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1990-1995 Suzuki Samurai Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Suzuki Samurai. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Suzuki Samurai.
1990-1995 Suzuki Samurai Review
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.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Suzuki Samurai: A pair of two-wheel-drive models arrived for 1991, led by the JA. The JA came without a top or rear seat, while the JS added a folding soft top and 2-place rear seat.
1992 Suzuki Samurai: The 2-wheel-drive JS model dropped out, leaving only the 2WD JA and 4WD JL models.
1993 Suzuki Samurai: Nothing was new for 1993 in Suzuki's smallest sport-utility vehicle.
1994 Suzuki Samurai: Only 4WD remained after '93, as the two-wheel-drive model dropped out. The remaining Samurai came with a canvas top, and added a center high-mounted stoplamp.
1995 Suzuki Samurai: Only a 2-door convertible body style with 4-wheel drive returned for 1995, Samurai's final season.
1990-1995 Suzuki Samurai Road Test
Pros Cons
4WD traction Acceleration
Maneuverability Ride/handling
Fuel economy Noise
Price No airbags or antilock brakes
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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: 27
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
1990-1995 Suzuki Samurai Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Dashboard lights: The seatbelt-warning light stays on due to a shorted wire under the driver's seat. (1990)
Engine misfire: An electrical-system failure can be traced to a blown fusible link in the power lead from the alternator. (1990)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
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
NHTSA Recall History
1990-91: Front seatbelt-buckle release buttons can break, leaving occupants inadequately protected in a crash.
1990-1995 Suzuki Samurai Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1990
Samurai 4WD $1,200-1,600 $700-1,000 $100-200
1991
Samurai $1,000-1,400 $600-800 $100
1992
Samurai $1,100-1,500 $700-900 $100-200
1993
Samurai $1,200-1,600 $700-1,000 $100-200
1994
Samurai 4WD $1,400-1,800 $900-1,200 $200
1995
Samurai 4WD $1,700-2,200 $1,100-1,500 $300
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
1990-1995 Suzuki Samurai Specs & Safety
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. --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
New or used, there's never been a choice when shopping for a Samurai. All models used an overhead-cam, 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated at 66 horsepower. Each one was equipped with 5-speed manual shift; no automatic transmission available.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
ohc I4 1.3 / 79 66 76 5-speed manual: 28/29 5-speed manual: --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
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%. Side-impact 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%.
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
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