2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Inexpensive and roomy, with a long list of standard features and a 7-year/100,000-mile warranty. No wonder this compact SUV is a popular...
Inexpensive and roomy, with a long list of standard features and a 7-year/100,000-mile warranty. No wonder this compact SUV is a popular choice for those looking for a capable off-road performer at a budget price. The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara, unlike many comparably sized and priced SUVs on the market, features both rear-wheel drive and a four-mode full-time all-wheel-drive system with high- and low-range gearing. With nearly eight inches of ground clearance, skid plates, and a choice of 16- or 17-inch wheels, the Vitara feels at home both on and off the road.
For 2008, the Grand Vitara gets a few minor tweaks, including more sound insulation, a remote gas door release, and a standard tire monitor on all trims. The X Sport trim now features a standard sunroof. The SUV comes in three trims. Base Grand Vitaras start with full power accessories, a CD/MP3 player, cruise control, a trip computer, and wheel-mounted controls. The X Sport adds the sunroof, foglights, a roof rack (optional on Base trims), and a 6-CD changer. The top-of-the-line Luxury goes all out with heated leather seats and leather trim, wood accents, and heated mirrors. All trims offer ABS brakes, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, and traction and stability control, which help them earn four- and five-star crash ratings. The only engine is a rather weak 2.7-liter, 185-hp V6 with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. It rates around 17/22 mpg and can tow up to 3,000 pounds.
The 2008 Grand Vitara gets high marks for its interior room. The SUV seats four in two rows, with 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seats. There are some complaints about the ease of folding the rear seats, which fold flat only if the seat cushions are flipped up and attached to the back of the front seats. The cargo hold expands from 24 cubic feet to nearly 69 cubic feet and comes standard with tie-downs, a net, and a cover. The tailgate opens sideways instead of upward. Families on a budget love the versatility, room, and extensive convenience features in the 2008 Grand Vitara. Some drawbacks include sluggish and noisy acceleration from the V6, disappointing fuel economy, and some complaints about uncomfortable seats.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara generally appreciate its off-road capabilities and solid performance, particularly enjoying its handling and build quality. Many reviewers also commented favorably on its appearance and comfortable seating. However, several noted that the interior could benefit from better materials, and some found the back seating uncomfortable on long trips. There's a recognition that while it performs well for day-to-day use, the engine may not provide enough power for those seeking a more spirited driving experience."
Best pickup in it's class! This truck is a great overall mid-size truck.If you want a nice looking, good performing, solid truck for work or for yourself, and you don't want to spend over 20K on a new car, then this truck's for you. I have one in silver which
August 6, 2008Can tow 3000 lbs Less expensive than other SUV. Seats are very conftable. The inside and the outside are sharp. The driving is very nice. The security is high with 6 air bags. The supension is not too soft or hard.
March 16, 2010Performance - it's ok for a SUV, low end torque is good with smooth acceleration Build quality - good, no complaints so far Appearance - form the exterior , it looks better than most SUV's in the market, clean lines and well- balanced design without trying too hard to be noticed. The interior could be better, too much plastic but the instrument panel is clear and easy to read - controls are very intuitive to use Cost of ownership - too early to say yet, has to run in the car Fun factor - great , especially for taking my dogs out since my Maserati can't possibly accommodate them
July 31, 2008What owners say
Best pickup in it's class! This truck is a great overall mid-size truck.If you want a nice looking, good performing, solid truck for work or for yourself, and you don't want to spend over 20K on a new car, then this truck's for you. I have one in silver which
August 6, 2008Can tow 3000 lbs Less expensive than other SUV. Seats are very conftable. The inside and the outside are sharp. The driving is very nice. The security is high with 6 air bags. The supension is not too soft or hard.
March 16, 2010Performance - it's ok for a SUV, low end torque is good with smooth acceleration Build quality - good, no complaints so far Appearance - form the exterior , it looks better than most SUV's in the market, clean lines and well- balanced design without trying too hard to be noticed. The interior could be better, too much plastic but the instrument panel is clear and easy to read - controls are very intuitive to use Cost of ownership - too early to say yet, has to run in the car Fun factor - great , especially for taking my dogs out since my Maserati can't possibly accommodate them
July 31, 2008It has great quality but not so when riding in the back on long trips. Has good performance, good brakes and it handles really well. It is very fun to drive although it can be uncomfortable in the back on long trips.
January 4, 2012It did infact cope up with a day full of many offroad challanges. And embarrased bigger and more luxurious SUV drivers while doing it! (White color is weak though, please don't pick it for any SUV). Whatever the situation is, it's not gonna let you down. It easily proved that it is not just a beefed-up pretty city boy.
March 6, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $19,349 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.7L 185 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 24.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $21,019 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.7L 185 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 24.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $23,749 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.7L 185 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 23.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $25,149 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.7L 185 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 23.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $22,349 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.7L 185 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 23.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $23,749 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.7L 185 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 23.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain 4WD |
