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:
Accessory Socket (if equipped)
12-volt accessory sockets are located both
on the center console and on the left side
of the luggage compartment.
Depending on the specification, there are
two sockets on the center console.
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Basic Power
This year's four-cylinder engine gains some guts — it makes 150 horsepower,
up from last year's 143 — and it works through either a stick shift or a new
continuously variable automatic transmi ...
Before Driving
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