Howdy from a newbie! I'm in the market for a GV, something to fit the family and get good gas milage.  I've decided on  this model, but would like to know if any major changes have taken place during the model run. I may have to settle on an auto trans (to please SHMBO).  Are they good for off roading? What's with the aluminum diff?  Is there a particular year which had a better motor/drivetrain/ammenities etc?  Any years I should stay away from? I found a 1999 auto 6 cyl pretty cheap, but high miles.  Any info is appreciated.
BTW - I'm new to Suzuki, but not 4 wheeling.  I've had a jeep and some land cruisers. Now looking for a family off roader that won't break the budget and will hold up well!  Thanks!

5 speeds have steel housing and diff carrier.  I've heard some later model autos have them, too (maybe 2003 and up...I'm not sure).  You'll have to double check that by looking for rust or using a magnet.  You can always swap in steel parts if you have the $$$.

As you can probably tell from this forum, Suzukis are good offroaders.  They take a lot more work, though.  The aftermarket is very slow and sometimes non-existent.  Stock ground clearance is sh!#, so you'll need to lift.  This forum gives you info on skids.  There is a conversion if you want better gearing, manual hubs, and the ability to install lockers (involves swapping parts with a specific make of Suzuki Sidekick).  That's what I'm wanting to do, but it's quite expensive, unless you can do your own work.  Calmini rockcrawler gears may work on an auto tranny (they don't work on V6 Manuals), but you'd have to call them to check.

Overall, the GVs are fun little trucks if you have the time and money to build them up.  Good luck!!

Dave

BTW,

Some more info for you.  The early models had more engine issues.  Mainly, this revolves around the timing chain and cover.  I never had it on my 1999 5 speed, but I guess a fair amount of people did.  You can probably avoid this by getting a 2001 or up.  Also, the horsepower was bumped up from 155 to 165 for the 2002 model year.  The exhaust system was tweaked, contributing to this.  Another reason to consider a 2002 or later model. 

Dave