1998 Suzuki Sidekick Review
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Cute, cuddly, and surprisingly capable mini-ute is great for around-town cruising or a jaunt to the lake.
Cons
- Underpowered engines make the Sidekick breathe hard when climbing hills.
What’s new
A couple of new colors debut.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JLX 4dr SUV 4WD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.66 per gallon for regular unleaded in Maryland.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Maryland
$214/mo for Sidekick Sport JLX
Sidekick Sport JLX
vs
$188/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Even folks who find it easy to fault small sport-utes run the risk of falling for a Sidekick--especially the convertible model. Neither a true truck nor a car, this mini SUV has created a niche that other manufacturers are rushing to capitalize on. The Chevrolet Tracker is basically identical, and the Kia Sportage and Subaru Forester are new competitors. Toyota introduced the RAV4 to do battle with the Sidekick, and Honda brought their CR-V over from Japan to do the same. Suzuki aims the Sidekick squarely at teens and 20-somethings, but older adventurers are likely to find it irresistible, too.
The Sidekick is available in two body styles and two series totaling three trim levels. Basic Sidekicks come with a frisky 16-valve, 95-horsepower engine in JS or JX trim. The JS is a two-wheel drive runabout; the JX is a four-wheel drive mountain goat. Convertible and four-door Hardtop models are available. Or you can opt for the Sport model, which is offered only with the four-door body style in JX, JS and JLX trim. Hallmarks of the Sport include a larger, more powerful twin-cam engine good for 120 horsepower, and a track that has been increased by two inches for increased stability and response. Sixteen-inch tires and wheels and a shiny grille set the Sport model even further apart from garden-variety Sidekicks.
Four-wheel antilock brakes are optional on Sidekick; standard on Sidekick Sport. Exclusive to the Sport is a 100-watt Alpine stereo system, cruise control (on the JLX only), security alarm system, power windows and locks, split-fold rear seat, remote fuel door release, cloth door trim, power remote mirrors, rear window wiper/washer and overhead map lights. The Sport also gets unique paint colors from which to select.
Frankly, we think that the plain-Jane base Sidekick is the best-looking vehicle. The two-tone paint and chrome-ringed grille make the Sidekick look like a little freckle-faced kid wearing an Armani suit. The monochromatic look of the base model, combined with the Sport's engine and track width, would be a hot setup -- too bad Suzuki doesn't see it that way.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick.
5 star(39%)
4 star(48%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
31 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
I love my Sidekick!
Clonecrazy, 07/26/2002
1997 Suzuki Sidekick JX 4dr SUV 4WD
I bought my Sidekick used - it had been
a rental car. I have never had any
problems with it, and the only
maintenance I've ever done has been oil
changes. It has never let me down, and
I really enjoy driving it.
4.5 out of 5 stars
The little engine that could but Suzuki version
firebug2283, 03/18/2011
1997 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JLX 4dr SUV 4WD
This car has been hit in the front and the rear and is still on the road. She has 189,561 miles and she still running like new. We have replaced few minor parts, fuel filter, a fan belt and she still continues to run. She just won't die, she refuses to die. Great gas mileage. 4x4 works excellent and she sure can haul wood. I HAVE thought of replacing her but can't bare to part with her … because we know we won't find a better car. She may look like a death trap coming down the road but she sure does run excellent. Never has left us stranded and I doubt she ever will.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Fun little SUV
turre_plug, 08/30/2009
1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX 4dr SUV 4WD
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!
5 out of 5 stars
sidekicks are great
suzukidude, 06/18/2003
1997 Suzuki Sidekick JS 2dr SUV w/Soft Top
I bought my sidekick some time ago
now, i use a lot, has 104k miles on it
and has behaved like a champ, i havn't
had any problems with it, only reg
mantainance(oil, fluids,breaks...)
Fuel economy is great, love the big
windows and the stylish looks. Its not
a very fast car, but hey, thats not
what your paying for and it wasnt
desinged for high performance.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sidekick since its last redesign.
1998 Sidekick Highlights
Sport JLX
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $214/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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