifts handle anywhere near as well as standard shifts do.,,,I am now driving an automatic for the first time since 1970 (got it last year) because my son is learing to drive and I hate it. Huge difference. Anyway, mine was great but like I said, standard shifts make a big difference.
Barb
Barb
I don't have this car, but I looked in the latest Consumer Reports Car issue (April 09), and they give the car high marks for safety. They don't have data on reliability since it's a new model. They didn't like the ride in the 4-cylinder version. It also doesn't seem to have great mileage (19 MPG for the 4-cylinder).
Hope that helps.