Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Usp:
Affordable, capable, and versatile compact SUV with available 4WD, suitable for light off-roading and daily driving.
Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Jeep Cherokee (XJ).
Feature 1:
Body-on-frame construction (earlier models) offering robust durability.
Feature 2:
Part-time or full-time 4WD systems (depending on trim and options) with low-range gearing for off-road capability.
Feature 3:
Compact yet practical interior space.
Vehicle Years:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Engine Variants Covered:
1.6L 4-cylinder (G16A/G16B), 2.0L 4-cylinder (J20A), 2.5L V6 (H25A/H27A)
Drivetrain Variants Covered:
2WD (Rear Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four Wheel Drive / All-Wheel Drive)
Estimated Pages:
Varies by specific manual, typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive service manuals
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, emission control, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case (4WD), front differential, rear differential.
Chassis:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, brake system (hydraulic, mechanical, ABS), wheels, tires.
Electrical Electronic:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, gauges, audio/video systems, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), Wiper & Washer system, Horn, Speed Control (Cruise Control), Vehicle Theft Security System, Chime/Buzzer, Electronic Control Modules (ECM/PCM, TCM, BCM, etc.), Airbag system (Restraints).
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, bumpers, frame, HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks/changes), lubrication, tire rotation, brake inspections.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams, component testing procedures.
Repair Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for major systems including engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and electrical components.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and troubleshooting of complex electronic modules.
Engine 1 Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1590 cc)
Engine 1 Cylinders:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine 1 Horsepower Approx:
95-103 hp
Engine 1 Torque Approx:
90-95 lb-ft
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Engine 2 Cylinders:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine 2 Horsepower Approx:
127-135 hp
Engine 2 Torque Approx:
130-135 lb-ft
Engine 3 Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2493 cc) / 2.7 Liters (2694 cc)
Engine 3 Horsepower Approx:
155-157 hp (2.5L) / 165-170 hp (2.7L)
Engine 3 Torque Approx:
160-162 lb-ft (2.5L) / 173-177 lb-ft (2.7L)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Emission Standards:
Meets applicable emissions standards for model year (e.g., EPA, CARB in US market).
Transmission 1 Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission 2 Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4Wd System:
Available with part-time 4WD (with transfer case and low-range gearing) or full-time 4WD/AWD depending on market and model year.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90 (Consult manual for exact spec).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III or equivalent (Consult manual for exact spec).
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 2.3-2.5 Liters (Consult manual for exact spec).
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 6.5-7.0 Liters (Consult manual for exact spec).
Length:
Approx. 4030-4390 mm (depending on variant and bumper styles)
Width:
Approx. 1780-1785 mm
Height:
Approx. 1700-1720 mm (without roof rails)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2480 mm
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 195-200 mm
Curb Weight Approx:
1350-1550 kg (depending on engine and drivetrain)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:
1900-2050 kg
Cargo Volume Approx:
Varies with seating configuration, typically around 0.4-0.5 cubic meters behind rear seats.
NHTSA Rating:
Likely not rated under current NHTSA comprehensive testing protocols for this era.
IIHS Rating:
Likely not rated under current IIHS comprehensive testing protocols for this era.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models/trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front occupants on some models.
Child Anchors:
Child seat anchors (LATCH/ISOFIX) may be present on later models within this range.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often optional or standard on higher trims.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) may be available on some V6 models.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player and/or cassette tape player, basic speaker systems (2-4 speakers typical).
Display:
Basic LCD or LED displays for radio information, clock, and potentially trip computer.
Cruise Control:
Speed Control (Cruise Control) available on most models, particularly with automatic transmission.
Connectivity Features:
Limited connectivity by modern standards; may include power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless entry on higher trims.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles (6,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (Consult manual for exact recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum-tipped plugs typically last 60,000 - 100,000 miles (Consult manual for specific plug type and interval).
Coolant Change:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SJ/SL, ILSAC GF-2/GF-3. Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-30 (Consult manual for exact spec based on climate).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based, typically Suzuki Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent (Pink/Red color, consult manual).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Consult manual for specific requirement).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.7-4.3 Liters (depending on engine variant and filter).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.0-7.0 Liters (depending on engine variant and presence of auxiliary coolers).
Issue 1:
Timing chain noise/wear on some V6 engines (H25A/H27A).
Issue 2:
Rattling noise from exhaust heat shields.
Issue 3:
Early generation automatic transmissions can be prone to wear if not properly maintained.
Issue 4:
Rear differential and transfer case fluid checks are crucial, especially for 4WD models.
Issue 5:
Chassis rust, particularly on frame rails and suspension components in areas with heavy road salt use.
Suzuki Offroad:
Suzuki has a long history of producing capable and compact off-road vehicles (e.g., Samurai, Sidekick).
Generation 1:
The 1998-2005 Grand Vitara represents the first generation (SQ4xx series), replacing the Sidekick/Vitara in many markets, offering a slightly larger and more refined package.
Model Facelift:
A minor facelift occurred around 2001-2002, with styling tweaks and potentially updated features.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in Japan (Hamamatsu) and various global assembly plants.
