Going & Stopping

For a V-6 with paltry mileage, the Grand Vitara's acceleration is merely adequate. Our friends at MotorWeek clocked a comparably equipped 4WD Grand Vitara automatic's 0-60 mph time at 9.0 seconds. Rear-wheel drive or a manual transmission (or both) would make for quicker sprints. Though a four-cylinder has been rumored for the 2009 model year, pokier acceleration is practically guaranteed. A stronger V-6 has also been rumored, but we can't guess how that would affect mileage; it could well improve despite a power increase.

The antilock brakes have front discs and rear drums. Another disappointment, drum rear brakes are technically inferior and on their way out, though the Escape is another holdout. It's the result that counts more than the formula, though, and unfortunately MotorWeek cites a 60-0 mph stopping distance of 135 feet, which is a bit long.

See also:

The Inside
There are aspects of the interior that I like, including the overall design. The materials in my test Grand Vitara XSport were pretty good quality, which couldn't be said of Suzukis just five year ...

Tire Changing Tool
Tire Changing Tool The jack, wheel brace and jack handle are stowed in the rear left corner of the luggage compartment. Remove the cover to access the tools. To remove the jack, turn its shaft ...

The Name
Kizashi! There's something about recent Japanese car names — or at least names from Japanese car companies — that inspire us to bellow them. It started with Toyota: Venza! Now it's Suzuki: Kiz ...

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