Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick

Pros & Cons

Cute, cuddly, and surprisingly capable mini-ute is great for around-town cruising or a jaunt to the lake.
Underpowered engines make the Sidekick breathe hard when climbing hills.

1998

Suzuki Sidekick for Sale

List Price Estimate

$1,510 - $3,208

Used Sidekick for Sale

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Edmunds' Expert Review

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.

1998 Highlights

A couple of new colors debut.

Scorecard

Overall	undefined / 5

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick.

Average user rating: 4.1 stars

10 total reviews

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See all 10 reviews

5 star reviews: 20%

4 star reviews: 70%

3 star reviews: 10%

2 star reviews: 0%

1 star reviews: 0%

Most helpful consumer reviews

4.125/5 stars, Fun little SUV

turre_plug, 08/30/2009

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

4.75/5 stars, I Love My Suzuki

Anne M, 03/28/2007

Sport JLX 4dr SUV 4WD

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

4/5 stars, Reliable but costly to repair

Frank, 10/07/2007

JX 4dr SUV 4WD

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

4.25/5 stars, 1998 SUZUKI SIDEKICK 4DR SPORT JLX

Barry Alderman, 05/18/2004

Sport JLX 4dr SUV 4WD

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.

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Features & Specs

Trim

Base MSRP: N/A

MPG & Fuel: 21 City / 24 Hwy / 22 Combined; Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.1 gal. capacity

Seating: 0 seats

Drivetrain: Type: rear wheel drive; Transmission: 5-speed manual

Engine: Inline 4 cylinder; Horsepower: 95 hp @ 5600 rpm; Torque: 98 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Basic Warranty: N/A

Dimensions: Length: 143.7 in. / Height: 64.3 in. / Width: 65.2 in.; Curb Weight: 2337 lbs.; Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 8.1 cu.ft.

See all features & specs

Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test	Not Tested
Roof Strength Test	Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test	0

FAQ

Is the Suzuki Sidekick a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 1998 Sidekick both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Suzuki Sidekick fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Sidekick gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg to 22 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Sidekick ranges from 21.0 to 8.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Suzuki Sidekick. Learn more

Is the Suzuki Sidekick reliable?

To determine whether the Suzuki Sidekick is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Sidekick. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Sidekick's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 1998 Sidekick is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more

How much should I pay for a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick?

The least-expensive 1998 Suzuki Sidekick is the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JS 2dr SUV w/Soft Top. Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $0.

Other versions include:

Learn more

What are the different models of Suzuki Sidekick?

If you're interested in the Suzuki Sidekick, the next question is, which Sidekick model is right for you? Sidekick variants include Sport JX SE 4dr SUV 4WD, Sport JS 4dr SUV, JX SE 2dr SUV 4WD, and JX FLT 4dr SUV 4WD. For a full list of Sidekick models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

More about the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick

Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Overview

The Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick is offered in the following submodels: Sidekick SUV. Available styles include Sport JX SE 4dr SUV 4WD, Sport JS 4dr SUV, JX SE 2dr SUV 4WD, JX FLT 4dr SUV 4WD, JX 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top, Sport JX 4dr SUV 4WD, Sport JLX 4dr SUV 4WD, JS 4dr SUV, JX 4dr SUV 4WD, and JS 2dr SUV w/Soft Top. Pre-owned Suzuki Sidekick models are available with a 1.8 L-liter gas engine or a 1.6 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 120 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick comes with four wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.

What do people think of the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the Used 1998 Sidekick 4.1 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the Used 1998 Sidekick.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 1998 Sidekick featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick?

Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JS 2dr SUV w/Soft Top

The Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JS 2dr SUV w/Soft Top can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $13,519. The average price paid for a new Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JS 2dr SUV w/Soft Top is trending $12,273 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $12,273 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $1,246.

The average savings for the Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JS 2dr SUV w/Soft Top is 90.8% below the MSRP.

Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX SE 2dr SUV 4WD

The Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX SE 2dr SUV 4WD can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $16,699. The average price paid for a new Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX SE 2dr SUV 4WD is trending $15,450 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $15,450 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $1,249.

The average savings for the Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX SE 2dr SUV 4WD is 92.5% below the MSRP.

Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top

The Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $15,289. The average price paid for a new Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top is trending $14,031 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $14,031 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $1,258.

The average savings for the Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX 2dr SUV 4WD w/Soft Top is 91.8% below the MSRP.

Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JS 4dr SUV

The Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JS 4dr SUV can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $17,329. The average price paid for a new Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JS 4dr SUV is trending $16,059 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $16,059 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $1,270.

The average savings for the Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JS 4dr SUV is 92.7% below the MSRP.

Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX FLT 4dr SUV 4WD

The Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX FLT 4dr SUV 4WD can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $19,045. The average price paid for a new Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX FLT 4dr SUV 4WD is trending $17,770 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $17,770 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $1,275.

The average savings for the Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX FLT 4dr SUV 4WD is 93.3% below the MSRP.

Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JX 4dr SUV 4WD

The Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JX 4dr SUV 4WD can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $18,329. The average price paid for a new Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JX 4dr SUV 4WD is trending $17,052 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $17,052 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $1,277.

The average savings for the Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JX 4dr SUV 4WD is 93% below the MSRP.

Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JX SE 4dr SUV 4WD

The Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JX SE 4dr SUV 4WD can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $19,329. The average price paid for a new Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JX SE 4dr SUV 4WD is trending $18,047 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $18,047 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $1,282.

The average savings for the Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JX SE 4dr SUV 4WD is 93.4% below the MSRP.

Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JLX 4dr SUV 4WD

The Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JLX 4dr SUV 4WD can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $19,829. The average price paid for a new Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JLX 4dr SUV 4WD is trending $18,543 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $18,543 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $1,286.

The average savings for the Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JLX 4dr SUV 4WD is 93.5% below the MSRP.

Which used 1998 Suzuki Sidekicks are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1998 Suzuki Sidekick for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1998 Suzuki Sidekick.

Can't find a new 1998 Suzuki Sidekicks you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Suzuki for sale - 10 great deals out of 17 listings starting at $16,024.

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.

What is the MPG of a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick?

1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JX SE 4dr SUV 4WD, 5-speed manual, regular unleaded
21 compined MPG,
20 city MPG/23 highway MPG

1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JS 4dr SUV, 5-speed manual, regular unleaded
21 compined MPG,
20 city MPG/23 highway MPG

1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX SE 2dr SUV 4WD, 5-speed manual, regular unleaded
22 compined MPG,
21 city MPG/24 highway MPG

EPA Est. MPG	21
Transmission	5-speed manual
Drive Train	four wheel drive
Displacement	1.8 L
Passenger Volume	N/A

Wheelbase	97.6 in.
Length	162.4 in.
Width	66.7 in.
Height	66.3 in.
Curb Weight	2954 lbs.

Should I lease or buy a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Suzuki lease specials
Check out Suzuki Sidekick lease specials