1990-1998 Suzuki Sidekick: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1998 Suzuki Sidekick and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
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 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1998 Suzuki Sidekick. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1998 Suzuki Sidekick.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Suzuki Sidekick:
A 4-door hardtop Sidekick arrived in '91, joining the soft-top 2-door models. Riding a wheelbase 11 inches longer than the 2-door's, bodies measured 16 inches longer overall. Four-door Sidekicks came in base JX and upscale JLX trim. All 4-door models used the 80-horsepower engine with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox, on-demand 4-wheel drive, and new antilock rear brakes. A 2-place folding rear seat was standard on the JLX and optional on the JX.
1992 Suzuki Sidekick:
Four-door Sidekicks earned a power boost, adopting a 95-horsepower engine with dual-overhead camshafts. The midlevel JL 4WD convertible was dropped, leaving only two 2-door models, with the 80-horsepower engine. Equipped with 4-wheel drive and new automatic-locking front hubs, 4-door Sidekicks came in JX or top-line JLX trim. A 2-wheel-drive JS 4-door arrived during the 1992 model year. A 4-speed automatic transmission now was installed in 4-door models as an option, but the 3-speed unit hung on for 4WD 2-doors.
1993 Suzuki Sidekick:
Except for a few trim changes, Sidekicks showed no appreciable change for 1993.
1994 Suzuki Sidekick:
Sidekicks gained an antitheft alarm, tilt steering column, and center high-mounted stoplamp.
1995 Suzuki Sidekick:
Two-door JX convertibles got the 95-horsepower engine this year. All two-doors gained a new convertible top with zip-out plastic side windows.
1996 Suzuki Sidekick:
Sidekicks added dual airbags in 1996, with 4-wheel antilock braking a new option. The new Sidekick Sport got a more potent engine: a 1.8-liter, making 120 horsepower. All other Sidekicks held the 95-horsepower engine. Offered in JX and JLX trim, Sport models had a longer nose, fender flares, 2-tone paint, 16-inch tires (instead of 14s), and a wider stance. Four-wheel antilock brakes that worked in both 2WD and 4WD joined the option list.
1997 Suzuki Sidekick:
A new price-leader 2-wheel-drive JX Sport wagon joined the lineup. Automatic-locking front hubs were standard on the Sport JLX; other models had manual-locking hubs.
1998 Suzuki Sidekick:
No changes were made for '98 in anticipation of an all-new '99 Sidekick, which would be called the Vitara.
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
Acceleration with 80-horsepower engine is on the leisurely side, and the power boost in 1992 does not help much. The Sport model's larger engine finally offers acceptable performance. That 1.8-liter 4-cylinder works well with the 4-speed automatic transmission. A late-model wagon with manual shift averaged 25.3 mpg, though automatic dropped the figure to a so-so 21.4 mpg. However, even the latest Sidekick engines growl loudly under throttle. Wind and road noise are abundant at highway speeds, too. Reasonably stable in corners and on the highway, Sidekick suffers a somewhat stiff and jiggly ride on rough surfaces. Four-door models endure less choppiness, credited to their longer wheelbase, but they're not that much more comfortable overall. Tall and narrow, Sidekicks must be driven with care through turns. Sidekick's 4-wheel-drive system is not for use on dry pavement. Head room is plentiful up front, but the rear bench seat holds only two adults, for 4-passenger capacity. Worse yet, it's hard, with little leg space when the front seats are all the way aft--though space is adequate otherwise. In the Sidekick's narrow cabin, doors sit close to the seats, leaving little outside shoulder room. Cargo space is best in the 4-door, with its swing-open rear door and fold-down back seat.
Value for the Money
Though better than the tiny old Samurai, this is still not a good choice for everyday driving, even in 4-door form.
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 |
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Suzuki Sidekick includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Suzuki Sidekick .
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.
Automatic transmission:
The transfer case binds and can be damaged if driven on dry roads in 4WD mode. (1990-97)
Automatic transmission:
The automatic transmission may hunt between 40-45 mph. A time-delay module kit for the torque-converter clutch should correct the condition. (1990-95)
Engine misfire:
Throttle position sensor problems became frequent enough that the company made the sensor available as a spare part. (1990-99)
Engine misfire:
Using premium fuel can trigger trouble codes and cause poor starting. (1996-97)
Hard starting:
Hard starting below freezing, especially at high altitudes, requires a Cold Start Harness Set. (1990)
Vehicle noise:
Body-mount bushing sleeves contacting body cause clunking noises from the front of vehicle. (1991-98)
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 | $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 |
Our price chart for this generation Suzuki Sidekick details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 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 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Suzuki Sidekick include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Initial Sidekicks, and all later 2-wheel-drive models, came with an 80-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. Four-door models got a dual-overhead-cam version in 1992, making 95 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on all models; 3-speed automatic available on 4WD 2-doors, and 4-speed automatic optional on 4-door Sidekicks. A 1.8-liter engine arrived in 1996, for the Sidekick Sport.
| 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. |
|||||
Built In: Canada, Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Suzuki Sidekick include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1998 Suzuki Sidekick directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-91:
Front-seatbelt button can break and pieces can fall inside.
1993:
The right rear and left axle-shaft housing tubes were improperly welded and can fracture, resulting in separation of the wheel assembly which could impede vehicle control and/or increase stopping distance.
1996 4-doors:
Fuel tank can puncture during rear-end collision.
1996-97:
Mounting bolts that attach upper end of front struts to vehicle body could break, causing loss of control.
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