Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
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
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
The GV is the vehicle that is the exception... I've already had it a year longer than any other vehicle I've owned. Nothing has been done except normal maintenance... except I've changed the auto trans and diff oils more often than suggested... which Suzuki has made very easy by providing drain plugs.
As far as low-traction performance such as snow, the automatic GV has a nice feature. In "power" mode the transmission will start off in second gear by placing the shift selector in "2" instead of "D"... great feature!
The only drawback to snow is the stock Bridgestone tires that came on the '99 GV... but there are many good tires that will fit and provide excellent traction. (I don't know what the new GV's come with for tires)
In fact, if I had a "complaint", it would be those stock tires... but they wore out quickly and the Goodyears I replaced them with have been working and wearing great!
"GV" stands for "great value" in my opinion!
7 New Sport Utility Vehicles Sustain Big Damage In 5 Mph Bumps
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I did not have any problems driving in the snow when I oringinally bought the vehicle, even though it was using stock tires at that time. I have upgraded tires on the vehicles now, which are taller and slightly wider than stock, but more importantly they are off road tires. Also my rig has the 5 speed manual, which makes it a whole lot less scarier in the stuff. Really its all a learning experience when it comes to driving any vehicle with 4WD. The only conditions that really bother me are slushy roads, which do pull this vehicle around a little bit, but not terrible.
Hope this helps,
matt
I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in SUVs.
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs
You may search for yahoo group to join the GV owner email group for more information.
Looks like the right group. I had a Sidekick for a dozen years and loved it for 150,000 miles, seldom a problem that wouldn’t be expected after that time – a couple alternators, a new front seal, a couple valve adjustments, etc.. Bought a 1999 Vitara 2WD 2DR to replace it and have had nothing but troubles. After 1500 miles, needed a new engine. Metal scraps in the oil pan. No explanation , though it was out of commission for a couple weeks.
Since day one, it has smelled like maybe rotten eggs. We drive 4-5 miles to the freeway and within a mile or two, it stinks. The dealer has said it is normal exhaust, but it ain't! They have said over and over it is the "Cosmolene burning off" which seems odd, and they say it is not anything to do with the catalytic converter. After more research, I suspect it might be partly the gasoline we use, but it is a major brand at a premium price, and we use the octane recommended in the users guide.
Also, the brakes squeel like a pig when I back out of the garage every morning. Maybe they fixed that finally today after 6 months, but we'll see in the morning. It worked OK the first morning, but now squeals again every morning when cold, and if it sits in the shade for 8 or 10 hours at work.
My biggest question at this point is if anybody smells anything funny from under the car when cruising at 60-70MPH after the car warms up. Any ideas? ALL I ever get from the dealership is "Can't duplicate complaint."
For the record, we took this car on a quick trip to Las Vegas from San Diego, and it just handles poorly – bouncy, vague steering, lousy acceleration when passing, and not very comfortable. After driving a 1989 Sidekick for so long, I was surprised at how unresponsive this car is both in steering and acceleration. It also seems much less stable, and I can't put my finger on why, for sure. I feel MUCH less safe turning corners at freeway speed than I did in the old car, and, though maybe it's the scare from all the stories I've heard about Explorers, but I often fear a blowout and rollover.
From driving the 89 Sidekick 150,000 miles with VERY FEW problems other than a seal here and an alternator there, I would have expected a better experience from a 10-year newer car, but I don't.
Also, the new design of the convertible top is terrible. We took it off once, and had a real bear of a time pushing it in and getting it on right. The old car was a lot of trouble too, but if you just remembered all the snaps and connectors, all was well. This one requires very brute force, and I almost got out the hammer to pound the fittings in. If you own one, you must know what I mean.
Questions:
1. Why does it stink?
2. Is it an easier rollover than an 89 Sidekick?
3. Has anybody else had major problems with theirs?
4. Also, TWICE, it has lost all the antifreeze in the garage overnight. Anybody else with this problem???
I must say that the dealership has been most pleasant and seems to have tried hard to fix the problems. However, after we got it back when the engine was replaced, believe it or not, the key would not unlock either the right or left door. It worked on the tailgate.
Someone suggested they locked the key in the car and used a whatchamacallit to slide down the window to pop the door open and knocked the bar off the locking mechanism, but they could have crawled in the tailgate. Of course, the other suggestion wsa that they disconnected the electric locks. This has no remote, but they are electric from the inside of the car. That makes a bit of sense, now that I think of it.
Although it is fun, and a cheap convertible, when it was in the shop for two weeks and they gave us a rental for the second week, we got a Taurus and were totally delighted with it and plan to buy one soon to replace the sedan.
Any comments?
Thanks,
John
At this point I recommend this car.
Since the GV is more car like than the Side Kick, I was afraid that it would perform worse in the mud. But so far, it really runs well, even dragging its belly.
Regarding lack of acceleration, I am satisfied. it goes from 60 to 85 mph in an instant. It reduces speed well. So, passing is easy. It is not a sport car. But I didn't want a sprt car when I bought it.
Overall, I am happy with the performance. But I liked my old Sidekick better. I hope that Suzuki develops a more basic car again. Else, My next Suzuki may be an old 1998 Sidekick, rather than a 2003 GV.
Thanks for the information!
My experience has been that the H2S smell goes away or diminishes as the catalytic converter ages.
tidester
Host
SUVs
I am a bit discouraged right now because it seems like a lot of little stuff is starting to go wrong with the vehicle on top of this oil leak. Wondering if I should just trade in on something else or fix the problems. But up until this fall, the vehicle has run beautifully and been problem-free. If anyone has any words of wisdom for me (first NEW car I've owned) or similar experiences to share, I'd much appreciate it.
How badly was the minivan damaged?
tidester
Host
SUVs
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Thanks ahead,
Frankk
I'm currently installing a K&N intake on my 5 speed, 2002 JLX Grand Vitara. I'm also planning on upgrading the whole exhaust system. Does anyone know of anything that I can add to make this bad boy go a little faster...like underdrive pulleys or something. Now I know that this is a mini-SUV, and it's dangerous to go fast, but it will only be for straight line sprints. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. If you like, you can email me directly at jbouchebel@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Thanks.
No wonder the hamster spins so quickly at hiway speed!
I had a 1.6L 16V before this one and averaged 25mpg. Haven't seen much power difference between the 1.6 and 2.0. Probably after breakin I will notice a difference.
Cheers
Frankk
Given the fact it runs pretty hard at highway speeds and based on prior experience, I am going with mobil 1 on the next oil change.
HOpe yours holds up well.
Cheers.
The next oil change I can go with Mobil 1.
I bought the zuki primarily because there is indeed a timing chain in there as opposed to a belt which must be changed as part of regular maintenance.
So far, no problems whatsoever.
As I recall, my 2000 dak was already back at the dealer twice at this point.
Frankk
For comparision, my 2000 Dak was back at the dealer twice in the same timeframe.
If you tow, grab a v-6. If you want economy, then go with the 4 banger.
Cheers,
Frankk
Has anyone noticed the AC being a tad weak on hot sunny days? Does anyone tint their windows? IF so, is there a noticable difference?
I have a 2002 Tracker LT, V6, 4dr.,...I live in Melbourne Beach, Florida and it gets mighty hot in the summer {fall and spring,too}. I had my windows tinted the first day I bought the silver beauty and have had no problems with the A/C keeping it cool. I really believe window tinting does help enormously.
I might take him up on this. Needless to say, the tint on the stock vitaras is pretty weak.
Check around for a better price {yellow pages, make a couple of calls}....That price is high. I paid 125.00 for all four and the rear and a front windshield strip. I am certain you can get a better price. Of course, living in Florida, there are numerous tint shops with a lot of competition.
I had the same price for my Ford Escape two years ago, and a previous minivan.They used a name brand product and all the previos vehicles I had done are still A-1 as far as the tint goes. No peeling and no bubbles.
Cheers,
Frank
The AC does blow cold enough but with all that glass area, on really hot 90+ days, I notice it struggles a bit. Most modern cars do as AC systems are designed to meet certain HVAC standards and not much more. Back in the 70's many Detroit cars had excess AC capactiy plus true tinted windows. Remember the lap coolers, the small vents that blew air towards your lap? I can't remember a modern car with that feature and it sure did make a difference.
Stay tuned.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Cheers,
Frankk