The early Grand Vitara's with the V6 and Manual trans were built in Japan and shipped and will start with a J, those with the Auto's were built in Canada.
Mac
Nope. I've got a '00 GV Ltd., auto and made in the land of the rising sun. In the beginning, the 4 banger Vits were Canuck and the V6 GVs were Jap. All Chevy Trackers were 4-bangers and CAMI built.
Now, it might have changed along the way, as the V6 was eventually introduced into the Chevy line-up. But now the CAMI plant will make Vues, anf the Tracker is history. At the same time, ASMC nixs the 4-bangers and the 2-dr, leaving only 4-dr V6s. This would support the claim that the 4-bangers were CAMI and the V6's were Jap.
but VIN starting with "J" is from Japan, and a lead off digit of "2" meant it was CAMI.
There is other differences too, like in the front diff. Call a parts place and ask for a CV shaft for a 1997 Sidekick. Besides, the motor size (1.6 or 1.
, the final question that is asked if it is Japanese made or Canadian, with each make having a different part #. I heard that the axle diameter is ever so slightly different between the two.
Go figure.
