2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara - Expert Reviews
Expert Reviews from Around the Web
We have scoured the web for expert reviews of this car and found the best ones for you to read. Found 6 reviews. This list is displayed in ranked order based the reviews we think are the best.| Ranking | Details |
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| #1 |
2008 suzuki grand vitara Professional Edmunds ReviewSource: Edmunds...and include stability control, traction control, antilock disc brakes, full-length side-curtain airbags and front seat side-impact airbags. In government crash tests, Suzuki's SUV earned four stars (out of a possible top score of five) for both driver and passenger in frontal crash protection. Side-impact tests resulted in a perfect five-star rating. Interior Design and Special Features: Since its 2006 redesign, the five-passenger Grand Vitara's interior is one of the best we've seen in any Suzuki -- and competes well with compact SUV class leaders. Soft textures and flowing lines abound... |
| #2 |
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Professional Cars.com ReviewSource: Cars.com...If you need a third row, Suzuki will happily sell you an XL-7. Handling is pretty good, though the Grand Vitara moves around quite a bit in a crosswind. The ride is above-average on all but the harshest surfaces. One of the selling points of the Grand Vitara, particularly the base model, is the long list of safety features, including anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, side and side-curtain air bags and daytime running lights. Also standard: Air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, a decent stereo and power windows... |
| #3 |
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara OverviewSource: CarGurus...The top-of-the-line Luxury goes all out with heated leather seats and leather trim, wood accents, and heated mirrors. All trims offer ABS brakes, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, and traction and stability control, which help them earn four- and five-star crash ratings. The only engine is a rather weak 2.7-liter, 185-hp V6 with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. It rates around 17/22 mpg and can tow up to 3,000 pounds.The 2008 Grand Vitara gets high marks for its interior room. The SUV seats four in two rows, with 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear... |
| #4 |
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Professional Cars.com ReviewSource: Cars.com...That said, the Grand Vitara's driveline noticeably binds when you turn with the steering wheel turned all the way. Not to say it's damaging itself, but it doesn't feel right. Going & Stopping For a V-6 with paltry mileage, the Grand Vitara's acceleration is merely adequate. Our friends at MotorWeek clocked a comparably equipped 4WD Grand Vitara automatic's 0-60 mph time at 9.0 seconds. Rear-wheel drive or a manual transmission (or both) would make for quicker sprints. Though a four-cylinder has been rumored for the 2009 model year, pokier acceleration is practically guaranteed. A stronger V-6... |
| #5 |
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Professional Cars.com ReviewSource: Cars.com...Either way, I had what appeared to be a small mess. After an unsuccessful cleanup attempt with a baby wipe, though, I realized round two would require a more robust cleaning strategy. I was aghast at how much effort it took to rub the small streaks of yogurt out of the cloth interior. This should have been a minor task, but my red, raw scrubbing hands on that frigid day would tell another story. Yet more proof that cloth seats are to be avoided at any cost. Suzuki's Grand Vitara wasn't thrilling to drive, but it's pleasant enough - and pleasure becomes relative when price enters the mix. If... |
| #6 |
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Professional Cars.com ReviewSource: Cars.com...Antilock brakes incorporate electronic brake-force distribution, and an electronic stability system is standard. Driving Impressions Except for occasionally awkward, almost jerky, automatic-transmission operation — especially on upgrades — the Grand Vitara performs and behaves capably. Failure to upshift on upgrades can result in the engine revving rather high (and loudly) for a long period. On downgrades, the transmission sometimes downshifts with a slight clunk. Downshifts may arrive sooner than expected, suggesting a lack of power at certain engine speeds. Acceleration is good but not... |
Why should I also consider these?
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.
