1996-1998 Suzuki X-90: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

1996 Suzuki X-90
1998 Suzuki X-90
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1996-1998 Suzuki X-90

  • Price Range:  $800 - $2,500
CG Rating

25

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1996-1998 Suzuki X-90 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Entry/exit

Cons

  • Acceleration
  • Noise
  • Cargo room
  • Ride

Vehicle Highlights

Suzuki took a new path for 1996, aiming its distinctive 2-passenger X-90 squarely at younger buyers. Blending the attributes of a high-riding sport-utility vehicle with a sporty subcompact coupe, the X-90 was actually a convertible SUV. Suzuki began with the chassis and mechanical features of its 2-door Sidekick, tossing out the back seat and blending in new styling. Rear-drive and 4-wheel-drive models went on sale. Standard equipment included twin bucket seats, dual airbags, 4-wheel antilock brakes, daytime running light, and a rear defogger. Also standard were power windows and locks, tinted glass, power steering, and a tachometer. A separate trunk was part of the design. Standard removable T-top roof panels allowed open-air motoring, and also provided more protection from thieves than a conventional convertible top. Borrowed from Suzuki's Sidekick, a 95-horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine drove a 5-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed automatic transmission was optional in the 4-wheel-drive X-90. The 4WD model added such extras as cruise control, a security alarm, and a 4-speaker stereo with cassette player. The alarm and cassette unit could be dealer installed in 2WD models. Dealers also could install air conditioning and a CD player.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Suzuki X-90 Rating
Performance 2
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 1
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 1
Controls/Materials 4
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 0
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 2
Total Score: 25
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1996-1998 Suzuki X-90. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1996-1998 Suzuki X-90.

Year to Year Changes


1997 Suzuki X-90: Little change was evident for Suzuki's 2-seat SUV in its second season, but the 4-speed automatic transmission now was optional in the 2WD X-90 as well as the 4x4.
1998 Suzuki X-90: Suzuki's open 2-passenger SUV had failed to catch hold in the sales race, so it was destined to disappear after three seasons. No change was evident in its final outing.

Our road test for the 1996-1998 Suzuki X-90 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1996-1998 Suzuki X-90 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1996-1998 Suzuki X-90 is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Basically, the strange-looking X-90 feels like a tall, crude sports car from the 1960s--one that could use a semester or two of finishing school to gain some refinement. At highway speeds, occupants in the X-90 are bombarded by excessive engine noise, road rumble, and wind howl. The engine itself produces a loud, coarse growl when accelerating. Wind noise grows intrusive around the removable roof panels at speeds beyond 35 mph. You can expect a lively ride--but not in the fun-filled sense. There's a lot of bouncing and pitching on the highway, coupled with stiff, jarring reactions to bumpy pavement. Because it's tall and lightweight, too, the X-90 is easily buffeted by crosswinds. Not really an SUV, the X-90 is not meant for even gentle off-road driving, despite 4WD availability. Acceleration and passing power are adequate with manual shift, though you'll often have to floor the gas pedal to achieve decent results. And when you do, that action generates considerable noise and vibration. The pace slows considerably in an X-90 with automatic, but noise levels are just as unpleasant. We averaged 23.5 mpg in a 4WD model with 5-speed. Head and leg room are adequate for 6-footers. Unlike many 4WD vehicles, entry/exit is easy, with almost no step-up into the interior. Visibility to the front and sides is good, but wide rear pillars create large obstructions over both shoulders. Climate controls are simple and well-marked. Stereo controls are tiny, and nearly impossible to use in the dark. Storage space behind the seats is minimal, and doors are devoid of map pockets. The trunk is narrow and not particularly deep, and the spare tire eats up some of the potential luggage space.
Value for the Money
Being unique does not necessarily translate to being popular--or desirable. Whether intended as a sport-utility or a car, the X-90 is not a good value, especially when compared to the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, or Jeep Wrangler. For a modestly priced sporty small car, consider something like the Dodge/Plymouth Neon or Chevrolet Cavalier/Pontiac Sunfire.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Suzuki X-90 Rating
Performance 2
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 1
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 1
Controls/Materials 4
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 0
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 2
Total Score: 25

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 X-90 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Suzuki X-90 .

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: If the truck is driven on dry roads with the locking hubs (automatic or manual), the transfer-shift lever will get stuck severely damaging the transfer case mechanism. (1996-98)

Convertible top: The T-top mechanism jams or doesn't operate requiring replacement of the locking mechanism. (1996-98)

Vehicle noise: The front-wheel spindles can become noisy in cold weather necessitating replacement of the spindles. (1996-98)

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 $350
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $450
Constant Velocity Joints $280
Exhaust System $275
Radiator $295
Shocks and/or Struts $555
Timing Chain or Belt $230
Our price chart for this generation Suzuki X-90 details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
1998
X-90 2WD $2,000-2,500 $1,400-1,800 $300-400
X-90 4WD $2,700-3,300 $2,000-2,500 $600-700
1997
X-90 2WD $1,600-2,100 $1,100-1,400 $200-300
X-90 4WD $2,100-2,600 $1,500-1,800 $400-500
1996
X-90 2WD $1,300-1,700 $800-1,100 $200
X-90 4WD $1,800-2,300 $1,200-1,600 $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.
Specs for this generation Suzuki X-90 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 86.6
Overall Length, in. 146.1
Overall Width, in. 66.7
Overall Height, in. 60.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 2326
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 8.4
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 11.1
Seating Capacity 2
Front Head Room, in. 34.2
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.5
Rear Head Room, in. --
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

The X-90's 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 95 horsepower and drove a 5-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed automatic transmission was optional only in 4-wheel-drive models.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
ohc I4 1.6 / 97 95 98 5-speed manual: 25/28
4-speed automatic: 23/27		 5-speed manual: 23.5
4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Suzuki X-90 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1996-1998 Suzuki X-90 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

: None

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