1998 Suzuki X-90 Review
1998 Suzuki X-90 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Doesn't look like everything else on the road.
Cons
- Doesn't look like ANYTHING else on the road.
What’s new
No changes this year.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Suzuki X-90 SE 2dr 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 $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$185/mo for X-90 SE
X-90 SE
vs
$186/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Suzuki's X-90 sport-ute takes the place of the defunct Samurai in the maker's lineup. Larger, more powerful and more sophisticated than the Samurai ever dreamed of being, the X-90 is aimed squarely at young singles with disposable income and no responsibilities.
The X-90 is an amalgam of two-seater sport coupe, convertible and four-wheel drive sport utility. The two-seat cockpit sits beneath a T-top roof, just forward of an 8.4 cubic foot conventional trunk, and on top of a two- or four-wheel drive chassis. Body-on-frame construction is motivated by a 95-horsepower four-cylinder engine. An automatic transmission is available in place of the standard five-speed manual gear changer.
The only part of this formula that seems wrong is the 1.6-liter engine. Its power output seems to be a bit on the meager side for a vehicle with such sporting pretensions. The Sidekick Sport's 120-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine should at least be an option on the heavier four-wheel drive model.
Dual airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes and daytime running lights are standard. All X-90's come equipped with power windows and locks, power steering, alloy wheels and intermittent wipers. Order four-wheel drive and you'll get cruise control, a security alarm and an Alpine stereo.
Suzuki's taking a chance here, creating a new niche in the SUV market. We think that the X-90 will find limited success in climates and terrains where its four-wheel drive will have some relevancy, and in places where style-conscious buyers don't find what they want in the slightly more versatile Sidekick, or the infinitely more versatile Jeep Wrangler. The X-90's T-top roof is easier to operate than the soft tops of any of those vehicles, but this Suzuki won't carry more than two people; the others will carry four. Our favorite in this price range? A used Mazda Miata. Same number of people fit, and it's more fun to drive.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Suzuki X-90.
5 star(65%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
23 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
I LOVE MY CAR...IT'S THE BEST
Sue Mihelich, 09/09/2010
1996 Suzuki X-90 2dr SUV 4WD
I've had this car fir 13 years & it's NEVER BEEN IN THE GARAGE FOR REPAIR. I will never get another unless forced to do so..it fits my personality to a 'T'. I garage-keep it in our Michigan winters..and can't wait to get it out in the spring...People think it's a new hybrid..when I tell them that it's nearly15 years old..they're amazed..I have 89,000 happy miles on it..long live my … X-90...
5 out of 5 stars
I Love my suzuki x90
michelle110, 01/29/2014
1996 Suzuki X-90 2dr SUV 4WD
I had a Suzuki x-90 for 6 years and loved it, as it was getting rusted I got myself another one and used my old for parts, wish they would still make these!
4.38 out of 5 stars
FUN!
swtnncntme, 01/05/2007
1996 Suzuki X-90 2dr SUV
I absolutely loved my car! I sold it when it got to about 300,000 miles. I finally changed the timing belt at 240,000 miles. It was very dependable. Wish I could find a new one. The gearing was bad for highway use, and that's how I used it - but I miss it terribly.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best Little Car - Still get the "Looks"
Charly, 05/01/2009
1996 Suzuki X-90 2dr SUV 4WD
Bought new in 96 fully loaded with all available options , driven daily - Wife for first 120K, then mine for next 40K. Pulled camper for 6000 miles. Pulled stumps on our property. Still pulls equipment trailer when required. Never been able to "STICK IT" with 12 speeds forward in 4WD. What could be better with the T-Tops out, 85 degrees & sunny, this car still get looks and questions … like "where can I get one?" or "is that a new car?". Handles great in all types of weather and its large trunk carries big loads. Paint still shines after 13 yrs, no rattles, just routine scheduled maintenance,no car payments as I paid cash in 96, so what's not to like? Too bad they were only made 3 years,
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Suzuki X-90, so we've included reviews for other years of the X-90 since its last redesign.
1998 X-90 Highlights
SE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $185/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 8.4 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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