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I'm the happy owner of a new 2006 GV, and the previous owner of a 2001 GV...Anyways, I've noticed that an obvious ticking noise emanates from the engine compartment when the engine is warm and idle. Has anyone noted this on theirs, or do a have a new engine problem on my hands? Coming from the older GV's with bad timing chain tensioners this worries me quite a bit... Thanks! Noel
Just what I feared. If I'm inside the cabin I can't hear the noise either, but once I step outside it is pretty obvious. If this is indeed a problem I wonder what could be wrong with an engine with just over 1000 miles on it? Guess a trip to the dealer is in order...just my luck.
I think I've seen something like this discussed with respect to the XL7, whose 2.7l V6 is the same as, or almost the same as the '06 GV's. I haven't noticed this with ours, but haven't been looking for it either. At least it will be a warranty issue this time.
I don't think you can get any model '06 GV without it. Presumably you could take it off, but I can't see how much ugly stuff that would reveal besides the bumper cutout. Not as dramatic as removing the spare from the Rav4's, which have the spare faired into the hatch.
They also criticised the fuel economy thingy which is useless. They said the Suzuki will improve this for '07. This is why I posted this link- this is the first change for an '07 model acknowledged by Suzuki!
Went to he dealer today, and as expected, the service manager said the ticking is normal for these engines. So, doubtful me, asked to hear a couple other news ones on the lot. Guess what? They ticked as well! So I guess it is normal for this engine. Anyways, with a 100k warranty I'm not gonna worry about it...
the 06 grand vitara is appealing to me for many reasons. what would make it even better is if the rear seats can be removed once folded up (which then press on the front seatbacks - i'm 6'2" - so my seat is pretty far back). naturally, any seats can be removed if you tinker enough with some tools...but is it an easy thing to do in grand vitara? as in, were the made to be removed? do they just pop out with the flip of a lever or switcj?
OK, you got my curiosity. I went out and started mine up cold and let it warm up. Sounds like the ticking is valve train noise, because it's coming from both sides. Something you may not be used to compared to other motors, but it wouldn't tick me off. At least you now have it documented at the dealer. You can sleep well tonight.
I haven't removed the plastic covers yet that hide the rear seat hinges. I bet there's a way to make them removable. Probably not unbolting them. If the front seats are any sign, they use special bolt heads.
I used to have a first-generation Pathfinder. To make enough room to sleep in it, you had to remove the unremovable back seat bottom cushions. This was accomplished by replacing the hinge pins with bolts and wingnuts. I'm interested in this, and will investigate further when I get the service manual I'm patiently waiting to be delivered.
Having installed a trip computer in our 1990 car, taken from a more expensive version of the same car, I'll be interested to see if the GV's trip computer can be retrofitted. Better yet, just flash a bios for free.
I removed the plastic covers. Sort of a pain. i thought they were going to break unless you know how to release them from the bottom. Didn't look like a simple task to unbolt the seats so i gave up.
What the GV needs is a multimode mileage readout.One mode can still be instant mileage, then average mpg, miles to go before running out and gallons used. My '06 GTO has this. Interestingly enough, the only other car I have driven that came with this feature was my '87 Audi 5000! So, obviously, the tech has been around forever and it could easily be fitted on the GV. It'll be interesting to see how many of the little complaints about the current '06 GV are gone in the '07. This can speak alot about how responsive Suzuki is becoming to what the customer wants.
Just looking for some opinions on the 2006 GV . It looks really nice and most of the reviews I have read have been more than favorable . I guess never having owned a ZUKE before I was wondering about the realibity ? Are they any worse than other brands if you do regular maintenance on them ? They seemed pretty nice when I looked at them at the auto show . I would say the only thing missing would be maybe a better V6 along the lines of Honda's 3.5 liter 250 HP V6 which they use in the Saturn Vue and it gets 28 MPG highway . Now that would make the GV the ultimate small SUV . Thanks for any opinions.
Yes, you could get trip computers on all sorts of cheap Chrysler cars around '89-90, like the Plymouth Acclaim, Dodge Spirit, and various minivans. I doubt it costs the manufacturer more than a few bucks to put these in. In fact, in this day and age, I think every car should have one. It's time we regarded mileage as important as speed.
Our '06 GV JLX-L is my first Suzuki. We've only had it since Christmas, but compared to the litany of complaints showing up on Nissan suv sites, the GV seems to have much better initial build quality. It is made in Japan, while most of the competition, even import brands, are now made in the US or Mexico.
Our only build quality issues are a warped outside mirror, and a leather seat bottom that went baggy right away. Suzuki will be looking at them on Monday.
I recently saw a build quality commentary somewhere, maybe as part of the review someone recently posted a link to in this discussion. It said Suzuki is in the top half of all manufacturers for overall quality. Given that the pricing is certainly not in the top half, that translates into exceptional value. Browsing Suzuki car/truck forums etc. does not turn up horror shows like you find on many sites. The site where '06 GV owners gather has so far not see any significant problems posted.
I suspect the Vue gets better highway mileage because it operates in 2wd most of the time, and the longer body means better air flow over the body at highway speeds.
Hi from ye Norwoods. Great reliability when maintained by the book. Engines pretty bulletproof regardless of the dated design of the XL-7 derivative engine in the "new" GV. But we seem to have arrived at some concensus here that it'll be gettin' a new 3.2 liter asap?
As a long time owner of the brand, I've been looking at this one too. FYI, it would be remiss here not to place some real heads up emphasis on the potential significance of the first year new model factor, something that can be a "notable one" for a Suzuki. Yes, we know the engine well so it should soldier on longer than you'd be likely to keep the vehicle. But, (for instance), what do any of us know about the Daimler Benz tec sourced gizmos controlling the drive line? Methinks one would want to consider looking at buying an extended warranty, if you were buying now with the intention of hanging onto it.
We've heard from dclark2 here who seems to be the future engine source expert, but just who knows what out there, again, about the DB tec sourced driveline design? IE: what application(s) does it serve in DB form in other vehicles? Further, knowing Mercedees vehicles have had reliability issues in the past, are some of 'em driveline related ones where this tec has been used out on the roads now for "X" amount of time, or? Also, is this design used in Merceedes "soft roaders" or is it "lifted" out of models made of sterner stuff? Some pretty reasonable questions to pose here, I think. Further, though I've come around to thinking the base non low range transfer case equipped awd model might work for many of us outside of more demanding 4wd situations, is the suspension and driveline toughness of that base model the same as what's found on the high end transfer case equipped model? Is it soft roader, or is it actually designed sufficiently so one could thrash it around in the bush a bit? Who knows? One problem with Suzuki dealerships is such questions are likely to only elicit blank stares, as your "answer". So my point is, I think we all have alot more to learn about this model, (probably mostly right here), until some long(er) term ownership reviews are available. For now we just have to accept it on good faith that this MAY be the Zuke of our dreams. But only time will tell just exactly HOW GOOD Suzuki is actually commited to making it [be so]. Stay tuned.....
Saturn was a choice for us but we had many issues with the car we had and the dealerships. Also the nearest dealer was over 2 hours away. If the GV had 250hp, it would be awesome but so would the price. People would then want 270hp or more. We all have good things to say about the GV. If we focused on the things that should have been put into the GV we would be looking at a more expensive suv and the comparisons would be different. It's not a BMW or Lexus, but it sure feels and looks like one. OK, maybe not, but you can see my point. We could all share our opinions and each would focus on something different, motor, transmission, ride, gas mileage, etc. We do get 24mpg hwy and that's 80mph with the a/c on. 17" tires and 2wd help. The VUE might claim 28mpg, but go to a forum and ask if they are actually getting that. For us, the V6 is more than adequate. The warranty and roadside assistance is excellent. So far we haven't had any problems, but we only have 5k miles on it. If I were to say anything negative it would be the cheesy gas mileage indicator and lack of illumination on the steering wheel controls. Neither would have kept us from purchasing. The biggest joke is the XM ready radio and shouldn't even be advertised. I think from Suzuki it's $399 PLUS installation. One dealer wanted $800 for the installed product. We purchased the mobile MyFi from XM for less than $100 and use it everywhere. Take it for a test drive. Give us your opinions and what you decide to purchase.
big thanks to budman and xostnot for actually trying to get the back seats out on their own '06 grand vitara. just goes to show how helpful this forum can be.
when i asked the dealer about this, he and i went to work trying to see how far we could go before tools were necessary to remove the back seats. he's calling the manufacturer for me to get a set of instructions...i'll pass them along if/when that happens.
and so... i stopped by the suzuki dealership yesterday at dusk and was offered some screaming deals on the premium and luxury editions of the '06 grand vitara. the closest dealership was not close by...and when i got there, the dealer flat out told me they don't sell too many of the pricier editions of the car because of the neighborhood they're in...they mostly sell the base trim. i was surprised to learn the prices on the upper trims were about 2k lower than what edmunds lists.
crawled all over the car to check it out first hand after waaaaaaay too much research online. all i can say is nice car. i've never owned a suzuki, i've never thought about buying one until now, and they really did a good job with this new grand vitara. i've already seen the new rav4, and i didn't even want to take a closer look at the yoyota dealership across the street. yes, it has more power than the grand vitara, but the gv has way more presonality and there aren't a bazillion of them already on the road.
good things (mostly echoing what's already been said)...solid build, nice materials, warranty, features for the price, drives well for this category of car, dealer willing to give deep discounts, styling inside and out (from some angles, this car looks like the new mercedes suv and from other angles like an acura mdx while also having it's own more chiseled "look"), nearly hidden roof rack, feel of the controls/buttons/switches, solid feel to doors when closing
bad things...(again, echoing) radio/cruise on steering wheel don't light up at night, the keyless entry was finicky - you almost had to lean onto the car to get the car to recognize the key fob, spare tire cover rattles when back door closes, too many different interior light colors on instruments when driving at night - red,orange,blue,white AND green??? - pick one or two suzuki!, back seats don't seam to want to come out (i know they're not supposed to)...
and then there's the leather seat issue. the leather in the gv is very soft and supple and of decent quality, but far too thin for the cover of a seat. going by feel along, i'd say the leather seating surfaces in the grand vitara are about 1/2 the thickness of the leather in my mercedes wagon. those leather seats are 16 years old now and show absolutely no signs of cracking, stretching, etc. i do take good care of them though and they hav gusstes/pleats so they don't stretch. to remedy this, all suzuki needs to do is increase the thickness of the leather covers, or add some pleats in the seat bottom leather to allow for our movement.
the leather seats do look very nice though.
thanks again for everyone's help in this forum. i've been reading these for some time. the best part is gettng info about suzuki from old and new fans of the brand. it's also good knowing there are still some (well, one i guess) car manufacturers out there that offer what seems to be a great car at a great price.
While new car models typically have "teething" problems in the first year, my research into Suzuki's indicated they don't seem to suffer from this. Maybe I'm wrong, but that was my impression. The on-line discussions of the new GV seem to be remarkably free of build quality issues.
Changing the subject, some of us were talking about how to tie canoes to the front end of the GV. I took a closer look today, and under the front air dam are two nice tow hooks. Actually they're loops. You'd need some padding to preserve the paint, but they are perfect for bow ropes.
The GV is in to the dealer for the first oil change on Tuesday, and I've asked them to check out the stretched leather in the drivers seat.
In the next few minutes, I'm also uploading a new picture of the GV out in the mountains.
Hi, This is my first SUV so please excuse what many of you might consider a dumb question, but please...what is ESP, and why or when is it used? The manual really doesn't cover these questions...it appears that they expect us to already know what it is and what its for. Thanks. Janis
Never a dumb question here. ESP is electronic stability program. You can turn it off when under 19mph or certain 4wd ranges. It senses unusual steering or tire slippage and will apply brakes to individual wheels and cut engine power in order to regain control.
Concerning the issue of new vehicle, (or in the case of the new GV), an "all new" vehicle's reliability, to help continue the discussion, I'd suggest one might want to pick up a copy of Consumer Reports [annual] 2006 vehicle review issue, on the news stands now. There are generic points of interest in there [only] of course as the new GV is too new to have generated any LONG TERM reliability data. So we all just have to wait and see, maybe two or three years down the road for the real proof of the mettle of exactly what Suzuki has produced for us...
CU's ominiously titled feature segment "Reliability, progress has stalled", and specifically the paragraph FIRST YEAR BLUES [therein], provides a lot of food for thought. Ditto elsewhere the potential downstream service/reliability related problems being engendered by manufactuerers as they rush to be able to breathlessly announce their latest introduction of veritable "quantum leaps worth" of complex new technology into their vehicles. Guess that's the emotional vehicular equivalent to the olde sayin' sex sells, to alot of consumers in the automotive marketplace today, eh?
For Suzuki the new GV is pretty much nothing less than their own equivalent of staging a moon shot.... But will it be usn's that END up getting "mooned" instead, if for instance those complex electronic diveline control bits and pieces prove xostnot quite up to snuff, particularly in view of the way you [and I would] intend to use a new GV from time to time? Again at this very juncture, who can say? So these must remain only questions for now, and I expect you'll be the one to answer them for [us] here, with some more clicks on the odo...
Pretty incredibly, while CU clearly doesn't like the XL-7, two things, that vehicle was listed as Suzuki's most reliable. No coincidence there I'd postulate, due to it's also now being at the very end of it's model run, after they've screwed together how ever XL-7 many of them.... But now back to Suzuki's moon shot equivalent effort with the new GV. To me the HUGE issue on the table for Suzuki, potentially, might be, what could happen to the brand if all this new complexity is not accompanied by reliability down the road? Would they drag their feet to perfect "things" as they seem to have in the past, or make the significant investments necessary to actually keep them cutting edge automotive products after that new car smell begins to wane? Again, these are only questions here, for which there are no answers [yet].
But if there ARE any "Merc" guys out there who know fairly precisely where the driveline design bits and pieces [design] exactly came from, (what specific applications in some Merceedes models???), that would be some pretty fascinatin' info to add into our quivers, eh?
Ditto tow hooks for canoe ropes. maybe look for frame end drain holes on the opposite side? At least they're there on old Rusty, my trusty....
Oops! pretty different "frame" down underneath there for canoe rope securing! Does it have tow hooks on both sides fore and aft? Always thought they should have. While I've got ya, how did the stock tire tread work for you out there in the snow?
Oh yes, based on what they wrote, despite not liking the XL-7 much, Consumer Reports DID give it the benediciton of receiving it's recommended check mark! I'm confused....
So new GV reliability benchmarks to watch for?, CR's April '07 issue this time next year, if they feel there is enough data for them to make a judgement by then. Plus of course since we're all here, obviously we'll eventually want to refer to "the bible" for Edmunds long term new GV reliability data.
"But if there ARE any "Merc" guys out there who know fairly precisely where the driveline design bits and pieces [design] exactly came from, (what specific applications in some Merceedes models???), that would be some pretty fascinatin' info to add into our quivers, eh?"
Most everyone, especially the germans, uses parts from Delphi and Bosch. Even my german built Jetta is built with Delphi stuff( I replaced a brake sensor with the Delphi name). Mercedes, like everyone else, doesn't make their own controls; they subcontract them out. The only company that I am aware of that made all of their own stuff (right down to the ball bearings in the wheels) was International Harvestor (remember their suv?).
International Harvestor. Ya, way "INDUSTRIAL" as I recall. Did you know Porsche made a farm tractor? Had a '67 911-s, (whoa!), and two classic 57 coupes, but I digress... But [for me] equally incongruously as was Porsche's "sod turner", given Suzuki's past history, are they now not so subtly beginning to abandon the "Utility" word appearing behind a more psuedo sport moniker? Surely you've already confirmed that's the case re: the XL-7 replacement... Not even a reinforced frame under there like the new GV? I'm still tryin' to wrap my grey matter around that revelation... Geeze, Sport, as in LeMans, (no, not the race in France in June), but like the old North American domestic... What's next?
Again, citing your VW reference, and the living nightmares those [generic?] electronic control bits caused friends here with their otherwise wonderful late model Passat wagon,(pre the '07 Passat), note that they HAD to bail before the warranty expired. Specifically because of the reliability issues caused by the level of complexity/reliability related issues there.
So further down the tracks with this train of thought,
1.) Again, how has this DB sourced driveline design worked on the road or off in similar, (if there have been any truly similar), DB or other prior vehicle applications? And again, are the root design elements of soft or off road gestation?
2.) Aside from sheer physical durability questions, what is the history of the reliability of the electronic control bits in such prior DB applications?
3.) The answer I'd most like to hear, (probably everyone else here too?), would a third one that hopefully Suzuki designed the driveline components building in their traditional doses of toughness along the way, just using the DB control systems to make it all work so we could all LIVE BETTER ELECTRICALLY, and hopefully happily everafter? Either way.....
Any further illumination here would be welcome dclark2. Always a pleasure to benefit from yr. knowledge.
Was considering between a GV & RAV4, bought a GV in the end & aren't I glad to make that decision after reading the following article about RAV4 Off Road Test
There is a lot of part interbreeding in the car industry. Some of the parts in th GV might be shared with Chevy, MB and BMW. A shop owner (former shop manager of Reno Porsche when Porsche was here) said it isn't that the parts are bad, it is that they are more numerous. Modern cars are getting more and more complicated and that means a greater likelyhood for failure. BMW and MB have had these problems. I have no idea how the trannies are holding up in teh GV, but the fact that it has a 100K mile means one shouldn't worry too much.
Something that was part of my thinking when I decided to buy a first-year model, is that the basic body/interior structure has been around for a few years as the Saturn Vue, as we know the engine is not new, and the electronic driveline system is not new. How well Suzuki integrated these things remains to be seen, as you say. But if initial build quality is any indication, it looks good.
In general, I have to say our more elecronic cars have been more reliable than the previous more basic generation. Anyone ever tried to start a big old V8 at -35degrees? Remember flooding carbs? ................... I do remember the International Travelall. ........................
There are two tow loops on the front, approximately below where the foglights are. A bit too close together for optimal triangulation, but good enough. There are removable plastic covers in the air dam, but the hooks may be useable without removing the covers.
On the back, there is a single tow loop inboard of the exhaust pipe. There are lots of spots on the muffler mounts to use for the second rear rigging point.
......................... I've been on backroads with serious snow/ice issues at least 5 times now. So far, no one has gotten any farther than I have, and many have failed to get as far as the GV did. The GV has always had plenty of traction in reserve, and I have yet to get stuck even for a moment, nor had to use the chains. Therefore I'd have to say the stock tires are pretty good in snow, although it's hard to say how much of this can be attributed to the chassis or the tires. The traction control warning light seldom comes on unless I'm fooling around. I believe the fact all four wheels are evenly loaded at around 900lb is a huge advantage. A 4wd mid-size pickup truck, by comparison, may have 1300+lb on each front wheel, and far less on the back ones.
On the Suzuki forum, someone drove into deep snow on a backroad with their new GV with top quality snow tires, a Tucson with snow tires, and a new GV with the oem tires. The GV with the oem tires did the worst, while the other two did similarly well. 4th post at: http://www.suzuki-forums.com/t4083-how-is-the-39-06-gv-in-the-rough-stuff.htm
I would guess that only the new GV with the low range would do a whole lot better than the new Rav4 in offroading. The GV might have a very slight clearance advantage. How good their traction control systems are would be a large factor. Where are the head-to-head tests?
And thanks again for the valuable educational info. Guess we get a look at the new '07 CR-V in July, or? Would be very interesting to see a head to head then. It should be an amazing soft roader, with the awd driveline issues finally full fixed, (maybe?), and a complete delight on the road. But to really shake up the apple cart?, drivin' the wife to work this am I saw a transporter loaded with shiny new Toyota FJ cruisers! I believe that's the correct model designation for their all new retro Land Cruiser look "rigs". Will full O/R capability, well, will be interesting to see what it's all about too. I hope we're all due to be "spoiled" by the manufacturers in "our" niche in the marketplace. Toyota certainly did get it right in the past with the old classic Land Cruisers, when they were more "affordable" and basic rigs. Guess the FJ will start around 30G's Canadian?
May Suzuki continue to aspire to similar levels of greatness, along with intro'ing a fully bush basher equipped version, maybe with the euro diesel engine?, sometime in the [please] not too distant future.
the 3.5 v6 is to expensive, powerful, gas consuming for suzuki's image. The 3.2 in the tl or 3.0 in the accord get the same mileage and about the same horsepower. Are honda and suzuki under some small deranged contract? If they are, honda can help make suzuki's next reno(from fit), next xl7 dubbed the xl8 (pilot) and verona (csx/civic). Then suzuki will really be at among the crowd .
Ya, we can go on with "what if's" and coulda shoulda wouldas here, and I'm guilty on all counts. Still, yielding to the temptation yet again, here I go: what if... Among it's other soon to debut offerings, Suzuki had applied some of it's horsepower to making a Vitara successor? Still with the simple old tough as nails part time driveline system, but with a desperately needed new more powerful highly efficient 4 cylinder engine, and a "Grand Vitara like, if not a stripped down actual Grand Vitara new bod". Seems the only thing arguing against this would have been they probably just couldn't afford to keep such a vehicle in the lineup. Not only because of the heavy investment in the new Grand Vitara, but also because of same in the XL-8 or whatever it will be called, and their new crossover small soft roader, (forget it's name).
Personally, I'd be driving that heavily UTILITY oriented Vitara successor right now, had they chosen to build it. As a tradeoff, hey, I'd NEVER buy an XL-8 anyway, under any circumstances, and would have preferred a new Vitara instead.
As these model choice factors are probably not solely unique to myself as a long time Zukeophile, doesn't it again raise the question as to what value Suzuki places upon the retention of brand loyality market share represented by we long time owners?
Again, I think they could address this issue in pretty short order, (though not in terms of initial cost outlay, vs. a more basic Vitar model for instance), IF they chose to import the highly fuel efficient euro diesel Grand Vitara, equipped with all the requisite bush bashing accoutrements, (just like it's being sold this very day, across the Atlantic!). Make mine forrest green with the manual five speed and the low range transfer case. But barring a move something like that, and THAT may be just a pipe dream for the dumbed down North American marketplace, I continue to have more than a bit of fear for the future of the brand in North American.
The root question being, will Suzuki's reach prove to have overextended it's grasp with the intro of all this new high tec product, if it is not accompanied by an adequate degree of product reliability. Keep it simple, (at least in one model configuration), would have been a GRAND idea, in my opinion.
And further [to you xostnot]: Just fininshed surfin' a New Zealand site touting their early March into of the 1.9 litre Renault sourced turbo diesel powered new Grand Vitara. The site I visited commented in particular how much more effective the diesel is in providing additional engine braking on descents, vs the petrol powerplants. Futher, (you'll be interested to know), the low range transfer case equipped diesel, is not even offered with an auto trannie option. Do they know something down under, that we don't? Not, at least to the knowledgeable who do it in the dirt.
Plus, could anyone out there live with 42.2 mpg highway, and 30 mpg city? Those are Imperial measurements, and I haven't bothered to do the math yet re: US gals. But boys and gals, wow! Shouldn't we be lobbying Suzuki so we can join the rest of the world by having this model option "over here" too? Too boot, (I've said it before here), this engine EVEN emits far fewer emissions than N.Z.'s small 2 liter gas engine that's available as an option in their new G.V.'s
norwoodsman, I'm not sure I'd want a model with such a fabulous combination of features sold in our market. It would just kill the resale value of our (by comparison) silly 2.7 V6 models with low range and automatics.
Btw, I understand Suzuki picks the features for various markets by random. Seems the CEO of the company is a bit of a comedian who enjoys the resulting consternation.
The glass in the drivers side outside mirror is "bent" on the portion of the glass closest to the side of the vehicle.
Our Suzuki dealer claims there's nothing wrong with it. Why would I claim it's crooked if there's nothing wrong with it? Like I don't have better things to do? But if they're all like this, or it's within specs, I can live with that.
That's the one, (the article about the new diesel GV). Thanks for posting the link xostnot. Should be required reading by anyone else out there who also "a sport UTILITY bone to pick with Suzuki", concerning the black hole in it's current North America model lineup. It's not that there wouldn't be any "issues" for prospective owners of the diesel. Some pre production musings I read wondered how good a job Suzuki would do re: noise isolation. Then an early review after the first of the year when the diesel was intro'ed in England, did indicate there was a fair bit of diesel clatter under the "bonnet". But taking all the trade offs into consideration, well, read the post and be envious.
With a new more fuel efficient modern 3.2 engine, and all of the other requisite goodies onboard for off road use, our unfortunately FAR LESS fuel economy conscious market would still likely predominately go 3.2 gas. But imported in smaller numbers, (and remembering Suzuki's admission charge for the diesel is the same as for a fully loaded gas engined GV, so I doubt they'd be loosing money on the deal), I cant see why they shouldn't start bringing a few of them in NOW!
Instead, as I understand it, we're supposed to get a "sport" model in the spring. Whoopie, it's got fender flares as std. equipment! and...?, but otherwise the very same engine/transmission/transfer case configuration?
Wake up Suzuki, this is the wilds of Canuckada, eh?, not Sunset Boulevard!
Thanks so much for the response budman. But I'm still not clear on this. So are you saying that the ESP is on all of the time and that I hit that button on the dash only when I wanna turn it off?
I'm not the best teacher. Norwoodsman probably has the longer in depth version. Yes, the ESP is always on. It will only turn off when you are driving under 19mph and that would most likely be if you were 4 wheeling and crawling so that you can maintain full power. ESP is just like traction control on some cars. If you have ever spun the tires on wet pavement or gravel with traction control, the motor will go into a low power mode and you will definately feel it and think something is wrong. Once your tires stop spinning, the motor goes back to full power. ESP has an additional brake feature that will apply the brakes to each individual tire that may need it in order to regain control. I think I'm fairly close on all this. Someone should be out there to correct me or help you out more.
Thanks so much for your response and I do hope someone else can pipe up and give me a little more in depth. I'm still confused a little. I understand that the stability control is always on, and that you can turn it off when you are under 19 mph, but I have to wonder, why even bother? I don't have a 4 wheel drive so I'm wondering why I even have this feature. I look forward more about this.
My take on it is that "ESP" is a combination of stability control and traction control. In the stability control mode, a computer monitors various things like speed, steering wheel angle, the rotational speeds of the wheels, throttle position, among others. If, for instance, you go into a corner too fast, as judged by the computer comparing these things, it will back off the throttle as budman3 described. It will also apply the brakes to individually selected wheels to either prevent understeer (where the nose of the vehicle plows ahead instead of turning) or oversteer (where the tail end swings out).
Indeed, in deepish snow, I have deliberately suddenly turned the steering wheel farther than the traction relative to the speed would allow making the turn without skidding. I felt the inside rear brake being applied, which reduced the raduis of the turn. Not as tight as making the turn without skidding, but tighter than with ESP off. I would not have been able to apply the brake to one wheel by myself.
If you have the GV with the low range gearing, stabilty control is deactivated when you're in low range. In the high range, you can shut ESP off by pressing the button for a long time. But if you go over 30kph, it will reactivate automatically.
Traction control is a different story. If the ESP system senses that a wheel is spinning, by monitoring and comparing how fast the wheels are turning, it will brake any wheel it feels is spinning. There can be a delay, which you see in videos, because it only senses once per wheel revolution if there is spinning. If you look inside the rims, there are little metal tabs glued to the rim. There are a different number of these things on each rim, and that's how the system tells which wheel is which. There is a sensor mounted on the brake at each wheel.
If the system judges, perhaps going by the number of wheels spinning, that the problem is too much throttle, the traction control system will back off the throttle. By my experience, it does this suddenly and drastically. It is my vague and unsure understanding that traction control remains active in the low range despite ESP/stability control being turned off. I'd say a low range with no traction control system would be pretty lame, and worse than an on-demand system with a rear lsd.
My experience has also been that if you give the GV far too much throttle (as in "flooring it") on a slippery surface, the traction control system will judge that you want to spin all four wheels, and allow that to happen. It may be that when it finds that three or four wheels are spinning, it allows this to continue. There must be some logic built into it, and it would be nice to see an official explanation.
Went for a ride in our GV last night and it's still awesome. I'm being serious. I'm not going to ask where you guys canoe at or what part of Canada anyone is from like in past posts. It's only a little bit of humor that isn't welcome here. I hope at least I helped out on the ESP issue. Bye and Ahmen.
Hitting the "refresh" button here, might actually be interesting to see MORE field use accounts re: the new GV. Thats why, personally, I've found xostnot's posts about his recent snow outings, to be VERY interesting. Likewise, in a positive vein, you must have some fave routes of your own down there, in Canyon country? I, and I'm sure others would find it most interesting how your base, (non low range equipped), awd auto trannie model handeled this or that specific set of conditions you've encountered out there, in off road situations. All the more so, (to me, personally), since I'm considering a base model awd, but with the manual transmission.
"Humor" can at times be a quite "subjective" commodity....
Checked my GV's mirrors, cannot see the "bent" on either mirrors. Can't see any distortion on the mirrors as well. I like the GV mirrors a lot, it's relatively huge & as a result almost no blind spot at all.
I have about 5,600 miles on my 2.7 V6 automatic 4x4 Grand Vitara (with low range) and I am still well pleased with my purchase.
The dealer has resolved most of my "issues". I have fixed some of the other issues myself.
A list of things that some of you new owners may experience:
1) Vibration between 45-55 MPH while accelerating. There is a TSB already out on this and the dealer must install/replace some driveline parts to correct this problem
2) Noisey rear headrests while in the up position. Again, there is a repair TSB already out on this.
3) Spare tire cover rattle when you shut the rear htach. This you can fix yourself with some adhesive weatherstriping. Just put more of it inside the big plastic cover and reinstall.
4) Oil filter hard to change for do-it-yourself people. I bought a remote filter kit from the Internet. The oil filter is now mounted on the lower from rail just behing the radiator support. Changing the oil filter is now a breeze.
5) Also intalled a transmission cooler kit since I will be towing a small trailer.
6) Changed all major fluids to Redline synthetic. I changed the fluid in both front and rear diffs, the transfer case, and the transmission.
So far the Grand Vitara has been a wonderful SUV for my family.
I was quite interested in purchasing this vehicle after reading the discussions here. When I took the GV for a ride today, I found that the ride was too firm. I felt a bit nauseated afterwards. The salesman explain that this is the vehicle's characteristic and this firmness allow it to have a large towing capacity. Unfortunately, I don't think I will get use to this firm ride and have to pass up this great looking car. Unless I can soften the suspension?
I can see the suspension would be too firm for some people. I'm used to a first generation Pathfinder, so it's ok for me. Doing anything about it probably would be a hassle, and likely an expensive hassle. You'd have to find softer springs that would fit, then change them. Running the tires at the lowest recommended pressures would help, but that will hurt cornering and mileage.
The good thing is that so far we've been unable to bottom it out on very rough roads.
Comments
Thanks!
Noel
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2006-03-16-vitara-usat_x.htm
They also criticised the fuel economy thingy which is useless. They said the Suzuki will improve this for '07. This is why I posted this link- this is the first change for an '07 model
acknowledged by Suzuki!
Noel
thanks in advance.
At least you now have it documented at the dealer. You can sleep well tonight.
I used to have a first-generation Pathfinder. To make enough room to sleep in it, you had to remove the unremovable back seat bottom cushions. This was accomplished by replacing the hinge pins with bolts and wingnuts. I'm interested in this, and will investigate further when I get the service manual I'm patiently waiting to be delivered.
Having installed a trip computer in our 1990 car, taken from a more expensive version of the same car, I'll be interested to see if the GV's trip computer can be retrofitted. Better yet, just flash a bios for free.
My '06 GTO has this. Interestingly enough, the only other car I have driven that came with this feature was my '87 Audi 5000!
So, obviously, the tech has been around forever and it could easily be fitted on the GV.
It'll be interesting to see how many of the little complaints about the current '06 GV are gone in the '07. This can speak alot about how responsive Suzuki is becoming to what the customer wants.
Our only build quality issues are a warped outside mirror, and a leather seat bottom that went baggy right away. Suzuki will be looking at them on Monday.
I recently saw a build quality commentary somewhere, maybe as part of the review someone recently posted a link to in this discussion. It said Suzuki is in the top half of all manufacturers for overall quality. Given that the pricing is certainly not in the top half, that translates into exceptional value. Browsing Suzuki car/truck forums etc. does not turn up horror shows like you find on many sites. The site where '06 GV owners gather has so far not see any significant problems posted.
I suspect the Vue gets better highway mileage because it operates in 2wd most of the time, and the longer body means better air flow over the body at highway speeds.
As a long time owner of the brand, I've been looking at this one too. FYI, it would be remiss here not to place some real heads up emphasis on the potential significance of the first year new model factor, something that can be a "notable one" for a Suzuki. Yes, we know the engine well so it should soldier on longer than you'd be likely to keep the vehicle. But, (for instance), what do any of us know about the Daimler Benz tec sourced gizmos controlling the drive line? Methinks one would want to consider looking at buying an extended warranty, if you were buying now with the intention of hanging onto it.
We've heard from dclark2 here who seems to be the future engine source expert, but just who knows what out there, again, about the DB tec sourced driveline design? IE: what application(s) does it serve in DB form in other vehicles? Further, knowing Mercedees vehicles have had reliability issues in the past, are some of 'em driveline related ones where this tec has been used out on the roads now for "X" amount of time, or? Also, is this design used in Merceedes "soft roaders" or is it "lifted" out of models made of sterner stuff? Some pretty reasonable questions to pose here, I think. Further, though I've come around to thinking the base non low range transfer case equipped awd model might work for many of us outside of more demanding 4wd situations, is the suspension and driveline toughness of that base model the same as what's found on the high end transfer case equipped model? Is it soft roader, or is it actually designed sufficiently so one could thrash it around in the bush a bit? Who knows? One problem with Suzuki dealerships is such questions are likely to only elicit blank stares, as your "answer". So my point is, I think we all have alot more to learn about this model, (probably mostly right here), until some long(er) term ownership reviews are available. For now we just have to accept it on good faith that this MAY be the Zuke of our dreams. But only time will tell just exactly HOW GOOD Suzuki is actually commited to making it [be so].
Stay tuned.....
If the GV had 250hp, it would be awesome but so would the price. People would then want 270hp or more. We all have good things to say about the GV. If we focused on the things that should have been put into the GV we would be looking at a more expensive suv and the comparisons would be different. It's not a BMW or Lexus, but it sure feels and looks like one. OK, maybe not, but you can see my point.
We could all share our opinions and each would focus on something different, motor, transmission, ride, gas mileage, etc.
We do get 24mpg hwy and that's 80mph with the a/c on. 17" tires and 2wd help. The VUE might claim 28mpg, but go to a forum and ask if they are actually getting that.
For us, the V6 is more than adequate. The warranty and roadside assistance is excellent. So far we haven't had any problems, but we only have 5k miles on it.
If I were to say anything negative it would be the cheesy gas mileage indicator and lack of illumination on the steering wheel controls. Neither would have kept us from purchasing.
The biggest joke is the XM ready radio and shouldn't even be advertised. I think from Suzuki it's $399 PLUS installation. One dealer wanted $800 for the installed product. We purchased the mobile MyFi from XM for less than $100 and use it everywhere.
Take it for a test drive. Give us your opinions and what you decide to purchase.
when i asked the dealer about this, he and i went to work trying to see how far we could go before tools were necessary to remove the back seats. he's calling the manufacturer for me to get a set of instructions...i'll pass them along if/when that happens.
and so... i stopped by the suzuki dealership yesterday at dusk and was offered some screaming deals on the premium and luxury editions of the '06 grand vitara. the closest dealership was not close by...and when i got there, the dealer flat out told me they don't sell too many of the pricier editions of the car because of the neighborhood they're in...they mostly sell the base trim. i was surprised to learn the prices on the upper trims were about 2k lower than what edmunds lists.
crawled all over the car to check it out first hand after waaaaaaay too much research online. all i can say is nice car. i've never owned a suzuki, i've never thought about buying one until now, and they really did a good job with this new grand vitara. i've already seen the new rav4, and i didn't even want to take a closer look at the yoyota dealership across the street. yes, it has more power than the grand vitara, but the gv has way more presonality and there aren't a bazillion of them already on the road.
good things (mostly echoing what's already been said)...solid build, nice materials, warranty, features for the price, drives well for this category of car, dealer willing to give deep discounts, styling inside and out (from some angles, this car looks like the new mercedes suv and from other angles like an acura mdx while also having it's own more chiseled "look"), nearly hidden roof rack, feel of the controls/buttons/switches, solid feel to doors when closing
bad things...(again, echoing) radio/cruise on steering wheel don't light up at night, the keyless entry was finicky - you almost had to lean onto the car to get the car to recognize the key fob, spare tire cover rattles when back door closes, too many different interior light colors on instruments when driving at night - red,orange,blue,white AND green??? - pick one or two suzuki!, back seats don't seam to want to come out (i know they're not supposed to)...
and then there's the leather seat issue. the leather in the gv is very soft and supple and of decent quality, but far too thin for the cover of a seat. going by feel along, i'd say the leather seating surfaces in the grand vitara are about 1/2 the thickness of the leather in my mercedes wagon. those leather seats are 16 years old now and show absolutely no signs of cracking, stretching, etc. i do take good care of them though and they hav gusstes/pleats so they don't stretch. to remedy this, all suzuki needs to do is increase the thickness of the leather covers, or add some pleats in the seat bottom leather to allow for our movement.
the leather seats do look very nice though.
thanks again for everyone's help in this forum. i've been reading these for some time. the best part is gettng info about suzuki from old and new fans of the brand. it's also good knowing there are still some (well, one i guess) car manufacturers out there that offer what seems to be a great car at a great price.
While new car models typically have "teething" problems in the first year, my research into Suzuki's indicated they don't seem to suffer from this. Maybe I'm wrong, but that was my impression. The on-line discussions of the new GV seem to be remarkably free of build quality issues.
Changing the subject, some of us were talking about how to tie canoes to the front end of the GV. I took a closer look today, and under the front air dam are two nice tow hooks. Actually they're loops. You'd need some padding to preserve the paint, but they are perfect for bow ropes.
The GV is in to the dealer for the first oil change on Tuesday, and I've asked them to check out the stretched leather in the drivers seat.
In the next few minutes, I'm also uploading a new picture of the GV out in the mountains.
This is my first SUV so please excuse what many of you might consider a dumb question, but please...what is ESP, and why or when is it used? The manual really doesn't cover these questions...it appears that they expect us to already know what it is and what its for. Thanks. Janis
ESP is electronic stability program. You can turn it off when under 19mph or certain 4wd ranges. It senses unusual steering or tire slippage and will apply brakes to individual wheels and cut engine power in order to regain control.
CU's ominiously titled feature segment "Reliability, progress has stalled", and specifically the paragraph
FIRST YEAR BLUES [therein], provides a lot of food for thought. Ditto elsewhere the potential downstream service/reliability related problems being engendered by manufactuerers as they rush to be able to breathlessly announce their latest introduction of veritable "quantum leaps worth" of complex new technology into their vehicles.
Guess that's the emotional vehicular equivalent to the olde sayin' sex sells, to alot of consumers in the automotive marketplace today, eh?
For Suzuki the new GV is pretty much nothing less than their own equivalent of staging a moon shot.... But will it be usn's that END up getting "mooned" instead, if for instance those complex electronic diveline control bits and pieces prove xostnot quite up to snuff, particularly in view of the way you [and I would] intend to use a new GV from time to time? Again at this very juncture, who can say? So these must remain only questions for now, and I expect you'll be the one to answer them for [us] here, with some more clicks on the odo...
Pretty incredibly, while CU clearly doesn't like the XL-7, two things, that vehicle was listed as Suzuki's most reliable. No coincidence there I'd postulate, due to it's also now being at the very end of it's model run, after they've screwed together how ever XL-7 many of them.... But now back to Suzuki's moon shot equivalent effort with the new GV. To me the HUGE issue on the table for Suzuki, potentially, might be, what could happen to the brand if all this new complexity is not accompanied by reliability down the road? Would they drag their feet to perfect "things" as they seem to have in the past, or make the significant investments necessary to actually keep them cutting edge automotive products after that new car smell begins to wane? Again, these are only questions here, for which there are no answers [yet].
But if there ARE any "Merc" guys out there who know fairly precisely where the driveline design bits and pieces [design] exactly came from, (what specific applications in some Merceedes models???), that would be some pretty fascinatin' info to add into our quivers, eh?
Ditto tow hooks for canoe ropes. maybe look for frame end drain holes on the opposite side? At least they're there on old Rusty, my trusty....
Cheers
Regards from the Norwoods
So new GV reliability benchmarks to watch for?, CR's April '07 issue this time next year, if they feel there is enough data for them to make a judgement by then. Plus of course since we're all here, obviously we'll eventually want to refer to "the bible" for Edmunds long term new GV reliability data.
That's all for now, (honest).
Most everyone, especially the germans, uses parts from Delphi and Bosch. Even my german built Jetta is built with Delphi stuff( I replaced a brake sensor with the Delphi name).
Mercedes, like everyone else, doesn't make their own controls; they subcontract them out. The only company that I am aware of that made all of their own stuff (right down to the ball bearings in the wheels) was International Harvestor (remember their suv?).
Again, citing your VW reference, and the living nightmares those [generic?] electronic control bits caused friends here with their otherwise wonderful late model Passat wagon,(pre the '07 Passat), note that they HAD to bail before the warranty expired. Specifically because of the reliability issues caused by the level of complexity/reliability related issues there.
So further down the tracks with this train of thought,
1.) Again, how has this DB sourced driveline design worked on the road or off in similar, (if there have been any truly similar), DB or other prior vehicle applications? And again, are the root design elements of soft or off road gestation?
2.) Aside from sheer physical durability questions, what is the history of the reliability of the electronic control bits in such prior DB applications?
3.) The answer I'd most like to hear, (probably everyone else here too?), would a third one that hopefully Suzuki designed the driveline components building in their traditional doses of toughness along the way, just using the DB control systems to make it all work so we could all LIVE BETTER ELECTRICALLY, and hopefully happily everafter? Either way.....
Any further illumination here would be welcome dclark2. Always a pleasure to benefit from yr. knowledge.
http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/article.aspx?id=11038&vf=1
A shop owner (former shop manager of Reno Porsche when Porsche was here) said it isn't that the parts are bad, it is that they are more numerous. Modern cars are getting more and more complicated and that means a greater likelyhood for failure. BMW and MB have had these problems.
I have no idea how the trannies are holding up in teh GV, but the fact that it has a 100K mile means one shouldn't worry too much.
In general, I have to say our more elecronic cars have been more reliable than the previous more basic generation. Anyone ever tried to start a big old V8 at -35degrees? Remember flooding carbs?
...................
I do remember the International Travelall.
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There are two tow loops on the front, approximately below where the foglights are. A bit too close together for optimal triangulation, but good enough. There are removable plastic covers in the air dam, but the hooks may be useable without removing the covers.
On the back, there is a single tow loop inboard of the exhaust pipe. There are lots of spots on the muffler mounts to use for the second rear rigging point.
.........................
I've been on backroads with serious snow/ice issues at least 5 times now. So far, no one has gotten any farther than I have, and many have failed to get as far as the GV did. The GV has always had plenty of traction in reserve, and I have yet to get stuck even for a moment, nor had to use the chains. Therefore I'd have to say the stock tires are pretty good in snow, although it's hard to say how much of this can be attributed to the chassis or the tires. The traction control warning light seldom comes on unless I'm fooling around. I believe the fact all four wheels are evenly loaded at around 900lb is a huge advantage. A 4wd mid-size pickup truck, by comparison, may have 1300+lb on each front wheel, and far less on the back ones.
On the Suzuki forum, someone drove into deep snow on a backroad with their new GV with top quality snow tires, a Tucson with snow tires, and a new GV with the oem tires. The GV with the oem tires did the worst, while the other two did similarly well.
4th post at:
http://www.suzuki-forums.com/t4083-how-is-the-39-06-gv-in-the-rough-stuff.htm
May Suzuki continue to aspire to similar levels of greatness, along with intro'ing a fully bush basher equipped version, maybe with the euro diesel engine?, sometime in the [please] not too distant future.
Time will tell all, as it usually does.
Personally, I'd be driving that heavily UTILITY oriented Vitara successor right now, had they chosen to build it. As a tradeoff, hey, I'd NEVER buy an XL-8 anyway, under any circumstances, and would have preferred a new Vitara instead.
As these model choice factors are probably not solely unique to myself as a long time Zukeophile, doesn't it again raise the question as to what value Suzuki places upon the retention of brand loyality market share represented by we long time owners?
Again, I think they could address this issue in pretty short order, (though not in terms of initial cost outlay, vs. a more basic Vitar model for instance), IF they chose to import the highly fuel efficient euro diesel Grand Vitara, equipped with all the requisite bush bashing accoutrements, (just like it's being sold this very day, across the Atlantic!). Make mine forrest green with the manual five speed and the low range transfer case. But barring a move something like that, and THAT may be just a pipe dream for the dumbed down North American marketplace, I continue to have more than a bit of fear for the future of the brand in North American.
The root question being, will Suzuki's reach prove to have overextended it's grasp with the intro of all this new high tec product, if it is not accompanied by an adequate degree of product reliability. Keep it simple, (at least in one model configuration), would have been a GRAND idea, in my opinion.
Plus, could anyone out there live with 42.2 mpg highway, and 30 mpg city? Those are Imperial measurements, and I haven't bothered to do the math yet re: US gals. But boys and gals, wow! Shouldn't we be lobbying Suzuki so we can join the rest of the world by having this model option "over here" too? Too boot, (I've said it before here), this engine EVEN emits far fewer emissions than N.Z.'s small 2 liter gas engine that's available as an option in their new G.V.'s
Yer lucky blokes, mates!!!
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0603/S00066.htm
Btw, I understand Suzuki picks the features for various markets by random. Seems the CEO of the company is a bit of a comedian who enjoys the resulting consternation.
Our Suzuki dealer claims there's nothing wrong with it. Why would I claim it's crooked if there's nothing wrong with it? Like I don't have better things to do? But if they're all like this, or it's within specs, I can live with that.
Do any of you other '06 GV owners have this?
With a new more fuel efficient modern 3.2 engine, and all of the other requisite goodies onboard for off road use, our unfortunately FAR LESS fuel economy conscious market would still likely predominately go 3.2 gas. But imported in smaller numbers, (and remembering Suzuki's admission charge for the diesel is the same as for a fully loaded gas engined GV, so I doubt they'd be loosing money on the deal), I cant see why they shouldn't start bringing a few of them in NOW!
Instead, as I understand it, we're supposed to get a "sport" model in the spring. Whoopie, it's got fender flares as std. equipment! and...?, but otherwise the very same engine/transmission/transfer case configuration?
Wake up Suzuki, this is the wilds of Canuckada, eh?, not Sunset Boulevard!
Thanks again,
Janis
Yes, the ESP is always on. It will only turn off when you are driving under 19mph and that would most likely be if you were 4 wheeling and crawling so that you can maintain full power.
ESP is just like traction control on some cars. If you have ever spun the tires on wet pavement or gravel with traction control, the motor will go into a low power mode and you will definately feel it and think something is wrong. Once your tires stop spinning, the motor goes back to full power. ESP has an additional brake feature that will apply the brakes to each individual tire that may need it in order to regain control.
I think I'm fairly close on all this. Someone should be out there to correct me or help you out more.
Thanks so much for your response and I do hope someone else can pipe up and give me a little more in depth. I'm still confused a little. I understand that the stability control is always on, and that you can turn it off when you are under 19 mph, but I have to wonder, why even bother? I don't have a 4 wheel drive so I'm wondering why I even have this feature. I look forward more about this.
Thanks again,
Janis
Indeed, in deepish snow, I have deliberately suddenly turned the steering wheel farther than the traction relative to the speed would allow making the turn without skidding. I felt the inside rear brake being applied, which reduced the raduis of the turn. Not as tight as making the turn without skidding, but tighter than with ESP off. I would not have been able to apply the brake to one wheel by myself.
If you have the GV with the low range gearing, stabilty control is deactivated when you're in low range. In the high range, you can shut ESP off by pressing the button for a long time. But if you go over 30kph, it will reactivate automatically.
Traction control is a different story. If the ESP system senses that a wheel is spinning, by monitoring and comparing how fast the wheels are turning, it will brake any wheel it feels is spinning. There can be a delay, which you see in videos, because it only senses once per wheel revolution if there is spinning. If you look inside the rims, there are little metal tabs glued to the rim. There are a different number of these things on each rim, and that's how the system tells which wheel is which. There is a sensor mounted on the brake at each wheel.
If the system judges, perhaps going by the number of wheels spinning, that the problem is too much throttle, the traction control system will back off the throttle. By my experience, it does this suddenly and drastically. It is my vague and unsure understanding that traction control remains active in the low range despite ESP/stability control being turned off. I'd say a low range with no traction control system would be pretty lame, and worse than an on-demand system with a rear lsd.
My experience has also been that if you give the GV far too much throttle (as in "flooring it") on a slippery surface, the traction control system will judge that you want to spin all four wheels, and allow that to happen. It may be that when it finds that three or four wheels are spinning, it allows this to continue. There must be some logic built into it, and it would be nice to see an official explanation.
I'm being serious. I'm not going to ask where you guys canoe at or what part of Canada anyone is from like in past posts. It's only a little bit of humor that isn't welcome here.
I hope at least I helped out on the ESP issue.
Bye and Ahmen.
"Humor" can at times be a quite "subjective" commodity....
Regards, Norwoodsmn
The dealer has resolved most of my "issues". I have fixed some of the other issues myself.
A list of things that some of you new owners may experience:
1) Vibration between 45-55 MPH while accelerating. There is a TSB already out on this and the dealer must install/replace some driveline parts to correct this problem
2) Noisey rear headrests while in the up position. Again, there is a repair TSB already out on this.
3) Spare tire cover rattle when you shut the rear htach. This you can fix yourself with some adhesive weatherstriping. Just put more of it inside the big plastic cover and reinstall.
4) Oil filter hard to change for do-it-yourself people. I bought a remote filter kit from the Internet. The oil filter is now mounted on the lower from rail just behing the radiator support. Changing the oil filter is now a breeze.
5) Also intalled a transmission cooler kit since I will be towing a small trailer.
6) Changed all major fluids to Redline synthetic. I changed the fluid in both front and rear diffs, the transfer case, and the transmission.
So far the Grand Vitara has been a wonderful SUV for my family.
Regards, Vitara4me
The good thing is that so far we've been unable to bottom it out on very rough roads.