2006 Suzuki GranD Vitara 4 WD Published 11/03/2005

Suzuki has an image problem. On one hand, Suzuki motorcycles including the awesome GSX 1000, are known as some of the fastest street legal bikes on the road. On the water, the 220 cubic inch V6 Suzuki outboard boat motor produces 250 horsepower of outstanding performance. Yet on the other hand Suzuki automobiles have long been known as makers of cheap, low quality, even dangerous vehicles. This reputation is a problem.

Geeky motivational speakers say that problems are just opportunities waiting for solutions. It may be that the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara is just part of that solution. But it's important to understand that while problems may provide opportunities, that real problems existed in the first place.

The reputation for dangerously designed vehicles began 20 years ago when the top heavy Suzuki Samurai became a target for Consumer Reports safety warnings. While never admitting the obvious, Suzuki worked hard to improve products and consumer confidence. Remaining a value priced leader, Suzuki now backs each vehicle with an industry leading, seven year, 100,000 mile, no deductible, transferable, powertrain warranty.

Each new model revision raises the status for Suzuki, but they have yet to abandon the market position of providing inexpensive vehicle in each market category. The all-new 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara now raises the bar for all competitors in the hotly contested compact sport utility vehicle market.

My test vehicle for the week was the four-wheel drive version of the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara, including the optional luxury package. With all of the added luxury features of this model, MSRP still remained under $25,000.

Completely redesigned, the 2006 Grand Vitara is a very competitive vehicle for this market. Exterior styling is more muscular and "squatty" than competing "top-heavy" competitors. The only two distractions on the vehicle are the obnoxious "S" medallion on the front grill and the rear mounted exterior spare tire carrier. Just a tap against a light pole while backing up will cost dearly because the tire carrier sticks out past the bumper and is mounted directly to the tailgate. Ride and handling is competitive for this segment not known for superior handling. The 185 horsepower, 2.7 Liter DOHC V-6 engine provides adequate power both in the city and on the highway.

Outstanding characteristics of the 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara include the feature for price ratio provided by this compact SUV. Remember this is a vehicle with a fully loaded MSRP of less than $25,000. My test drive vehicle was not a two-wheel drive unit; but rather a fully capable four mode 4X4, SUV. You may not climb inclines steeper than the parking garages at the Plaza but it's nice to know you can.

Settling into the heated perforated leather seats; I remember that some luxury brands still want you to pay extra for heated seats included in their "cold weather package." Air Condition is fully Climate Controlled reducing the need to "fiddle" with controls while driving. Set and forget a target temperature. The six speaker with subwoofer audio system included a six disc CD/AM/FM/MP3/WMA/XM ready stereo. Even the leather wrapped steering wheel had remote controls for the audio system. With the Luxury Package, just leave the key in your pocket or purse. The vehicle will recognize you as you approach the door and let you start the engine with the key on your person. How is that for luxury?

I was most impressed at the attention to safety Suzuki has shown with this 2006 Grand Vitara. You don't pay extra for the front and rear passenger side curtain airbags. Front passengers get the standard dash airbags plus side airbags. Electronic Stability Program with Traction Control and four-wheel ABS make this one of the safest vehicles in the class for the price.

This is a sport utility vehicle chocked full of features normally found only on expensive SUV's rather than compacts priced below $25,000.

Suzuki Automobiles may not be making their mark in speed and performance as the motorcycle and marine applications are, but they are sure making a stand as a well built, value price vehicle. The 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara may just be the answer to an image problem.

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD with Luxury Package
4X4 Compact Sport Utility Vehicle

2.7 L V-6 DOHC Engine 185 hp, 184 lb. Ft. Torque
5 speed Automatic Transmission

MSRP as tested $24, 399

Estimated MPG 19/23

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