2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara

According to Kelley Blue Book, the Suzuki Grand Vitara "applies traditional SUV styling cues to a scaled-down package with just the right rounding of contours to yield a clean and contemporary appearance." Motor Trend is substantially more impressed with this Suzuki 2008 exterior, calling it "arguably the best looking car in its class." According to MyRide.com, the Suzuki Grand Vitara possesses "clean, hard lines that appeal to those who want refined, mainstream styling in their SUVs."

Those "hard lines" in the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara are softened somewhat inside, according to Edmunds: "flowing lines abound, with gauges taking up residence in a multilayered cluster with simulated aluminum trim." They add "the Limited's leather is very nice to look at." According to Kelley Blue Book, "silver plastic accents on the base and XSport are replaced by leather and faux wood in the Luxury model," but to the tester at Mother Proof, "the rear of cabin proved to be very basic."

ConsumerGuide reports that this year's Suzuki Grand Vitara is powered by "a 185-hp 2.7-liter V-6," which, according to Edmunds, is “paltry compared to the [Toyota] RAV4's V-6." Although "not necessarily a top choice for major towing duty, the Grand Vitara can tug up to 3,000 pounds." If this Suzuki 2008 motor seems to lack power, Motor Trend suggests "torque may be the culprit, as the Grand Vitara's peak twist resides at 4,500 rpm."

This lackluster engine "teams with either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission" like most Suzuki 2008 vehicles, according to Cars.com, which adds that "the four-wheel-drive system has a Low range and is intended for use only on slippery surfaces." ConsumerGuide reports that "highway passing can take patience with automatic transmission, which downshifts readily for more power," and "the manual transmission doesn't change gears smoothly when rushed."

Edmunds remarks "fuel economy estimates, at 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway for a 4WD model with the automatic transmission, are below average for a compact SUV."

Overall handling characteristics get moderate praise: ConsumerGuide reports "marked body lean but good grip in fast corners," adding that "steering is nicely weighted and the turning circle is commendably tight, but test AWD models exhibited some front driveline binding when turned fully to either side" and "firm, easy-to-modulate brakes provided good stopping control.

© Source: thecarconnection
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