1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara

5 spd fun to drive. good solid suv

By jim (OR) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 95,000

Pros: "fun to drive, capable"

Cons: "burns a little oil"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car new in Nov. 2000. A few early problems fixed under warrenty. Since then not a problem. I would buy it again."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great, reliable vehicle with no major problems!

By Climbergirl (MN) on Sunday, March 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 130,000

Pros: "Reliable, easy to maintain"

Cons: "Small SUV that drives more like a truck"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this vehicle used from a fleet manager special (only driven by the dealer). I have owned it for over ten years and had no problems with it. It has only required routine maintenance. I love the 4WD "shift on the fly" option, going back and forth is so easy. The seats are very comfortable too."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Very reliable mini suv

By Luke (NJ) on Thursday, April 12, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 137,000

Pros: "very inexpensive when purchased new, bulletproof"

Cons: "underside rusting will result from parking on dirt"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

when not being used to commute....

"Overall I have found the grand vitara to be a very reliable car, i have never had any serious engine problems or very costly problems otherwise. the engine does leak oil VERY slowly from the rightside valve cover but so slowly the oil rarely needs to be added to before an oil change is due. The only serious problem i have encountered is that the underside of the car tends to rust (which may simply be a result of parking it on dirt for all 12 years of its existence and not really a reflection on the quality of the car). this rusting has resulted in replacing some exaust hangers, a brake line, and a small hole in the frame, non of which are extremely costly repairs. Onto the good, the engine has surprising pep for such a small v6, likely due to it's suzuki motorcycle inspiration. the rest of the drive train (transmission, differential, transfer case, etc.) is completely bulletproof, showing no problems whatsoever. i did finally have to replace the clutch a few weeks ago, but after 137,000 miles which is phenomenal life for a clutch! The suspension is a little stiff, but that comes with the territory of a mini suv, and has held up wonderfully to some moderate off-roading i do in my spare time.on the whole i am very impressed with the design and longevity of this car, and intend to keep it for many years to come"

24 people out of 26 found this review helpful

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By lady di (IA) on Tuesday, January 31, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 196,000

Pros: "Very spacious, hauled a lot of furniture."

Cons: "Near the end of its life, gas effeciency was poor."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This has been an extremely reliable vehicle. I will miss it. I never thought that I would ever find a less expensive SUV to replace my previous car which was a 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo. I bought it in 2000 and until recently only had minor problems. However, it is now 13 yrs old, the engine is smoking and the rear diff is going out."

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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stay away from this tiny money hole

By muscletech (WI) on Tuesday, January 31, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 71,000

Pros: "price"

Cons: "engine, brakes, lack of get up and go , poor mpg"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"Grand Vitara , It was cost u grands! The engine has a serious flaw. Timing tensioner #1 for the times chain has a bad design and will fail . U will hear a ticking noise when the engine is cold for about 5 seconds. This is the start of the problem. Noise will get worse over time and eventually it will fail all together causing the pistons to hit and bend the valves. Cost of repair before engine fails 1500.00 after engine fails oh about 3000.00."

8 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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Great vehicle

By Rocky (MI) on Monday, January 09, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 116,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought my 2004 Grand Vitara LX from 1st owner with 83,400 miles in 2009 and now have 116,000. 20mpg is best I can get, but rest of vehicle and performance is well worth it. 4WD will let it go anywhere and great on snow/slippery roads. Front wheel seal just started leaking and that's only problem I've had til now. Have replaced serpentine belt and both rotors/pads. Have oil/filter changed every 3000miles and tuned up at 100K, and will keep this "little jewel" until one of us dies."

7 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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