1998 Suzuki Sidekick Review
Fuel Economy
21 - 22 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Fun little SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1998 Suzuki Sidekick 4 Dr JX 4WD Wagon
Review
I originally bought my Sidekick to save some gas... But I have been driving it so much that I have not saved a dime yet.....! It is a fun, little nimble beast. It has a choppy ride on the road but, the 1.6 is peppy with the 5spd. Not a lot of critter comforts but the utility side is amazing. I fish a lot and the 4x4 , good ground clearance and it's small size allow me and my little boat to go places no one else can go. Stay away from the interstate with this guy, it's like riding a motorcycle out there. A great little car, manly enough to be seen in and is well made and tough... No repairs yet but I don't think it will be a problem thus far..... Don't be scared of the sidekick!
Favorite Features
4x4, A/C, Small size, quiet engine
Suggested Improvements
Armrests.... please! Perhaps a little more sound insulation, it can be quite loud inside
Reliable but costly to repair
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1998 Suzuki Sidekick 4 Dr JX 4WD Wagon
Review
I bought my Suzuki when it was 2 years old and it had just under 25000 miles on it. I now have 120,000 miles on it after about 6 1/2 years of driving. I have had few problems with it. This vehicle is very bad for rust and doesn't hold up well in places where salt is used on roads in the winter!!! They have NO resale value and Dealer parts are ridiculously expensive! You think that you are driving a Rolls when you buy parts. I am not kidding!!! They need to stop being so outrageously greedy when selling replacement parts. I went to the dealer once for a repair and told them I would never come back. I didn't. I shopped for after market parts where ever I could find them.
Favorite Features
Very reliable drive train. I have had very few problems. I have used synthetic oil since 40000 miles so that could explain why engine is still running strong.
Suggested Improvements
Better rust control. I would buy another but I am afraid of high repair costs. If I did buy another it would have to be cheap enough so that if I had to sell it I wouldn't lose my shirt. Interior space is too cramped.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
I Love My Suzuki
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1998 Suzuki Sidekick 4 Dr Sport JLX 4WD Wagon
Review
I can't tell you how happy I've been with my Sidekick. It has 98,000 miles on it and still starts right up! My car performance has always exceeded my highest expectations. I feel secure knowing that I have AWD whenever the need arises. This feature has pulled me out of my driveway even after the plow trucks have blocked the end of the driveway with massive piles of snow. Now that my daughter has her license, she has taken over driving the car. I know the Suzuki will give her many more years of excellent performance.
Favorite Features
All wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, body style, roomy cargo, sporty look.
Suggested Improvements
I would beef up the defrost system so the windshield doesn't fog up without both the A/C button and the defrost button engaged. I can always use a little more room in the front seats. This would add to the comfort level of the driver and his/her frong passenger.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
Good Value with proper maintenance
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1998 Suzuki Sidekick 4 Dr JX 4WD Wagon
Review
Overall, my 1998 Suzuki Sidekick did well for its intended purpose. I did experience a spark plug blowing out of the cyclinder, but that only cost $187 to fix. Also, the clutch went at 92,000 miles, but that's not too bad. The truck never really left me stranded. Its 4x4 performance in serious offroad driving was surprisingly good!
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
6 out 6 people found this review helpful
1998 SUZUKI SIDEKICK 4DR SPORT JLX
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1998 Suzuki Sidekick 4 Dr Sport JLX 4WD Wagon
Review
THE SUZUKI SIDEKICK HAS THE FEEL OF AN OPEN AND ROOMY PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.THE RIDE IS NIMBLE ON BACK COUNTRY ROADS AND SMOOTH AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE 1.8L L4 MFI DOHC 16V ENGINE COULD USE A LITTLE MORE PEP BUT MAKES FOR GOOD FUEL MILEAGE.
Favorite Features
THE SIDEKICK HAS A SPORTY LOOK AND A LOT OF EXTRA'S WITH THE JLX SPORT PACKAGE.
Suggested Improvements
THE SIDEKICK NEEDS MORE HORSEPOWER FOR CLIMBING HILLS AND SHOULD BE IMPROVED IN QUALITY MATERIALS EVEN IN THE LATER GENERATION VITARA.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
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