Because existing sources of auto reliability information left much to be desired, in late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research at TrueDelta.com. TrueDelta reports absolute stats like "trips to the shop" that make the differences between cars much clearer. Results are updated four times a year, so any significant changes in a model's reliability become apparent quickly.

So far, 43 owners of the 2006 have signed up, and we've been providing results for that model year. Other years aren't yet to the minimum sample size. For all years more participants would be very helpful.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, panel members will receive full access to the results for free.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Auto reliability research

We've been updating results for the 2006 every three months. For other years not enough data--especially need more participants for those.

Auto reliability research

The 2006 Grand Vitara continues to have a "better than average" repair rate, with owners reporting 35 repair trips per 100 cars per year.

For the details, and comparisons to competing car models:

Suzuki Grand Vitara reliability comparisons

We've updated the results for the Grand Vitara to include owner experiences through December 31, 2009. The updated stat for the 2006 is 31 repair trips per 100 cars per year, which is better than average.

The sample size was a few short of the minimium, so on the site this result is asterisked and only visible to participants.

Everyone who has been helping, thanks. We'll have further updates in May and August. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Suzuki Grand Vitara reliability comparisons

We've updated the results for the Grand Vitara to include owner experiences through March 31, 2010. The updated stat for the 2006 is 22 repair trips per 100 cars per year, which is better than average.

The sample size was a few short of the minimium, so on the site this result is asterisked and only visible to participants.

Everyone who has been helping, thanks. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

Suzuki Grand Vitara reliability comparisons

We've updated the results for the Grand Vitara to include owner experiences through June 30, 2010. Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the more recent months until the summer or even fall of next year.

The updated stat for the 2006 is 23 repair trips per 100 cars per year, which is better than average.

The sample size was short of the minimium, so on the site this result is asterisked and only visible to participants.

We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Suzuki Grand Vitara reliability comparisons

We've updated the results for the Grand Vitara to include owner experiences through September 30, 2010. Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the months since April until the summer or even fall of next year.

The updated stat for the 2006 is 38 repair trips per 100 cars per year, which is better than average.

The sample size was short of the minimium, so on the site this result is asterisked and only visible to participants.

We'll have further updates in February and May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

Suzuki Grand Vitara reliability ratings and comparisons