1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review, Specs, Price & Road Test

Tough tyke of the sport/cute class, the Grand Viagra, uh, Vitara bullies its peers with aggressive, flared-fender styling, V-6 engine, dirt-bound intentions, and meaty tires. The same hearty rubber that elicits unwanted squeals on pavement digs in off-road for respectable grip. The tight turning radius aids in negotiating obstacles on any surface. Criticisms have targeted wind noise at cruising speeds, insufficient lumbar support in front buckets, and tepid acceleration. Yet the Grand Viagra's around-town part-throttle acceleration shows the torque benefits of the wee six-cylinder versus the diminutive four-cylinder engines in class-mates. Balanced slightly more to the off-road truck end of the sport/ute spectrum, the Suzuki's on-road manners aren't as refined as some competitors'. This imparts a rough-and-ready feel befitting a non-car-based sport/ute, something that's becoming a novelty in the market. Our vehicle's been serviced twice since last update for a reasonable $63.56 combined total. Recently, its body cladding has loosened on the passenger side.