Small size, lightweight construction, and absence of airbags make the Samurai feel vulnerable to most other vehicles on the road. Furthermore, it lacks the comfort and performance of several passenger cars in the same price range. With its short wheelbase and rock-hard suspension, you can expect a harsh, bouncy, unstable ride. Even on apparently smooth roads, the ride is stiff and pitchy. Like other narrow-track 4x4s, the Samurai is unnervingly tippy in corners, bouncing and flexing through bumpy turns. Steering is slow and unresponsive. Though willing, the 1.3-liter powerplant runs out of breath early and buzzes madly while struggling to produce mediocre acceleration. Gas mileage is a relative bonus. Even next to a Jeep Wrangler, the Samurai appears crude, with inadequate insulation. At highway speeds, wind noise can reach hurricane intensity. Controls are simple and convenient. Space is adequate for the two occupants, but cargo space is scant. Four-wheel-drive models have manually locking hubs, which can be an annoyance when switching between 2WD and 4WD.

Value for the Money
Though cute and cheap, Samurai is simply too small, underpowered, and unrefined to serve as real transportation.