1990-1998 Suzuki Sidekick: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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Pros
- 4WD traction
- Fuel economy
- Maneuverability
Cons
- Acceleration (w/automatic transmission)
- Noise
- Rear-seat room
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
Suzuki launched its compact 4-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicle in 1989, adding a 2-wheel-drive companion for 1990. Geo also sold a version called Tracker. Sidekicks were powered by a 1.6-liter engine that made 80 horsepower. The lineup included a base JS, available only as a soft-top convertible with 2WD; plus more expensive JX and JLX editions, equipped with on-demand 4WD and either a soft top or hardtop. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, and a 3-speed automatic transmission was optional.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Suzuki Sidekick Sport automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 30 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1990-1998 Suzuki Sidekick includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1998 Suzuki Sidekick and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1998 Suzuki Sidekick is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Though better than the tiny old Samurai, this is still not a good choice for everyday driving, even in 4-door form.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Suzuki Sidekick Sport automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 30 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $385 |
| Alternator | $420 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $515 |
| Brakes | $250 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $450 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $280 |
| Exhaust System | $175 |
| Radiator | $295 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $650 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $230 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1998 | |||
| Sidekick 2WD 4-door | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| Sidekick 2WD conv. | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| Sidekick 4WD 4-door | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| Sidekick 4WD conv. | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1997 | |||
| Sidekick 2WD 4-door | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| Sidekick 2WD conv. | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Sidekick 4WD 4-door | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| Sidekick 4WD conv. | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| 1996 | |||
| Sidekick 2WD 4-door | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
| Sidekick 2WD conv. | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Sidekick 4WD 4-door | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| Sidekick 4WD conv. | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1995 | |||
| Sidekick 2WD 4-door | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Sidekick 2WD conv. | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Sidekick 4WD 4-door | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Sidekick 4WD conv. | $1,800-2,200 | $1,200-1,500 | $300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Sidekick 2WD 4-door | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Sidekick 2WD conv. | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Sidekick 4WD 4-door | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Sidekick 4WD conv. | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Sidekick 2WD 4-door | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Sidekick 2WD conv. | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Sidekick 4WD 4-door | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
| Sidekick 4WD conv. | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Sidekick 2WD 4-door | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Sidekick 2WD conv. | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Sidekick 4WD 4-door | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Sidekick 4WD conv. | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Sidekick 2WD conv. | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Sidekick 4-door | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Sidekick 4WD conv. | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Sidekick 2WD conv. | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Sidekick 4WD conv. | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 86.6 | 97.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 143.7 | 158.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 64.2 | 64.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.3 | 65.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2339 | 2632 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 32.9 | 45.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.1 | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.5 | 40.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.1 | 42.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.0 | 40.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.7 | 32.7 |
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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 | 1.6 / 97 | 80 | 94 | 5-speed manual: 25/27 3-speed automatic: 23/24 |
5-speed manual: 25.3 3-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 95 | 98 | 5-speed manual: 23/26 4-speed automatic: 22/26 |
5-speed manual: 24.8 4-speed automatic: 22.1 |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 112 | 120 | 114 | 5-speed manual: 23/25 4-speed automatic: 21/24 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 20.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 Sidekick |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 2 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
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%.
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