Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Further, now we've got this new expensive [non] off road capable rig there alongside it's loaded to the leather gills new GV sibling with it's low profile tires designed for the bush, and thanks to where all those new product development dollars went, we're left with no basic tough economical 4wd model available in Suzuki's lineup anymore. I guess I'm the only one out here who just quite get it....
The SX4 could become Suzuki's bread and butter rig. Looks like alot of fun. Just like the new GV, lots of folks should buy one long before it's reliability, (or the reliability of Suzuki's in general), is known [to them]. But if I was in the market for such a vehicle, I'd be clearly tempted myself. Just wish it had a bit longer chassis giving it some cargo room back there behind the back seat.
Good luck dodging the hurricanes this season. Four inches of snow on local mtns. last night. Deer down low on a fave backroad today.
Regards, nwdsmn.
To xostnot: what was your source re: the low range and manual trannie being offered on "lesser" '07 GV's? Just would like to see it out there for myself. Thanks. Further, good comments there about after market mods to make it more of a well equipped off road vehicle. But why should "we" have to do this, vs. being able to spec one out on an order form? To say nothing of why you should have to retro fit sound deadening materials in the floor and wheel well areas..... Love/angst.
nwdsmn.
Over at suzuki-forums.com the '07 GV's have been discussed. One fellow has ordered or taken delivery of a JX or JLX with 5-spd and low range. I looked at the Canadian specs somewhere, which verified the claims. However, the specs seemed incomplete, since only three colors were offered at the time I checked.
You COULD get a Jimny if you wanted one badly enough. It might not be much trouble to get one, since there's a fellow in Vancouver making his living importing things like Nissan Skylines and diesel 4Runners (which are called something else, but I can't recall the name at the moment). Probably you'd have to settle for right-hand drive, but thanks to this guy, right-hand drives are becoming more common sights in Vancouver. If you aren't aware of the Jimny, it's a small, rugged 4x4 made by Suzuki, and sold in many parts of the world other than here.
NAAH!!
The diesel engine more than makes up for this and has the added benefit of more torque and greater highway mileage. The diesel is what suzuki needs. A v6 diesel is great. It can be used in the GV and the Xl-7!!! A 4cyl diesel is also good but the v6 will balance the MPG/ Power/ and Effiency thing. It will work good on ULSD.
-Cj :P
Yes, maybe we need to custom build our vehicles? Seriously, my friend with the '00 Vitara is looking to upgrade engines in his cult classic VW Syncro Vanagon Camper. Seems for about $10,000.00!, a top line VW expert offering the service can fit a VW TDI diesel in there. Requires a bit of different gearing in the trannie too. Incredible mileage, long life, just a bit slower on the highway. The same source can even put a Subaru boxer engine in. It's supposed to be quick!
That brings to mind another vehicle niche that's certainly vacant today. Seems someone could clean up by making a VW Camper [like/sized] vehicle. Why not? They were great fun. Instead even the smallest van based rig has a gas hog engine, etc. Theres another vehicle I'd like to have... Suzuki, how about a smaller passenger van with a camper version? Seem to recall they made a show concept van a while back...
Nwdsmn.
(link)
Don't recall a concept one. Check out the Global Auto Index link from the Inside Line page; if you do a search there for Bodies > Microbus you'll stumble across some fun rigs.
Took some pics mostly of the trail but of course they don't do it justice. Check them out here.
I have the 2006 GV with Premium package; 4WD and the 5sp AT. I currently have 10K miles on it after six months. Anyway, original had all four tires rebalanced, rotated and a four wheel alignment (I was told that it was out-of-alignment). I went back to my Suzuki dealer this past Friday (09/22/2006). I explained that I was still experiencing the vibration (rumble) between 40-55mph under moderate to heavy acceleration; such as merging onto a highway. I had the dealer call American Suzuki explaining my reoccurring problem with the vibration/rumble, requesting them to check any TSB's or complaints. Later that afternoon I called my dealer back to see if they heard any word back from Suzuki. They recommended that the front drive-shaft be replaced. The part is currently on order and hopefully it will be shipped to my dealer within two weeks. As a side note, overall I am satisfied with my 2006 GV Zuki. I paid $18,900 for my vehicle after rebates and dealer discounts (tax, tags and DMV fees not included). My GV is averaging between 21.9 and 22.3 mpg. (For those who are looking for both speed/acceleration and MPG, try the Hayabusa 1300). I'll have an update within a month regarding the vibration. Regards, Dave M.
I was told by Suzuki of America (Orange County, California), that Suzuki engineers in Japan are studying the vibration issue and are working on a solution. Is this a true statement or just another dealer blowing smoke up my....? I don't know. We will see.
It would be nice that the vibration is something as simple as a re-designed front driveshaft.
Kind regards, Vitara4me....
Regarding the vibration I have one that I feel is related to engine resonance amplification at around 2800 RPM. I can put it in park and very slowly rev the engine up gradually and can hear a strong sympatetic resonance start around 2800 RPM up to around 3200 RPM. Right around 70-75 MPH. I get rid of it by going faster..
To XOSTNOT, yes have seen the updated 2007 Suzuki Canada website, and the welcome news about changes to the model lineup. Here our base model is the full time four wheel drive one with no low range. Now finally though, next up the ladder is one available with the manual 5 speed, and the low range feature! With all that standard content, at just about exactly the same price as an auto trannie equipped base
[non] low range model, well there's certainly alot less to [non-permissible content removed] about, but for the crying need for new options under the hood, and how long term reliability plays out.
Today's local rag happened to feature a test of the new XL 7. To paraphrase one line, "there was nothing wrong with the Equinox that one couldn't fix". Hence, "a fixed Equinox". Of chief interst to usn's?, was info on the engine. The piece described how the base Equinox came with a 185hp Overhead Valve engine, vs. the XL's 3.6 DOHC mill. One, yes, (thanks again dclark2), which was reported [in the article] to have been well massaged by Suzuki Japan prior to putting it into the XL7quinox. Most astutely the author also indicated: "However, all that won't necessarily matter, as opposed to the buying public's reception of the idea of dropping that much coin for a Suzuki", (my words, again). It will be MOST iInteresting to see how that all plays out. Couldn't do worse for them than the oldie though. Saw a stat the other day that indicated average lot life, (how long it sat before being sold), was 245 days for the prior generation XL-7.
Yikes!
What does some of this have to do with the new GV? It's under the hood. It seems that the new 3.6 liter XL 7 engine may represent a "fix" vs. what the General drops in there, (vs. "his own" V-6), in the Equinox? Sight unseen, Suzuki is probably due that accolade here.. So, dclark2's info on a 3.2 liter mill being developed in Japan, again seems to offer great promise, if it was put into say an 08' GV. Seems that time frame ought to be about right? Further, if they'd look at bringing in the Diesel to Canada on a trial marketing basis, ASAP, well then there would be very little to get crabby about.
Last point of interest here re: the XL 7 article, was a reference to disappointment re: interior materials not being of Honda/Toyota calibre. I'd expand on that general theme to again say if Suzuki is serious about moving WELL upmarket, that's the single most important factor they need to be looking at today, approaching Honda/Toyota in over all quality. Hey, guess what they all live there in the same hood, drink the same beer, etc., right? So...... So that issue will ultimately decide their future here in North America, I do believe. Ya just can't have it both ways. Build relatively Inexpensive, (A REAL VALUE!), but perhaps sometimes "quirky" vehicles, or, build them more like Toyota or Honda does.....
Stayin' tuned in, and best of luck with some of those hopefully ATYPICAL problems out there... FOUR WHEEL LOCK ABS? Lordie....
Nwdsmn.
I buy a new vehicle expecting to have less hassle and expense maintaining it than our old ones have, then find it has to go to the shop more often, and the maintenance threatens to cost just as much. Wonderful.
Oh well, if the stability control or side air bags ever save my life, it will have been well worth it.
-----Message d'origine-----
De : Customer Service [mailto:Customerservice@suzuki.ca]
Envoyé : Wednesday, September 27, 2006 2:04 PM
À : Michel Bouchard
Objet : RE: RE : Michel Bouchard - Automobile Sales & Services
Mr. Bouchard,
Manufacturer flat rate time to perform a valve lash inspection and adjustment is 2.4 hours. The cost will vary depending on the dealership labour rate but on average in the Canadian market the labour cost will be approximately $175.00.
Valve Lash Inspection is recommended at 35,000 km increments for Canadian Driving Conditions. Other recommended services at this interval are oil & filter change and air filter inspection/replacement as necessary. So in most cases, again depending on the local market, the labour cost for this scheduled maintenance is probably in or around the $200.00 mark with additional charges for oil, filter, and air filter if necessary.
It should be noted, that contrary to your statement “it's probably the last engine left in the automotive world that requires that” is actually not the case. For instance, many of the most popular vehicles on the market today, including 2006 Toyota RAV4 as well as several other Toyota models, are equipped with a similar valve train configuration for performance and durability benefits.
Thank you for this opportunity to respond to this inquiry.
Customer Relations
Relations à la clientèle
(905) 889-2677 ext. 2254
SUZUKI CANADA INC.
Also based on their statement about that many other manufacturers are using similar valvetrain (mechanical instead of hydraulic), I did an extensive search and in fact most of them (I won't list all the models for all the manufacturers, there is too many) are leaving the hydraulic lifters so used in the 80's/90's for mechanical ones. As an example just take Toyota:
Engines with shims over the bucket tappets style :
4A-G(Z)(E)
4A-F(E)
7A-FE
7M-G(T)E
3S-G(T)E
5S-FE
22R-E
3RZ-FE
2UZ-FE
3MZ-FE
2RZ-FE
1GR-FE
5S-FE
Engines with shims under the bucket tappets:
2TG
18RG
Engines that use selective thickness lifters
1MZ-FE
2AZ-FE (RAV4)
5S-FE
1NZ-FE
2AZ-FE
1ZZ-FE
3V-ZE
It is not a complete list, but just see how many variations they have, looks like the engineers cannot decide on the configuration: hydraulic lifters, bucket lifter with shims over the lifters, with shims under the lifters, selective fit lifters, and they also have a number of permutations depending in which part of the world the product is sold.
But they're not calling for lash check till 75000 miles for whatever reason.
To those ends, we will be shutting down the general make/model discussions and work exclusively with specific issues. This requires us to populate the make/model subsections with relevant, interesting and timely topics. Rather than having the hosts simply create boilerplate topics for each make/model, we feel that you, the owner, the make/model enthusiast and the prospective buyer can best judge what those topics should be.
You can help by adding a discussion (it's easy!) or suggesting one here.
To add a discussion, click on the last link in the "You are here" line at the top of this page. That will take you to the topic page for this make/model. Review the list of topics and click on the "Add discussion" link when you've decided what topic you'd like to add. Follow the directions and you're done! Feel free to add more than one. Just avoid duplicating existing topics and try not to make it TOO specific!
Your help and continued participation in the Forums is greatly appreciated! Thanks.
If you are experiencing a vibration between 45-60 MPH while accelerating, then please post your comments in the new thread.
Let us see how many owners out there are having the same issues, and get Suzuki of America on the "hot plate" to develop a solution. :mad:
Kind regards, Vitara4me......
I hope I'm not out of line with the topics but a similar situation that Suzuki won't correct. My front tires are feathering again on the outside and the dealer now tells me that's normal and they can only do one adjustment in the 12 month period. :confuse:
Just wondering if "we" qualify for the same sober secondlook here too re: the nature of THIS/OUR site? Notwithstanding acknowledging that some repitition could be eliminated on some topics, (guilty), free speech remains a pretty important commodity, with the lack of same clearly translating into the drasticly fewer numbers of posts to this site, post yours... How about it?
Regards, [to all] Nwdsmn.
I miss the general discussion, good/bad, right/wrong. We all had something to contribute. Now we/I don't know either which discussion to ask questions or start another as I've asked you previously.
We even managed to bring a little of our personal lives and experiences into the forum to share and get to know one another.
I'm even willing to forget about being reprimanded too many times for saying lesser evils than others.
The intent of the restructuring was to make it easier for noobs to find the information they need. As part of our attempt to restructure the Forums, all of the main make/model discussions were to be made real only. Since we had so many of them, I mainly focussed on the ones that already had become massive (i.e. more than 1,000 posts) and hadn't yet gotten around to the Vitara.
However, we've since reopened all the make/model discussions and so GV is "safe!' For more detail read this: Sylvia, "Forums Software! Your Questions Answered..." #3319, 12 Nov 2006 2:43 pm
We'll still be pushing to make information more easily accessible but will try a more refined approach as indicated in Sylvia's message.
tidester, host
About 19 or 20mpg city. I've don't think I've ever been down to 17mpg.
I think Suzuki has the closest fuel mpg that it is rated for although it isn't the best.
I am hoping to get a couple miles more per gallon. Perhaps it will be better in the spring and summer as well? I also want to read what mpg the others are getting.
Lowest mileage: 22.7 IMPG/27.25 USMPG on gravel logging roads and 40km/25 mile low range jaunt up and over 6,000 ft mountain.
Lowest pavement mileage: two tanks at 26.6 IMPG/31.9 USMPG
Highest pavement mileage: One tank at 29.9 IMPG/35.9 USMPG and another at 30.9 IMPG/37.1 USMPG. Both tanks consumed on two-lane blacktop, average speed approx. 100 kph/62 mph or a bit less.
Lessons learned: a) the GV is capable of 30 IMPG/35 USMPG on the highway if kept around 100 kph/60 mph; b) vehicle maximum highway range is 500 km/300 mi; c) GV is much better on gas than we were led to believe.
tidester, host
Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks
On our way there I went to activate the cruise control, but it was dead. I wasn't sure if when the check engine sign is on that the cruise is disabled or the cruise control was the problem itself. After driving 2 hours in the snow I stopped in a rest area to take a look at the cruise control fuse under the dash, fuse was fine, I verified a couple other fuses while I was there, all where good. Started the engine, now I noticed the display on the radio was showing "check system", the time on the clock was wrong, my preset radio stations were gone, the "check engine" sign was gone, but I had the sign that the GV was sliding even if I was on park!!!
Obviously, checking the fuses, I did reset everything. I learned after that when you get the check engine, the cruise control is disabled.
I still had 50 km to do and hit the snowy road anyway, what I did was to press the ESP button for 5 seconds (until the system is disabled, it shows on the dash), I went on the road, when I crossed the 30 km/h speed the ESP engaged and the slip indicator went off, the check system on the radio display went off, cruise control could be used again. Since then I did 800km with no problems.
So I guess it was just a computer hickup or a frozen sensor somewhere.
Anyway it was minor and it still the best vehicule I had so far.
You can try to disconnect the battery for 30 seconds to reset everything.
Still haven't heard from the dealer. :mad: I'll ask you from now on.
I also noticed that you had to hold the button down the entire time for the sunroof. You have to hold the button down and run it thru the entire process then it will open automatically with one touch.
brand on it; just mp3/cd/amfm xm ready
It's hardly XM ready. It requires a $400 part plus installation.
I just use an XM myfi for $100 and play off an FM channel. Plus, I can use it anywhere.
If you change the HU, the steering wheel controls won't work.
autoanything.com was the only website that had the current filter listed and it had free shipping.
I couldn't find a local auto parts store that would even have the standard replacement filter.
My interest is in plugging an Ipod or something in.
Any ideas about this.
http://www.suzuki-forums.com/2g-2006-grand-vitara/14338-aux-input.html?highlight- =Auxiliary
Has anyone out there tried to install an aftermarket Class III Receiver on an 07 Grand Vitara.
I purchased one on e-bay for 129. Went to install it and the muffler was in the way. Do I need to change out the whole
exhuast sytem to install a class III receiver? Has anyone else had this problem? :confuse:
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews
Once I took the tie down shackle off I was able to install the Class III Receiver without a problem!
You need to use one of the bolt holes that the tie down shackle is bolted to.