Used 1994 Suzuki Sidekick Consumer Reviews
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My Suzuki
I bought my little car in 2006 - she got 40 MPG and was the best car I've ever had - she had one owner before me and he must have taken good care of her. I writing this review because last week the ins. co. totaled her because we were rear ended by a 18 wheeler. I've tried to find a new/used Sidekick but there are not many left on the road -- after being rear ended the police officer pulled the drivers side quarter panel out, the car started and off we went to continue our journey still getting 40MPG. Unless you're a owner of one of these cars you don't understand the durability, I do, and I wish they still made them -- her engine was still good when towed -- how do you find a great car?
I've moved up, but I miss my 'Zuki
I bought this car in '94 with 20,000 miles on it. It was in a head-on accident, two rear-end accidents and, finally, the insurance company "totalled" it after I was recently hit by a crazy person running an intersection. It was plain bad luck with all of them, but even after the last one, the car DROVE, with, as it turned out, the battery wonked out of its bracket and was laying on top of the engine. Most importantly, neither my husband or I were seriously injured. I just bought a '99 Subaru Outback and I like the features, but I wasn't "done" with the Suzuki and already I have to have the Outback's speedometer repaired...not to mention, it's a gas hog (though a 4-cyl. as well) in comparison. My grief is complex!
- 1994 Suzuki SidekickMSRP: $2,950497 mi away
My Suzie
I bought my 1994 Suzuki Sidekick new, 126,000 miles ago, and I just changed the original tires, the spare was never touched! This truck was a work horse for 5+ years hauling office equipment spare parts in the back (back seat folded). It will go where other SUVs would bail out (size advantage). I only experienced normal wear and tear, did the 60,000 mile overhaul and nothing ever since! I like it but will have to donate it to a charitable organization. The engine is super reliable. If new Suzuki models use the same basic construction, I recommend them without reservations.
Suprised Buyer
I bought this little truck because it was a very good deal. It was my first non-American owned car. I purchased the vehicle for basic transportation, a disposable vehicle for my wife. It wasn't long until I just came to love my Sidekick. I trust it to go anywhere, on or off road. It still looks new and cleans up great. I would not trade or sell my Suzuki, I will keep it as long as it runs.
16 Years Later Still No Problems
Sixteen years after purchasing my 1990 Suzuki Sidekick, we have never had a problem with this car. It has no rust. It's still in mint shape. It starts every time. We have had no break downs. Honestly, every car should be like this.
'91 Sidekick - Basic but Fun
Yes, the Suzuki Sidekick is plain, but it will take me anywhere I want to go. On long trips to the mountains or on 4WD only trips in deep sand on Padre Island - this car has never let me down. I've pulled F-350's out of the sand. I bought mine for $2,500 and have put another $5,000 in it. I am now selling it for $1,800. As yuou can see, this truck has poor resale value. It can be fixed up to look good. I added custom wheels, graphics, a custom radio, tinted windows, and oversized tires to make it a real looker. The 1991 model has no overdrive which is a real bummer on gas. I only get 17 city, 24 hwy. The little engine revs high (4,000 rpm) at 70 mph. Mine has had two new engines and it uses oil. It is a great fishing car. Crosswinds at highway speeds are exhilerating though. I would not recommend this truck for a primary vehicle unless you're a good mechanic.
I Want Nothing More Than My 94!
My family bought our (now my) 94 from family friends in 2014. I've been driving it as my own for almost a full year and a half now. I did replace the stereo (nothing was wrong with the original) so that I could have bluetooth connection, USB plug-in, etc. All the "new-age" features. I will say that I did give it an "OK" on acceleration and shifting because 1) Acceleration depending on the slope of the road varies. 2) MY shifting need a little work due to my own stupidity when learning how to drive a stick-shift. It shifted perfectly before I got a hold of it! Prior to this car I was driving a 2014 Chevy Sonic, and then a 2015 Chevy Cruze (both my mother's that I was able to Taxi myself around in for sports). AND TO BE HONEST, I prefer the '94. I was driving it in a small town- so speed and keeping up wasn't an issue considering my biggest competitions and surroundings were highways. Living in a big city and driving on Freeways concerned me at first, but it does PHENOMENAL. The brakes are even better than the newer cars I've driven. I had an incident in the city with a truck; he rear-ended me going 45 mph. The front of his truck was bent up a little- my car had a little scratch and ran totally smooth without hesitation. I feel safe, comfortable, and absolutely love my Suzuki. My family and friends encourage me to get a new car- but until it becomes un-fixable- I plan on keeping it forever. :)
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fun, quality, economy
why buy a diesel for fuel economy, its noisy, shakey and no one knows how to fix it. why buy hybrid cars for fuel economy, they are expensive and not yet perfected. This SUV is made in Japan. Not Korea and not USA. In fact, it is being sold by an american car maker as GEO Tracker. Why? because they can't make anything this perfect. Fun to drive, quality built and so economical.
She 16 and runs great
I just purchased my 1994 Suzuki Sidekick with 81,000 miles on 04/20/09 so far i see this, The car runs great and has not a problem, shes no speed demon on the highway but will cruise along at about 85 no problem, the interior although fully unloaded makes sense, she doesnt have ac, or power windows or locks....in my opinon you may not NEED both but you do need one, im having a remote starter, power windows, and locks installed next week for another 600.00 but in my opinion its all to worth it. The interior lighing stinks, with one dome light in the cabin, and NO OTHER LIGHTS! but the problem was easily solved with the addition of a led bulb for the dome, and some led foot lights for $20
FUN family on/off road vehicle
suzuki sidekicks are nearly extinct! Most basic fun vehicle! Feels like an atv . Cousin of the samurai. Better mpg than the Jeeps! This thing is unstoppable.. I used to use it as a daily driver and did the job quite well. Now its a week end fun ride. Pro. Cheap aftermarket pats. Simplicity .decent mpg. Compact 5 seater. Off road capabilities. Cons. Slow accelertion and speed. Lack of cup holders....
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Beat to death
I bought my Suzuki for my first vehicle and sold it to a buddy of mine. When I bought it, the kid I bought it from beat the hell out of it, I didn't beat it too badly, but then my friend I sold it to beat it. It does still run, still moves, but not inspected. it has 180000+ on it and refuses to die. The tranny makes noise, the body's held on by 1 or 2 out of 8 body mounts, the engine rattles, the clutch isnt the best, the frame isn't real good, but after the beating it took, that's pretty good actually and it still goes anywhere you point it. If there is one thing about this Sidekick, it deserves to be gold plated and put in a glass case somewhere, but we will continue driving it till it dies.
Little 'n Awesome
This is my first vehicle and like it a lot. The small size, 4x4 and maneuverability are great. One thing, the fuel economy was not terribly good in my opinion, maybe 30mpg at tops, but its not horrible. I did have a starter problem once so far as well as corroded wiring for the fuel pump and some of the lights. It is 16 years old and has been in many other hands im sure, so it may have had other issues. But overall, it's pretty much awesome!
Pulls jeeps out regularly..
The title is not a joke. This is a fully capable, small 4x4 whose wheel base is narrow enough to only have 1 tire in "the rut" and another in between. Routinely last until 300k miles. Best kept 4x4 secret until recently...
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I love my Sidekick!
The Sidekick was one of the first SUV's out there and when I was looking for my first vehicle, it really caught my eye. It had great reviews in Consumer Reports. It's zippy yet heavier- I feel very safe driving it. I've taken it off- roading with both stock and B.F. Goodrich tires and it's handled the trails beautifully. It handles better than many trucks and SUV's out there because of it's awesome ground clearance and it's weight!
Suzuki Sidekick Ranks Among the Best
This car surprised me. I was shopping for a low cost 4WD vehicle that I'd use for primarily local driving w/my 2 big dogs...Everything about it has continued to please me from the ease of driving & handling; the comfort and roominess of a small SUV & the dependability. This is a very basic car: standard 5-speed transmission; am/fm/cassette; factory air; manual windows, seats, etc. but ranks among the best.
Fun... but,
I have had this car for four years. I have killed this car, even though I take care of it like it was new. I used to go "mudding" with it constantly, since I didnt have an ATV. I have gone through 2 axles, 3 sets of tires, numerous shocks, struts and other little pieces of equipment that would brake from excessive abuse off-roading with the 4 wheel drive and the top off. It was a fun little car, and would be a cheap pickup for anyone that likes to go off-roading and try to kill themselves. All in all I have no quirks with the car other than I would have liked a little more power and a roll cage. Ha ha !!
my Barbi Mobile is very useful
great car for single girl or young couple. Mechanicaly sound, utilitarian.
It is a surf truck
It is a great surf truck, it takes your beer and your boards and your friends to the beach, on to the beach, across the beach and back from the beach. It has 180k miles on it and the saltwater is rather quickly taking its toll, but I'll probably buy another when the repair bill is no longer worth fixing the one I've got. The door handle thing is annoying (I just roll the windows down and open it from the outside) some 4 door parts are expensive and/or hard to find (muffler and brake master cylinder specifically) It is a great basic truck, it isn't for the cayenne crowd, it is for someone who would like a basic 4wd truck that you can pick up cheap and have some fun with
Love my lil' Suzuki
This is my fisrt vehicle and so far I love it. It is nice nad little, and vary easy to maneuver around. The 4x4 in this little thing is awesome; mini Hummer I say.
questionable longevity
I drive this car every day on a daily basis, and there are multiple flaws with the vehicle. Even having been garaged for 9 out of its 17 year life, and since i have driven it ive noticed several things. The engine is severely underpowered, which results in your city mpg resting somewhere around 16-17mpg, which is horrible for a 4 cyl. All of the electronics or other parts of the car that arent the engine are very unreliable. The automatic transmission is going bad, in the year ive owned it ive had a failed radiator, starter, and fuel pump.
Suzuki sidekick 1991
this car kicks ass!!! fun to drive, convertible, affordable, economic replacement parts, really good 4x4 and off road performance (mud and sand)and girls like it, specially on the beach
Suzuki Sidekick/Just the facts please
I have owned my Sidekicke for 2 1/2 years now and I have found it to be a simple yet enjoyable SUV to own. It has had some design flaw with the door handles which I have had to replace twice. All other things that have be in need of repair are typical for a SUV of this mileage. Poer isnt the greatest but it sure gets good gas mileage of 25 city and 30 HWY. Body do not have a flake of rust and it is 10 years old. Overall this was a wise buy and I will be looking at the XL-7 as my newxt buy:-)
1994 Suzuki Sidekick JLX
I have had my car since 1995, drove it from Texas - Colorado-Seattle, WA to Pennsylvania... with a U-haul trailer! (make sure you get a transmission cooler installed). Overall, the drive was always good, dependable, and comfortable for me....the driver. Passenger felt not enough leg/body room. Great for flea market scavenger hunts!.I have 125,000 miles on my car, and I got a great deal in the long run. Had my car for almost 8+ years.I now want to consider purchasing an Element from Honda