Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatile utility and off-road capability in a compact package
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Versatility:
Combination of car-like handling with SUV practicality and available 4WD
Off Road Capability:
Body-on-frame construction (XL-7) and available 4x4 systems offered better off-road prowess than some unibody competitors
Value Proposition:
Often offered at a more competitive price point than rivals, providing significant features for the cost.
Geographic Coverage:
Global (applicable to models sold worldwide)
Model Year Coverage:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine:
All Engine Systems (including diagnostics, repair, overhaul)
Transmission:
All Transmission Systems (Automatic & Manual)
Drivetrain:
4WD/AWD Systems, Differentials, Drive Shafts, Axles
Suspension:
Front & Rear Suspension, Steering Components
Brakes:
Brake System (Hydraulic, ABS, Parking Brake)
Electrical:
Complete Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, ECUs, Sensors, Actuators
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Components
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System
Fuel:
Fuel System, Fuel Tank, Injection System
Cooling:
Cooling System, Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat
Exhaust:
Exhaust System Components
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing
Repair:
Detailed Step-by-Step Repair Procedures for all Systems
Overhaul:
Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul Procedures
Disassembly:
Component Disassembly and Reassembly Instructions
Installation:
Installation of New or Replaced Components
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic service to complete engine/transmission rebuild)
Diagnostic Tools:
References to necessary diagnostic tools and equipment
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
File Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchability:
Searchable text content for quick information retrieval
Compatibility:
Compatible with all Windows versions, Linux, macOS
Print Readability:
High-resolution, clear text and diagrams for easy printing and viewing
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Family:
G-Series / H-Series
Engine Code Example G:
G16A (1.6L I4, early models/Grand Vitara), G20A (2.0L I4, Grand Vitara), G25A (2.5L V6, Grand Vitara)
Engine Code Example H:
H25A (2.5L V6, Grand Vitara/XL-7), H27A (2.7L V6, XL-7)
Displacement Common Xl7:
2.7 Liters (2700 cc)
Cylinders Common Xl7:
6 (V6)
Configuration Common Xl7:
V-Type
Valvetrain Common Xl7:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower 2.7L V6:
Approx. 170-185 HP (varies by year and specific tune)
Torque 2.7L V6:
Approx. 170-185 lb-ft (varies by year and specific tune)
Engine Management:
ECU (Engine Control Unit) controlled ignition and fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 Octane (minimum recommended, higher may be beneficial)
Transmission Type Early Gv:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Common:
4-Speed Automatic (4EAT)
Transmission Type Xl7:
4-Speed Automatic (4EAT, some may have 5-speed manual on early models)
Drivetrain Options:
2WD (RWD), 4WD (Part-time or Full-time, depending on model/year)
Transfer Case:
Two-speed transfer case with high and low range options (on 4WD models)
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control for shift points and operation
Wheelbase Xl7:
Approx. 104.4 inches (2650 mm)
Length Xl7:
Approx. 179.9 inches (4570 mm)
Width Xl7:
Approx. 67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Height Xl7:
Approx. 66.0 inches (1675 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.0 inches (203 mm) (Varies by suspension/tire)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 35.6 cu ft (1008 L)
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 77.0 cu ft (2180 L)
Curb Weight Xl7:
Approx. 3800-4000 lbs (1724-1814 kg) (Varies by trim/drivetrain)
Towing Capacity:
Approx. 3500 lbs (1588 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:
Generally rated well for its era, but specific year ratings may vary. Consult individual year safety reports.
IIHS Crash Test:
Refer to IIHS archives for specific year ratings; often performed well in side impacts for its class.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some later models or higher trims
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger; Side-impact airbags available on select trims/years
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters (front seats)
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player with available premium sound systems
Display:
Basic digital or analog displays for climate control and audio
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trim levels
Auxiliary Input:
Typically not standard; aftermarket solutions may exist for audio input.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type used)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on visual inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type, e.g., platinum/iridium)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (ATF, check manual for specific type and interval)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SJ or higher classification, refer to manual for exact spec)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 Quarts (4.2 - 4.7 Liters) for V6 (check manual for precise capacity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based coolant (green) with corrosion inhibitors (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific type)
Engine Vibrations V6:
Some owners report engine vibration, potentially related to engine mounts or accessory drive components.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Automatic transmission can occasionally exhibit hard shifts; fluid and filter changes can help.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Exhaust manifold cracks can occur on some V6 engines due to heat cycles.
Power Window Motors:
Power window motors can wear out over time.
Cv Joint Boots:
Torn CV joint boots can lead to premature failure of the CV joints, especially in off-road use.
Suzuki Heritage:
Suzuki has a long history in motorcycle and small automotive production, known for ruggedness and off-road capability.
Grand Vitara Intro:
The Grand Vitara platform (SQ series) replaced the original Vitara/Sidekick and offered a larger, more refined package with available V6 engines and unibody construction (initially) or body-on-frame for some variants.
Xl7 Introduction:
The XL-7 (Grand Vitara XL-7, TX9 series) was introduced as a stretched, 7-seater version of the Grand Vitara, utilizing a body-on-frame construction for enhanced durability and towing, targeting a broader family market.
Generation Differences:
The 1998-2006 period covers the first generation of Grand Vitara and the primary years of the XL-7 model. Key changes involved engine options, feature availability, and minor styling updates.
Assembly Locations:
Primarily assembled in Japan (various Suzuki plants) and Hungary (Magyar Suzuki).
