Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover SUV
Key Selling Points:
Versatile 4x4 capability, compact footprint, reliable powertrain options, practical interior.
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Jeep Cherokee.
Vehicle Type:
Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)
Body Styles:
2-door (XL-7 derivative) and 4-door configurations.
Engine Mechanical:
Full coverage including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all engine components.
Engine Management:
Detailed information on fuel injection, ignition system, sensors, actuators, and ECU diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Complete overhaul and repair procedures for the manual transmission.
Transmission Automatic:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for the automatic transmission.
Drivetrain 4Wd:
In-depth coverage of the 4x4 system, transfer case, drive shafts, differentials, and CV joints.
Brakes:
Diagnosis, repair, and servicing of ABS, EBD, brake lines, calipers, rotors, and master cylinder.
Suspension:
Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, control arms, and bushings.
Steering:
Repair and maintenance of power steering system, rack and pinion, and steering column.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, and repair information for all electrical components.
HVAC:
Service and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
Body Exterior:
Information on body panel removal/installation, trim, glass, and exterior lighting.
Body Interior:
Procedures for interior trim, seating, dashboard, and headliner removal/installation.
Restraints:
Airbag system diagnostics and repair, seat belt mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II codes, sensor data interpretation, and component testing.
Depth:
Factory-level technical detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Engine Code Gasoline 1:
J20A
Engine Description Gasoline 1:
2.0L Inline-4 DOHC 16-valve
Displacement Gasoline 1:
1995 cc (121.7 cu in)
Horsepower Gasoline 1:
123-135 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies by market/tune)
Torque Gasoline 1:
133-138 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm (varies by market/tune)
Fuel System Gasoline 1:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Compression Ratio Gasoline 1:
9.7:1
Bore X Stroke Gasoline 1:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Alternative Engine Gasoline
Engine Code Gasoline 2:
J27A
Engine Description Gasoline 2:
2.7L V6 DOHC 24-valve (North American market primarily)
Displacement Gasoline 2:
2736 cc (167 cu in)
Horsepower Gasoline 2:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Gasoline 2:
184 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 Octane (minimum)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
Drivetrain Options:
Available in Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations.
AWD System:
Full-time 4x4 system with viscous coupling center differential.
Length:
4,470 mm (176.0 in) for 4-door model
Width:
1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Height:
1,695 mm (66.7 in) without roof rails
Wheelbase:
2,635 mm (103.7 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 200 mm (7.9 in)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) for 2.0L RWD manual
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 1,750 kg (3,858 lbs) for 2.7L AWD automatic
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 735 liters (25.9 cu ft)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 1,717 liters (60.6 cu ft)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
4 Stars (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
4 Stars (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Rating Front Driver:
4 Stars (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Rating Front Passenger:
5 Stars (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Rating Rear Driver:
5 Stars (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 Stars (2004 Model Year)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel disc brakes on most models)
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (Standard)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, optional front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval 2.0L:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Iridium type recommended).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval 2.7L V6:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Iridium type recommended).
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) under normal driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SM/SN or ILSAC GF-4/GF-5)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
4.2 Liters (4.4 US Quarts) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 2.7L V6:
4.9 Liters (5.2 US Quarts) with filter
Coolant Type:
Suzuki Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Suzuki ATF 3317 or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Suzuki Manual Transmission Oil (GL-4) SAE 75W-90
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF DEXRON-II or equivalent
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
CV joints, wheel bearings, front sway bar links, exhaust system components.
Engine Considerations 2.7L:
Potential for oil consumption on higher mileage engines, timing chain system (though generally robust).
Transmission Considerations:
Automatic transmission can occasionally develop delayed engagement or shifting issues, often related to fluid condition or valve body wear.
Electrical Considerations:
Window regulators, power lock actuators, and alternator issues can occur with age and mileage.
Suzuki SUV Legacy:
Suzuki has a long history of producing capable off-road vehicles, starting with the Suzuki Samurai and Sidekick.
First Generation Grand Vitara:
Introduced as the Grand Vitara in 1998 (as a 1999 model in some markets), succeeding the Sidekick/Vitara lineage.
Second Generation Transition:
The 2004 model marks the introduction of the second generation, featuring a unibody construction for improved ride comfort and a more car-like driving experience, a significant departure from the body-on-frame previous generation.
Production Start Year:
1998 (First Generation)
Production Period Second Gen:
2005-2015 (Model years often differ by market, with 2004 sometimes referring to the very first models of the second generation globally).
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, Hungary, India (different variants).
Off Road Capability Awards:
While not a hardcore off-roader, the Grand Vitara consistently received praise for its competent 4x4 system and trail capability within its segment.
Konsumen Reports Reliability Rating:
Varies by year and specific engine, generally rated as average to below average by some consumer reporting agencies for this generation.