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Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 through 2008

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Comments

  • budman3budman3 Member Posts: 187
    Wow, 21k miles! That's great. Give us some info on your long term road test. Any problems? Likes/dislikes? Would you buy another one?
  • packaging propackaging pro Member Posts: 32
    Overall I am happy with it. Engine could have more power and be quieter and more efficient. I would much rather have the RAV-4. I also think the brakes are horrible. My constntly squeak. I have taken it into the shop 3 times. They keep telling me this is normal. Also, the mechanic at the Suzuki dealership cross-threaded 2 studs on my back wheels. They had to back-order them. It's been a month later and I still haven't seen them. All in All Ok
  • vitara4mevitara4me Member Posts: 35
    There is a service/ tech order out right now in regards to squeaky rear brakes. Seems that the brake shoes are the culprits. The dealer will replace your rear shoes for free under warranty. The original rear shoes are just slightly too wide for the drum, and at times will make a hellish squeal when braking.

    Regards, Vitara4me....maybe.......I'm still thinking about it.
  • marnixmarnix Member Posts: 3
    Just joined the club. Brought home our 06 2WD Luxury, white, last night. After 3 weeks of shopping and finally settling on the Grand Vitara, we're pleased. Also glad to find this group. Only put 150 miles on it so far (trip from dealership) but look forward to may happy years with it. :)
  • budman3budman3 Member Posts: 187
    marnix, welcome to the GV Club. :shades:
    If you visit Las Vegas, most of us will probably meet there one day.
    What were some of the deciding factors for purchasing a GV? What others did you compare it to?

    I'm bringing mine in for the rear brake squeal today. Thanks Vitara4me. :D
  • packaging propackaging pro Member Posts: 32
    I called 4 Suzuki Dealerships in my area. Not one of them new about that Service Bulletin. After searching the internet for it, they all agreed it was correct. Not one of the 4 dealers had the brake pads in stock. They all had to order them. What a joke. I hope they will get more parts into the stream.
  • marnixmarnix Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the welcome. Vegas may be in my future but I'm thinking of flying. :D

    Actually the car hunt began with the Mazda6 Sport Wagon (my wife would be the primary driver of this next car). Problem was, there were only 3 in all of North Texas, we never even saw one in person, but while at the Mazda dealer we checked out the Tribute. Not bad but when we added the options we liked, it got pricey fast.

    Then came the Mitsubishi Outlander (remember she was thinking wagon), it felt really small. Dismissed it right away after driving it.

    The %10 off Saturn was selling there Vue's for had us looking there for a while, but again, when we added the options we wanted, the price took off.

    We began looking at a used Chevy Equinox (wifey liked the styling) but pretty much the same story, unless we went with basic model, it got out of range. That particular dealer happened to sell Suzuki's. When we realized the bargain these things were, we began looking at them seriously. Wife loves the luxury of ours - leather, sunroof, etc. As I said, we had to drive to get he color and price we wanted, but couldn't be happier.

    When we added it all up - styling, luxury, price, warranty - it became a no brainer. That and the savings on gas. :shades:
  • budman3budman3 Member Posts: 187
    I had my 16 year old daughter bring the car in for the brake squeal after school. They tried selling her 2(yep, two) oil changes and a tire rotations, then they would inspect the brakes and clean them.
    When my daughter called, thoroughly confused, I talked to the service manager. Turns out they never heard of the problem and did find the TSB.
    I told them I know Vitara4me and they said,
    Yes, Mr.Budman, we will take care of it right away. :D
  • ccfatrayccfatray Member Posts: 3
    Well, the wife and I went and got ours a couple of weeks ago. '06 GV 4WD Luxury - white. We've really been enjoying it so far. It really sticks to the ground. I love the sure-footed feel of it. My wife enjoys driving it too. And you can't beat the price. We bought ours for 20k plus ttl. And, they tinted the front windows for us for free. Needless to say, we're pretty happy with our purchase. The salesman said he would make that deal all day. Just interested in moving cars. So, if anyone is interested, I'm in North Texas.
  • denverleighdenverleigh Member Posts: 10
    I have an 06 GV luxury. The person driving behind me alerted to me that my tailpipe was swawing left to right, as if it was loose. Sure enough, when you hit the tailpipe, the whole assembly (pipes, muffler, cat converter) all move significantly from left to right. Probably by design, but it threw the guy off behind me. Think I might go back to the dealer and whack some tailpipes to see if I'm in good company on this !!

    Anyone know where you can get updated tech bulletins on warranty issues with the GV? My rear brakes are not squeaking ... yet !! I searched the Suzuki website with no luck.
  • guestguest Member Posts: 770
    Hi...I want to replace me powered sub under the drivers seat. Does anyone out there know what the mapping of the 6 wires that go to woofer are(left,right power ect...Any help would be many thanks!
  • bm000092bm000092 Member Posts: 70
    Well, just follow that link, Tim McCabe, posted the wiring diagram:
    http://www.suzuki-forums.com/2g-2006-grand-vitara/13010-anyone-think-subwoofer-0- 6-gv-sucks-2.html
  • krecik2krecik2 Member Posts: 1
    There has been some discussion about a vibration problem , has anyone gotten it resolved. I have a 2006 Luxury 4wd that
    has a subtle vibration between ~ 30 and 50 MPH. I took it to the dealer yesterday and their first response was cold tires and normal 4wd vibration. I asked to take a tech for a ride to point out the problem , they agreed and I was able to get the Tech to feel and recognize the issue. The service advisor asked that I leave the car overnight and they would check it again today. I just got a call from the service advisor who now says it is normal , he test drove a new vehicle and one with 6k and felt no difference. I am going to go back over there again today show the service writer what I am talking about. Any else have any further input?
  • budman3budman3 Member Posts: 187
    My tailpipe assembly is rather shaky also.

    Had the rear brakes replaced and the squeaking stopped, so far. It started about 6,000 miles. I put on the old lug nuts so that they wouldn't mess up the new locking lugs. Good thing because when I went to replace the lug nuts, the mechanic torqued one side properly but must have had his girlfriend hand tighten the other side. :mad:
    Doesn't anyone care anymore?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Consider sharing that story in Customer Service: The good, the bad and the ugly!.

    tidester, host
  • vitara4mevitara4me Member Posts: 35
    Ok, ladies and gents, the results are in. The vibration issue is caused by: ENGINE, not drive train. (I WISH it were drive train as that would probably be a little easier to fix)

    I am in the process of doing a compression test on all cylinders. I will post the results in Sept. I did however pull all the plugs looking for signs of lean condition but found none. All the plugs were uniform in color. I re-gapped the plugs and put anti-seize on the threads. Interesting to note that the plugs are NGK Iridiums. Probably the best plug out there.

    While looking around the engine compartment, I spotted the emissions label on the hood (passenger side). What disturbs me is that there are valve lash specs on the label. Huh? I thought the 2.7 V6 had hydraulic lifters? Could the 2.7 have adjustable valve lash? I don't know but I will find out. A real bummer is the fact that the entire intake manifold must come off the engine just to get to the valve covers. Even so, I am pulling the valve covers and taking a look around. Even if I do find hydraulic lifters/ followers, I am going to check to make sure that each and every one is rock hard. Suzuki had a problem years ago with weak hydraulic lifters. Some, but not all would "pump-up" after a few minutes of idling. If you can push down on a lifter, and it moves, that is NOT GOOD. A properly working hydraulic lifter should be rock hard when you push on it.

    Since the 2.7 is a DOHC 4 valve engine, I have 24 lifters to check!

    Another thing I checked was the fuel rail and fuel injectors. It is as I suspected: two rails with a connector pipe at the back. The fuel comes in one end, and excess fuel comes out the other and goes back to the tank. The fuel pressure regulator is on the very end of the whole fuel rail assembly. Not the best design, but a cost effective design. This means that the very last one or two injectors on the fuel rail can have less fuel pressure than the rest, resulting in less fuel under demanding conditions (acceleration, climbing a hill, passing). This can result in the last one or two cylinders running lean, and producing LESS power than the other four or five cylinders. This can cause a vibration while accelerating. But so can improperly adjusted valves, or dead hydraulic lifters. We will see....

    I'll keep you guys posted.

    Regards, Vitara4me......
  • budman3budman3 Member Posts: 187
    Great research Vitara4me. I'm surprised Suzuki hasn't become more involved. You should be working for them.
    I looked for you on "car space". We'll be at Red Rock casino or similar over Labor day.
    tidester has my permission to give you my e-mail.
  • vitara4mevitara4me Member Posts: 35
    Hey budman3, I'm in Vegas right now. Does your Grand Vitara "ping" while you drive around in this 104 degree heat? My GV Luxury model pings damn near all the time, even while cruising down the 215 at 75 MPH. I had to put a bottle of octane boost in the tank to make it shut up. Very ANNOYING to say the least.

    I want you to drive my GV so the rest of the world (and Suzuki) does not think that I am out of my mind. I would like to get a second opinion on this vibration issue.

    I just sent you an "invite" through the forum. Check your messages....

    Give me an email with your contact info and I will give you a call. Going to Red Rock Casino? Wow, you must have bucks! :) Summerlin is about a 35 minute drive for me. I'm in Henderson.

    Regards, Vitara4me
  • budman3budman3 Member Posts: 187
    Mine doesn't ping even with a full load and my heavy foot. I don't get to drive it very much but I'll listen carefully this weekend. Still about 110* here in Havasu so we'll give it a good test.
    My daughter has a condo just off the 215 and Flamingo. Red Rock is just another stop on our way over there. Nice place and good restaurants. The bucks stop there. I'll call you.
  • denverleighdenverleigh Member Posts: 10
    A few weeks ago, I was noticing that annoying pinging going up a hill, with 4 passengers and myself. It was warm outside (low 30's Celsius degrees ... low 90's for you guys). Took it to the Suzuki dealership, and they couldn't hear it. Changed to a different brand of fuel, and it's gone. May have been bad gas, but they tell me that you don't need high octane to run it. Apparently, the engine's computer will sense the preignition / detonation and adjust the timing / fuel mixture accordingly ... I couldn't wait ... I changed gas stations.
  • kutyafalkutyafal Member Posts: 27
    Is there an online place where the basic roof rack crossbars can be ordered? Dealer here says they're backordered at $199 a pair.

    Btw, I'm now the proud owner of a 06 GWL. We stumbled upon a Racy Red Luxury used with 4300 miles on it for 20K. It still had the plastic wrappers on on some places! I think we got a good deal. So now I need to find some crossbars and an aftermarket supercharger for the thing... :D
  • xostnotxostnot Member Posts: 232
    Just look on eBay or do an Internet search for "suzuki" "accessories" "2006" "vitara".
  • kutyafalkutyafal Member Posts: 27
    I found this on Suzuki's media.suzuki.com site:

    "For the 2007 model year, the Grand Vitara benefits from a variety of enhancements and upgrades, including the addition of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), trip computer upgrades and more. The trip computer now provides the driver with cumulative average fuel economy numbers as well as the estimated number of miles that can be driven before refueling."

    I wonder if the upgraded trip computer can be eventually ordered as a replacement part and retrofitted to the 2006 models... I don't care for the TPMS but this I would like :) A telescoping streering wheel option would be nice too but I don't even see that on the new XL7. For the money they should offer it.
  • kutyafalkutyafal Member Posts: 27
    Look at what we're NOT getting:

    "2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara “Blizzard”
    ENGINE
    Type: 2.7-liter, six-cylinder, 24-valve DOHC, twin turbo stainless steel
    headers, large front mount intercooler
    Materials: Aluminum cylinder block/aluminum cylinder heads
    Displacement: 2.7 liters (2,736cc/167 cu. in.)
    Bore x stroke: 88.0 x 75.0/3.46-in. x 2.95-in.
    Compression ratio: 7.1:1
    Horsepower: 357 @ 6,000 RPM
    Torque: 344 @ 4,500 RPM
    Valves per cylinder: Two
    Fuel system: Electronic multi-port fuel injection, variable induction system (VIS)
    with in-tank fuel pump
    Exhaust: Stainless steel, dual exhaust"

    I mean I'd gladly pay an extra couple of grands for just one turbo which should be good to the tune of 220-240 HP. Maybe in a couple of years...
  • budman3budman3 Member Posts: 187
    Check out this website, seem to be good people to work with. http://suzuki.autowebaccessories.com/store/suzuki-grand-vitara-accessories-cat13- 18_1328.php
  • xostnotxostnot Member Posts: 232
    I got some stuff from them, including the mudflaps. Seem to be good people to deal with. Except that the rear mudflaps didn't include needed hardware, and the instructions for both front and back needed extensive revision. After voluntarily doing that for them, I was disappointed they didn't offer me the needed brackets. Oh well.
  • budman3budman3 Member Posts: 187
    I ordered a part and it didn't look like anything that was on their website. :confuse: They picked up the part and credited my account. The next day the part was removed from the website. :D
  • budman3budman3 Member Posts: 187
    Had the pleasant oppurtunity to meet up with Vitara4me and test drive his GV. :shades:
    The vibration is horrible. Even my wife sitting in back could feel the whole vehicle shake. The steering wheel vibrates. It happens between 40 and 55mph. Seems to be happening with the 4wd, possibly in the front driveline.
    There was also some body roll that I don't have in the 2wd version. I'm wondering if the suspension components may be set up different between 4wd and 2wd.
    I noticed a small power difference that the 4wd must use up. That may contribute to some lack of towing performance, although I haven't towed anything with my 2wd.
    I will let Vitara4me give his road test version of my GV.
    Looking forward to another visit when we can spend more time together, talking, gambling, and free(?) beer. :D
  • packaging propackaging pro Member Posts: 32
    Has anyone used these Sound Deadening Products on there Suzuki's. There is Dynomat and Raamat, etc. I am hoping to lower the interior noise when driving on the highway. Does this stuff work? Is it worth the time and money?
  • xostnotxostnot Member Posts: 232
    Adding acoustic insulation is a relatively easy way to make a vehicle seem far more upscale than the market bracket it was sold in. I haven't gotten around to doing our GV, but I intend to. Fear of setting off airbags is holding me back from removing the front seats, and the likelyhood of breaking the plastic hinge covers on the back seat, are delaying my plans to put more sound insulation under the carpet.

    I will also do the doors, and remove the plastic wheel well liners to add insulation in the wheel wells.

    I've done a couple of cars, and it was well worthwhile.

    I got the materials from www.b-quiet.com in Canada. If you know your materials, some of these products are roofing materials, and you can get them for a fraction the price if you can sort out which they are.

    A more daring thing to do is fill body cavities with that spray-in expanding foam. Some such cavities will be exposed when you remove the carpet. Some newer vehicles have the A and B pillars treated this way. I haven't done it, and I can imagine it would cause complications should you ever have to modify the wiring etc. inside those pillars.

    Modern vehicles such as the GV have two rows of weatherstripping around the doors. Older cars with just one row benefitted from having a second row of aftermarket stuff added. (Even if it has to be replaced every 3 years because the adhesive dries out.)

    The GV benefits from having some door seams designed so there's metal closing the gaps, and the clamshell hood helps prevent engine noise from passing through hood seams and through the windshield.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The original post is lost in the off-line archives somewhere, but this follow-up about a Dynamat experience may be of interest:

    varmint, "Honda CR-V (2006 and earlier)" #9166, 16 Sep 2002 9:32 am

    There are another dozen hits or so if you do an Advanced Search on the left sidebar for "Varmint" and "Dynamat."

    If you experiment with the expanding foam, they make some for windows and doors that doesn't expand too much. I have a can of the normal "gaps and cracks" kind on my desk and the foam about doubles in size when you spray it somewhere.

    Come to think of it, I have a small dent in my wagon hatch; maybe some foam would pop it out. :shades:
  • packaging propackaging pro Member Posts: 32
    Hey X,
    When you talk about the wheel wells, are you talking inside or outside the car? It may sound stupid, let me know.
  • vitara4mevitara4me Member Posts: 35
    Ok, long post here. You have been warned!

    I had the pleasure of meeting with another forum member, known to you as "budman3". We had a great time talking cars/ shop, plus we test-drove each other’s vehicles. I noticed that his vehicle (Luxury model 2-wheel drive) did not vibrate like mine. In fact, his vehicle was smooth as glass. Also had noticeably more "pep" than mine, most likely because it weighs less.

    His interior is the same color as mine (beige), and it was a bit strange driving what seemed like my own personal vehicle. I had to remember that the GV I was driving was not mine!

    Remember back when I told you that my Suzuki dealer went out of business? Well, another dealer just went under. Suzuki of Riverside, California is closing down. That makes FOUR Suzuki dealers that have gone under in 3 months. Hello Suzuki!! What's going on!!! Now I have a choice of Suzuki of San Bernardino, or Suzuki of Santa Ana. Neither dealer is near to me.

    Anyway, I called Suzuki of America headquarters and told them of my dilemma. I talked about the dealer closings and I got a standard pre-written reply: "all dealerships are independently owned and operated and Suzuki of America has no control of franchises that decide to not carry the Suzuki brand". At least Heather (the Suzuki customer rep) tried her best to help me out. She contacted Suzuki of Santa Ana and set up an appointment to have the vibration issue looked at....again.

    Regarding the vibration issue: It only seems to be evident on certain models, specifically the Luxury model with 4-wheel drive. When budman3 and I were on a test drive, budman3's wife said that the vibration was very noticeable in the back seat. That made me re-evaluate the vibration issue.

    The driveshaft on a 4-wheel drive Vitara will be shorter that a shaft on a 2-wheel drive version by virtue of the transfer case. The driveshaft cannot be "strait". An almost strait driveshaft will "wobble" under load (vibration under load). I got under the GV and noticed that it has a one-piece driveshaft and that it is almost perfectly strait (perfectly aligned) with the rear diff. It would be nice if I could "tilt" the rear diff a bit and test drive. But by the looks of the way the diff is mounted, that is not going to happen. Perhaps a weak trans mount? Still looking..........

    One more thing: On my way back from Nevada, I almost had a collision with a yellow Dodge Neon. While merging onto the 60-freeway west, this Neon turned on its blinker and switched lanes right into the side of me. I jerked the wheel to the left and just missed his quarter panel. I also hit the brakes quite hard. The maneuver was so sudden, I could not continue onto the 60 west, and was forced onto the 60 east on-ramp. Another amazing fact was that at the time of the near collision, I was traveling at 65 MPH. I also now have a bit more gray hair. :)

    Now for the amazing result. I DID NOT CRASH. The Grand Vitara handled flawlessly. The stability control kicked in and saved my life as well as my family. In other words, the GV took the sudden maneuver in stride and never broke a sweat. I am absolutely amazed! If I were in any other SUV, I'm sure that I would have been upside down in the middle of the freeway. If I had been driving a new Ford Explorer, I would be dead. :sick:

    Suzuki did a fantastic job with the suspension. And no wonder: remember the old Suzuki Samurai? The Samurai had a narrow wheel base and high center of gravity. The Samurai was touted as the "roll-over king" in the 80s. (The absolute deadliest SUV ever built was the old Ford Bronco-II. It would roll over at 15 MPH during a right or left turn. The roof was very weak, so if the roll-over didn't kill you, the roof caving in would)

    I have driven many different SUVs, and GV has by far the best handling. For those who say the ride is too stiff...go buy a Ford Explorer and call me when it flips end-over-end at 80 MPH. :shades:

    Ok, enough ranting.

    Regards, Vitara4me....... :confuse:
  • budman3budman3 Member Posts: 187
    vitara4me, check back to #706. I didn't have the write up that you did, but the feelings are mutual. :D Glad you made it home safe. Other than a small rainstorm, quite uneventful. Although my daughter had a hard time figuring out the wiper controls. Doesn't rain too much out in the desert.
    I did notice most of the road noise coming from the rear of the vehicle for those that wish to add sound deadening. The dog didn't complain but it kept me awake. :P
  • xostnotxostnot Member Posts: 232
    Glad to hear you escaped an accident.

    We recently did a 3000km trip with the GV, and twice had to take evasive action to avoid being hit by oblivinoids driving gigantic 4wd crew-cab dually pickups. Both times, the GV reacted as though such sudden manoeuvers were a completely normal thing to do.

    Owners of compact suv's such as Rav4's and Foresters may decry the GV's inferior mileage, but the penalty in mileage from permanent 4wd may be well worth the safety advantage. By far.

    I once knew someone who took a new Samurai for at test drive, and rolled it. She bought something else.

    A few years ago a Bronco II slid out of control across the road about 20 feet ahead of me, and rolled into the median. No injuries, fortunately.
  • xostnotxostnot Member Posts: 232
    The wheel wells are lined by plastic panels that appear to be easy to remove. I was thinking of removing them and sticking the sound deadener to the backs of them. I'd prefer not to stick the insulation to outside metal surfaces, because it can trap corrosive moisture etc. For the left rear wheelwell, it looks like you could cover or enclose it by using the jack hatch for access. I'm not very good at removing interior trim panels, but if you could get them out of the cargo area, both rear wheelhouses could be done from the inside.
  • kutyafalkutyafal Member Posts: 27
    I've removed my rear seat as a test to increase cargo capacity. Took some pictures that are posted on another board here. I've broken one of the plastic covers but know better now and the pictures should help others avoid the same. The seats are very heavy so it's not something one person want to do on a regular basis. It's better to get a small trailer if possible.

    I don't see why the seat has to be this heavy along with the unnecessary heavy spiral spring mechanizm. It would've been a lot more practical to use the same hinge/attachment like the one on the back and make the seat lighter and removable leaving a flat load floor.

    Actually, the rear load floor could've been raised by a few inches to be flat with the door bottom. That would've created enough space for a fold-flat seat back along with a flip and remove seat bottom (ala Jeep Grand Cherokee). This is possibly the biggest fault I can find with the vehicle given it's modest size.
  • kutyafalkutyafal Member Posts: 27
    Regarding the vibration from the driveshaft I would look into a local driveline shop doing an alignment on the driveshaft. I have a slight one too - had one on a '96 Grand Cherokee also - and planning to get mine aligned too. It should be around $50 or less if you remove it yourself. From what I can tell having owned and driven a variety of 4wd vehicles it most likely is the driveshaft being out of alignment. This is more likely to happen to smaller diameter shafts (like the GV) than to bigger ones and can be fixed easily.
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    :surprise: Wow, you have sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much to type but i actually read it all because it is all so interesting and true....

    Anyways, yes hondas 07 CR-V is a 4cyl but i makes 166 horses! The v6 grand vitara makes 185 horses and thats not much better. I'm not saying it needs the Rav-4's v6 -though that will be sweet- to compete. Gm has a problem matching the engine to the transmission. The 05 GTO had a great engine and a crappy 4speed auto, the same with the 06 impala ss! Also the equinox has a big 3.4l v6 that only makes 185 horses also. THATS NOT COOL GM!!

    Since suzuki may team with nissan, i really expect for nissan to make the verona an altima twin and for nissan to get a grand vitara twin. Nissan knows how to make an engine so I honestly believe that the 2.5 they have will be almost as good as the one in the GV now but with much better MPG. Nissan also has the 3.5 which will blow the pants off the CR-V and the current 2.7l and will keep the grand vitara with the RAV-4 if not leaving it with respect to the weight ratio! Nissan has fabulous transmissions also!

    The grand vitara diesel may be here in 2008 since we now have ULSD and the emissions test will be somewhat easier. The diesel should have less hp but almost twice the torque. Diesels are growing in the US because now vw is bring the v10 diesel in the touareg back! The 1.9 that was in the jetta did stop but thats only because vw is finishing up its 2.0l and 2.4l diesel. Don't forget mercedes offering bluetec diesel in the ML, GL, R, and E class models. Edmunds has a test on the GL diesel. Bmw is bring the 330d and honda is re-working the diesel engine so it can sell in usa In the accord (tsx), civic (csx), element, and CR-v. They making a bigger one to put in the MDX, pilot, odyssey, rl, and tl.

    Honda borrowed Isuzus diesels and perfected it and now makes one of the best diesel engines in the world. Suzuki and honda will work great as would suzuki and nissan. GM is only hurting suzuki and they know it. I hope gm doesn't do suzuki like they did isuzu...

    Love it or hate it Suzuki almost went bankrupt making the grand vitara but it paid off. Suzuki should have made the rear door open the other way or even a liftgate. Better yet, I'm still mad thet the tailgate glass doesn't open... :mad: . But its still a good truck. Hopefully the 07 XL-7 gets the same reviews...

    image

    -Cj :)
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    So what are the official changes? I won't be happy until i see that the glass on the rear door can open, or that the engine is now 3.0l and has about 220hp or we get the diesel.

    -Cj :) :confuse:
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    Did suzuki confirm it anywhere? Id be nice if the top could be removed. Kinda like a jeep wrangler but better looking. I think some people only buy wranglers to have a convertible and an SUV insted of having two different cars.

    image

    -Cj :confuse:
  • vitara4mevitara4me Member Posts: 35
    I just looked at a 2007 Grand Vitara and the only difference that I could see was that the fuel computer now gives average MPG.

    Still has rear drum brakes. Still has a single rear door. In fact, the 2007 looked identical to my 2006 in every way. Same 17-inch rims, same interior.

    I did, however spy the new SX4 sedan. Looks really nice. Imagine a car with a "locking" 4x4 system (2WD, AUTO (AWD High) and LOCK (AWD Lock), just like the GV. Suzuki will be entering the new SX4 sedan into the next world rally championship to compete against Citron, Subaru, and Mitsubishi. Right now the car has a 2.0 liter engine from the Areo, but the rally version will have a turbocharged/ intercooled 2.0 liter. This engine already provides torque of 65kg.m at 3,000rpm and 320bhp at 4,000-5,000 rpm. :surprise:

    You can see a pic of it here:

    http://www.motorcities.com/photo/view/06BRB435710173A.jpeg/0/

    Regards, Vitara4me...
  • dclark2dclark2 Member Posts: 91
    "he 05 GTO had a great engine and a crappy 4speed auto, the same with the 06 impala ss! "

    I got a '06 GTO with the six speed. A sports car with an auto is like driving a motorcycle with training wheels!

    "The 1.9 that was in the jetta did stop but thats only because vw is finishing up its 2.0l and 2.4l diesel"

    Emissions killed the 1.9 TDI. It was replaced with the PD, which was already on the way out. To meet epa, they had to crank up the egr on the TDI's which, combined with poor quality US fuel, lead to widespread clogging of intake manifolds.
    I also own a VW Jetta Wagon TDI 5 sp. I have a electonic gizmo that allows the disconection of the egr without triggering my CEL, so I have a squeeky clean intake. I also have a Vr6 clutch. Wett chip and Bosio injectors. It should have around 135hp and 250lbs of tq. Even though it is very fast, it still gets good mpg (46mpg last fill up).
  • pciro2180pciro2180 Member Posts: 43
    My 06 Grand Vitara X Sport at 13,000 mile is still running like a king with no problems. had a minor vibration, which was taken care of with a balancing of the wheels, did everyone who is having that vibration try that?? Averaging about 22.3 MPG using Mobil1 full synthetic oil.
  • norwoodsmnnorwoodsmn Member Posts: 168
    Yes, again, Suzuki seldom "rushes" in new improvements to a newly intro'ed model. By the way, it will ALWAYS have drum brakes at the rear. Why?, it's a Suzuki, and it's built to a price so to speak.

    There are several SX-4's on the lot here in the northwoods too, and even more Grand Vitara's. Re: the SX-4, too bad it's actually a bit shorter than the covered wagon look Aerio which it replaces. But then it's been said it's intended to compete with the Honda Fit, and the Mazda mini mini van.

    Actually it's one up on the GV in the driveline department, as it can, as you point out, operate in 2wd only to maximize mileage. As to all those GV's on the lot here, it's about time to start looking for deep discounts on '06's, if one is so inclined, Should be some real deals out there soon.

    On expanding wall foam, a bit of a history lesson here from the Suzuki love/angst files: Unbeknownst to all buyers of the then brand new to the market 4 door Sidekick, back in 1991, it's rustproofing treatment consited of a light mist of primer applied over particularly poor quality steel, with a thin frosting of not so durable paint on top. Consequence being, today, Rusty comes by his nickname quite honestly, if that's the right word to use?

    Love/angst. I just hope the list of quirks that seem to come as standard equipment with a new Suzuki vehicle purchase, gets pared down to where it should be, somewhere closer towards Toyota or Honda territory. If those other motorcycle guys "in the hood" can do the deed there Suzuki, why not you guys? But back to wall foam. I've actually "injected" it in many places in the lower bodywork, not in an attempt at noise reduction per se, but rather as a last dich attempt to exclude some of the water comming in through Rusty's rusted rocker panels, etc. Along with "it", Bondo, and with carpets removed, silicone sealant applied on the interior side of pinhole sized rust holes in that area, well he's a real multi media artwork, for sure! But then again he's looking quite spruced up these days following a good brush painting recently with white Rustoleum primer, a good match for his original "Superior White" paint job! Let's see, maybe if I keep him long enough, Suzuki will pay me to take it off the street....? Ya, I'm in the market.... Drove the bud's Vitara recently deeper in the north woods here, and still have to wonder why pay more for a basic bush vehicle since Suzuki it's self doesn't even make one anymore? Decisions, decisions...

    May you all still also remain [mostly] loyal Suzuki fans some 15 years hence too, but sans anything close to similar horror stories with the new GV. No, the lack of body work integrity nighmare is history, but.... But, I'm going to require a hell of a well finessed sales job before I buy my next Suzuki 4wd. Yes, again IT COULD WELL BE a GV, but likely only if it's eventually offered with a more economical engine, plus low range and the 5 speed manual, and skid plates, (just like they used to make 'em actually). In the meantime, the accounts re: your "issues" while the new GV is in it's "teething period" are most interesting.

    Thanks again. Nwdsmn.
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    "Yes, again IT COULD WELL BE a GV, but likely only if it's eventually offered with a more economical engine, plus low range and the 5 speed manual, and skid plates, (just like they used to make 'em actually"

    I normally don't do this but in this case why don't you look at a Cr-v? Skid plates are standard. 4wd and 5speed manual are low cost options too.

    -Cj :)
  • xostnotxostnot Member Posts: 232
    Well, you just can't get a low range transfer case on a CRV.

    Good to hear from you again, norwoodsman. I understand the Canadian '07 GV's allow you to specify the low range on some of the cheaper models, AND with the manual transmission. So there's two objections taken care of.

    The aftermarket is now supplying a 2" lift kit. I would expect aftermarket skid plates within a year. So that leaves the engine selection. It would make sense that if the current GV continues to sell well, for Suzuki to offer an off-road version. This current GV has nothing about it to prevent it from being set up to be a competent off-roader. In fact, it wouldn't take much.

    (Btw, we canoed to Ahous Bay this summer, but visiting Blunden was too great a stretch for our party and time available.)
  • norwoodsmnnorwoodsmn Member Posts: 168
    Thanks the input from here "in the hood", (Beautiful British Columbia), xostnot, and to you, our Floridian bud autoboy16. Yes, I'm quite keen on the swoopy new CRV, (but for the front grille treatment), which is due to be unwrapped for the public at the end of this month. It would be a wonderful all weather ROAD vehicle. But those thoughtful, (more so than Suzuki), skid plates for the route in to the cottage, wouldn't be enough to help it traverse many of the roads xostnot and yrs. truly, tend to want to traverse here in the Great White North, ab16. But for God's sake, why didn't this guy trade up soonerfrom a '91 Sidekick?, y'all may be askin'?

    1st: the orig. ALL NEW Grand Vitara:, (when was that, '99?), driving dynamics wise, it felt [to me] first and formost like you were piloting around a heavy engine with that V6 up front there in a chassis not all that much different from the Sidekick. As to the Vitara, first there was the looks, plus it actually was less fun to drive [again, to me] vs. the Sidekick. Further, as a considerable disappointment neither the Sidekick successor Grand Vitara or the Vitara model offered any real substantial improvement in space or load carrying capacity vs. Rusty the trusty Sidekick.

    So it was only when the XL-7 debuted in '01, that I initially felt Suzuki had finally got it right, and built the rig I'd been waiting for, right up until I TD'd one. Yes, it had the additional cargo capacity/space I wanted, but it also had that almost wholly useless third row seat, (standard eqpt. to market it to soccer moms?), the combo of which didn't fold flat, "it" wasan't removable,plus this " "GREAT FEATURE" even included added benefit [NOT!] of one ending up with EVEN LESS second row legroom than in my Sidekick, for God's sake! But what was the real deal [non] clincher?, "IT SUCKED" (petrol) in a most alarmingly viceral of fashions, with the loud pedal to the floor as that standard slush box sought to Ouija board [game] it's way into somehow finding the right gear, just for you! PLUEEZZZEE, JEEZZZE LOUIZZZE! not for me at this price, I was literally forced to conclude.

    But then came our ALL NEW GV, finally! But then came the news it wasan't, really, down there under the hood...
    Lordie, oh Lordie, wherefore art thou?, I thought as I gazed out the window to, thankfully at least see Rusty still somehow holding together. And let me interject here, that's the Love part of the love/angst relationship. Mechanically the engine and trannie in particular, will not die....

    So here we are. Hope you're "right there xostnot about low range and 5 speeds on "lesser models! But I wonder what they'd call it?, since "sport" moniker is currently taken by an auto trannie only equipped model seemingly designed for the tuner crowd? How about the Northwoodsman, (or Northwoodsperson to be politically correct)? I like it.

    ps: Nice to hear you were out to sea there off Vancouver Island. My bud with his fleet of 4wd's including the Vitara, just completed a multi year sea kayaking circumnavigation of the isle, with the Bamfield to Victoria harbor segment. The kayaker lost at sea off the Brooks Penninsula this summer was known to him. Sad story there. Yes, always better to be safe than sorry out there, for sure.

    Regards, Nwdsmn.
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    I agree with you on the CR-vs grille. Its horrible. Do you have any comments on the 07 XL-7? Did they finally get it right? It seems to have the right engine, interior options, tranny, cargo room, and usable 3rd row of seats. Sounds good on paper but i guess we'll have to wait until unveiling day...

    image

    To me leg room seems fine. Leg support (thigh support from seat bottoms) seems short and cushioning on the back seems just... odd. Not sc430, tt, beetle odd. Just to upright, kinda like sc430.

    -Cj :P
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