Going & Stopping
For a V-6 with paltry mileage, the Grand Vitara's acceleration is merely adequate. Our friends at MotorWeek clocked a comparably equipped 4WD Grand Vitara automatic's 0-60 mph time at 9.0 seconds. Rear-wheel drive or a manual transmission (or both) would make for quicker sprints. Though a four-cylinder has been rumored for the 2009 model year, pokier acceleration is practically guaranteed. A stronger V-6 has also been rumored, but we can't guess how that would affect mileage; it could well improve despite a power increase.
The antilock brakes have front discs and rear drums. Another disappointment, drum rear brakes are technically inferior and on their way out, though the Escape is another holdout. It's the result that counts more than the formula, though, and unfortunately MotorWeek cites a 60-0 mph stopping distance of 135 feet, which is a bit long.
See also:
Four Trim Lines, Two Engines, Three Drivelines
The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara four-cylinder model is offered in four trim
levels: Base, Premium, XSport and Luxury. The base model is RWD only, but its
list of standard equipment is far from basic ...
Basic Power
This year's four-cylinder engine gains some guts — it makes 150 horsepower,
up from last year's 143 — and it works through either a stick shift or a new
continuously variable automatic transmi ...
Bulb Replacement
WARNING:
• Light bulbs can be hot enough to
burn your finger right after being
turned off. This is true especially
for halogen headlight bulbs.
Replace the bulbs after they
become cool en ...