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Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 through 2008

1048 messages,  Last post on Jan 14, 2012 at 11:29 AM

You are in the Suzuki Grand Vitara/Vitara Forum.

What is this discussion about? Suzuki Grand Vitara, SUV

Messages Page 58 of 106

#566 of 1048 Re: First impressions of Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 [rszabo] by norwoodsmn

Jun 27, 2006 (11:20 am)

Replying to: rszabo (Jun 16, 2006 5:06 pm)
G'day from the wilds of Canada! Happy you're so happy, and really what's not to like about this vehicle, vs. the competition? So why bitch? For yrs. truly, it's because of a lack of model/features diversity, with the intro of the new GV. For instance, why no LESS COMPLEX 4 cylinder, more fuel efficient, distinct "Vitara" model? Yes, we know a 4 cylinder engined new GV is available in other parts of the world, but I've wondered, (and no doubt you did too?), just how would it haul around all that weight dressed up in it's fancy new GV "clothing"? Probably not too well.....
 
Here's what we do know: the euro diesel with stump pulling torque, (a real Outback rig mate!), gets 36 US mgp, city/highway COMBINED, yet it seems only fox hunters in merry olde England can have one. Pray do tell Suzuki, why the hell is that....?
 
Further, we [now] know the new Suzuki SX-4 "crossover" all wheel drive, (a Toyota Matrix fighter, due out here at the end of summer), paradoxically has at least one highly desirable fuel economy enhancing feature that the new GV does not. Namely, the awd feature can be disengaged for two wheel drive operation only. Why not in the new GV? So really we all ought to care ALOT about the fuel economy of the new GV in many world markets, vs. how vastly much better it is RIGHT NOW (with the diesel. Also, why not care too while were at it, that they didn't give it a part time 4wd system? I care.....
 
The [AN INCONVENIANT TRUTH] of the matter, is, much as we ALL basically like, (if not loved to the point of rage?, when any "deviant ideas" are posed about any aspect of the new GV), IS, we NEED some green new GV options, world wide, (if not a smaller basic "Vitara" model too),
 
                  A. S. A. P.
 
if Suzuki wishes to hold onto at least this writer's 4wd brand loyalty. Other options? Even the Jeep Liberty has now begun to offer a diesel engine option. Further, if you really want to get out there to tie them roo's and crocks down mate, afterall, the Toyota FJ cruiser would FAR more reliably get you there and back, (for the same initial price of admission), with a scant 1 mpg city/highway mileage penalty, EVEN WITH THAT GIGANTIC ENGINE UNDER THE HOOD!
 
So just how does all this add up? I don't pretend to have all the answers, unlike at least one other poster to this site. Instead, I remain tuned in here to continue to try to see if the word GREEN might suddenly pop up on Suzuki's 4wd vehicles radar screen.....
 
Norwoodsmn.
 
ps: Qutoe of the day: "Read books. They can be good for the [open] mind." Nwdsm.

#567 of 1048 Re: First impressions of Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 [rszabo] by norwoodsmn

Jun 27, 2006 (12:00 pm)

Replying to: rszabo (Jun 16, 2006 5:06 pm)
PS: For comparison purposes:
 
2006 Jeep Liberty Sport Diesel 4X4
2.8L Common-Rail Diesel, 1-4 engine 295 lb-ft
torque 1,800 RPM, (plus all the bells and whistles
that are there on the new GV). Base model listed for the same price as the loaded new GV, PLUS in Imperial measurements:
 
10.9L/100 km (26mpg) City; 9.5L/100km (33mpg) highway. However, the euro diesel "New GV" gets even better mileage.
 
yrs. truly: Norwoodsmn.

#569 of 1048 Re: First impressions of Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 [rszabo] by budman3

Jun 27, 2006 (4:54 pm)

Replying to: rszabo (Jun 16, 2006 5:06 pm)
rszabo, you will notice that most of the criticisms come from individuals who don't actually own a GV and never will. It comes from READING too much about the GV and not really experiencing the joys and capabilities of the GV. I, too, am hoping for the perfect vehicle, but for now will enjoy what I HAVE.
I can feel my front seat start to twitch now.
p.s. quote of the day; drink beer, it loosens the soul.

#570 of 1048 First impressions by rszabo

Jun 27, 2006 (5:16 pm)

G'day Budman3 and Norwoodsmn from Australia. Prior to purchasing our V4 4WD Suzuki Grand Vitara I have had 3 toyota 4 cylinder pickups (all purchased new) my wife has her second toyota corolla. Surprisingly my last 2.7L 4 cylinder totoya pickup with only 10K on the clock was on par with the V6 Suzuki 4WD regarding fuel consumption. I have also noticed a definite decline in build quality of toyotas. I believe toyotas are now assembled in Thailand and South Africa, dont know whether this is the reason why. Diesel, here in Australia costs much more than petrol and diesel in Australia is of very poor quality. I was not impressed by the toyota Rav4, or the nissan Xtrail (notorious here for the ?transmission overheating in sand, and the motor cutting out until it cools down. I remain very impressed by our suzuki grand vitara. Having a beer or 2 for you budman3.
 
Take care.
 
Cheers
Ron

#571 of 1048 BUMPY RIDE ! by manoj

Jun 27, 2006 (7:36 pm)

I just bought the XSport Package 2006, and I feel the Ride is very BUMPY; giving the feeling of the entire road as if the Vitara has no Suspension in both front and rear ; its that bumpy? Does anyone have the same feel ? Is it bcoz the tire-pressure pre-set by factory is very high compared to recommended pressure ?
 
Can it a alignment issue for making it so BUMPY??? Even on Free-way I can feel each and very small bump invisible to the eyes too!
  
How many here gave got their Vitara Front and Rear Aligned ?

#572 of 1048 Re: First impressions of Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 [norwoodsmn] by xostnot

Jun 27, 2006 (7:39 pm)

Replying to: norwoodsmn (Jun 27, 2006 12:00 pm)
I've been critical of aspects of the new GV, and last time I looked, there's an '06 JLX-L in my garage. I would think a forum like this is exactly the sort of place where owners, prospective owners, and other interested parties would gather, not just to sing praises of the GV, but to discuss shortcomings and problems also. If we restricted ourselves to being satisfied with what we have, we'd still be living in caves.
 
I think anyone researching whether to buy a GV is intelligent to take the criticism in the context of all the other information.
 
I have to note the continuing virtual absence of significant problems with the new GV. At this rate, it should rack up some impressive reliability scores.
 
Norwoodsman has tilled some fertile ground. (acutally, norwoodsman, I thought you'd gone off to buy an FJ) My understanding is that the biggest obstacle to selling diesels in North America is our dirty sulphur-laden diesel fuel. I imagine the diesel engines sold elsewhere in the world cannot be cost-effectively adapted to this garbage. I also understand that legislation is on the books to force the refiners to make cleaner diesel within a few years. Yawn. (and expect the cleaner stuff to cost more.) Meanwhile I wage my own personal war on the vast stupidity of the oil companies by minimizing how much I drive. It's not hard to do, and improves your quality of life.
 
I have seen a rumour on cartalkcanada that the Liberty diesel was just discontinued. After making the mistake of buying a Chrysler product, I won't do that again, which is why we never considered the Liberty, diesel or not.
 
The FJ is not a direct competitor to the GV. I doubt the real mileage will be as close to the GV's as Toyota claims. The back seat is not suitable for adults. "4 REAL doors good, 2 doors BAD" And comparably equipped it is very much more expensive than the GV. For some, it will be a better choice. Not me.
 
The Rav4 sold in North America is made in Japan.
 
Let's wait and see what Suzuki does with the GV for the '07 models. But I'm not expecting a diesel for North America until there's cleaner fuel. Hopefully they'll have a model just for norwoodsman!

#573 of 1048 Re: BUMPY RIDE ! [manoj] by xostnot

Jun 27, 2006 (7:45 pm)

Replying to: manoj (Jun 27, 2006 7:36 pm)
I think it depends on what you're used to. I was used to a '91 Pathfinder, so the GV is fine. The suspension is relatively stiff. The upside is that you'll never bottom out, the car sits in balance at speed on undulating pavement and on corners, and it's nice for off-roading. Not everyone's cup of tea. It would have benefitted from shock absorbers with two stiffness settings, as the Pathfinder came equipped with. But, anything like that shows up in the price.
 
Ours came with 29lb tire pressure, and it's supposed to be 32. An alignment won't help suspension stiffness, and ours has not needed an alignment. The 17" rims with correspondingly low profile tires are a major culprit in transmitting impacts from pavement breaks into the car. I really dislike Suzuki bundling the 17" rims with the low range.

#574 of 1048 Re: BUMPY RIDE ! [manoj] by budman3

Jun 28, 2006 (6:15 am)

Replying to: manoj (Jun 27, 2006 7:36 pm)
I will offer my opinion on this one and hopefully it will help you out.
I agree with xostnot, the alignment shouldn't make a difference. When we drove our GV home, we also felt every bump. The tires had 45psi from the factory. We adjusted them to specs and all is good.
The front "toe" was adjusted to correct the knife edging of the front tires.

#575 of 1048 Re: First impressions of Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 [xostnot] by budman3

Jun 28, 2006 (6:42 am)

Replying to: xostnot (Jun 27, 2006 7:39 pm)
"I think anyone researching to buy a GV is intelligent to take the criticism in the context of all the other information."
 
I agree, but your key word is "buy".
To constantly give the GV a bad rap doesn't prove any intelligence or useful research if it's only negative.
Is the GV perfect? No. I hope they make some changes, but for now, it works just fine and maybe in a couple years I'll buy another one with all the improvements.

Messages Page 58 of 106

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