1990-1995 Suzuki Samurai: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Fuel economy
- Price
- 4WD traction
- Maneuverability
Cons
- Noise
- Acceleration
- Ride/handling
- No airbags or antilock brakes
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced for 1986, it was not until 1989 that the sport-utility vehicle was on sale across the country, as either a convertible or a fixed-roof hardtop. The slow-selling hardtop was dropped after 1989, leaving only the convertible, in a single price level. Switching from carburetion to fuel injection for 1990, the 66 horsepower 1.3-liter engine came only with a 5-speed manual transmission. An on-demand, part-time 4WD system was standard. Manual-locking front hubs also were standard, but dealers could install automatic-locking hubs.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Suzuki Sidekick Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 1 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 27 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1990-1995 Suzuki Samurai includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1995 Suzuki Samurai and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1995 Suzuki Samurai is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Though cute and cheap, Samurai is simply too small, underpowered, and unrefined to serve as real transportation.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Suzuki Sidekick Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 1 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 27 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $430 |
| Alternator | $585 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $515 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $430 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $330 |
| Exhaust System | $170 |
| Radiator | $355 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $430 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $200 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1995 | |||
| Samurai 4WD | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Samurai 4WD | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Samurai | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Samurai | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Samurai | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1990 | |||
| Samurai 4WD | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 79.9 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 135.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 60.6 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2059 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 27.8 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 10.6 | |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.2 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 38.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 1.3 / 79 | 66 | 76 | 5-speed manual: 28/29 | 5-speed manual: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








