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Suzuki Grand Vitara I (FT/GT) gallery (1998–2005)

The first-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara body-on-frame SUV (FT/GT) was produced from 1998 to 2005.

All photos 81 I (FT/GT) 3 1998–2005 II (JT) 67 2005–2015
Suzuki Grand Vitara I (FT/GT) photo 16209 1024 x 633 57
Suzuki Grand Vitara I (FT/GT) photo 16208 1024 x 739 48
Suzuki Grand Vitara I (FT/GT), grey, interior — photo 16207 1024 x 637 53
View of the car interior dashboard featuring a four-spoke steering wheel trimmed in dark wood and grey plastic, an analog instrument cluster with speedometer and tachometer, center console air vents, and a manual gear shifter with a rubber boot.

Launched in 1998, the first-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara (FT/GT series) succeeded the original Vitara as a larger, more refined body-on-frame SUV. Built around a robust ladder-frame chassis with a live rear axle and independent front suspension, the vehicle offered shift-on-the-fly Drive Select 4WD with a dual-range transfer case for true off-road capability. Available body configurations included a 3-door short-wheelbase model, a soft-top convertible, and a spacious 5-door station wagon.

Powertrain choices comprised 1.6-liter (94 hp) and 2.0-liter (128 hp) four-cylinders, alongside a 2.5-liter DOHC V6 producing up to 158 hp. Turbodiesel variants included 2.0-liter Mazda and Peugeot HDi engines. In 2001, Suzuki launched the stretched 7-seater Grand Vitara XL-7 powered by a 2.7-liter V6 engine. A mid-lifecycle cabin redesign in 2003 updated dashboard architecture, climate controls, and upholstery fabrics.