Major Options:  none

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  25.18 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta As a roomy, subcompact wagon with a "crossover" feel, the SX4's natural rival is the Honda Fit. SX4s run some $1000 more than Fit counterparts, but for that, Suzuki provides all-wheel drive, more horsepower, and arguably a more substantial-feeling structure. Both cars suffer more engine ruckus than many people would want to live with. And Fit wins on cargo space, handling, and resale value. Both are attractive buys in their own right, but the real significance here is that a Suzuki holds its own in an argument with a Honda.

Damon Bell If all-wheel drive is at the top of your list of desired subcompact features, the SX4 is for you. It's a pleasant-enough car, but I am disappointed in the SX4's EPA mpg ratings, which are up to 10 mpg worse than other vehicles in the class.

David Hogan A not unpleasing vehicle for less than $16K, but there are certainly more refined alternatives.

Ed Piotrowski SX4 succeeds by delivering good passenger and cargo space, standard all-wheel drive, and lots of other standard features for the money. Regrettably, it falls short in terms of fuel economy, which is the one area that matters most to buyers of small cars.

Jennifer Geiger I spent over 560 miles in this car and no one knew what it was. That's a shame because SX4 is a great, affordable subcompact car that deserves to be looked at by the youngish, city crowd for its compact styling, ample interior room, and available AWD. Normally I'm disappointed by its gas mileage, but I averaged 29.1 mpg on this trip--not bad.

John Biel For a little less money than our long-term Honda Fit Sport, this SX4 offers a larger and more powerful engine that still delivers good economy numbers, more total cargo and rear-seat room, all-wheel-drive capability, and interior materials that are about equal without (yet, at least) the rattles cropping up in the Honda. Sounds like a deal to this driver . . .

Matt Jaster SX4 produces a great ride for its price with plenty of safety features and solid steering. Not so great is the cargo capacity and room comfort, but a college student would be happy to tool around in one, I'm sure.

Rick Cotta The more I drive the SX4, the more I like it--particularly after averaging nearly 30 mpg on a highway trip.

Sikora Don SX4 is fun to drive, looks like it's well built, and the price is definitely attractive. The gas tank is way too small though, and combined with disappointing fuel economy you'll be visiting the gas station VERY often.

Sikora Don The SX4 is a great little runabout. You get standard all-wheel drive, it is very easy to drive, the interior is roomier than you'd think, and it is assembled quite well. The down sides are the gearing in the 5-speed manual transmission that leaves the engine revving on the expressway, the small gas tank, and the disappointing for its class gas mileage. Shopping for a subcompact? Give Suzuki SX4 a look.

Tom Appel What's not to like? The spunky SX4 seats four adults in relative comfort, has better than adequate power, is fun to drive, and boasts a fairly sophisticated AWD system for $15,000. For the SUV intender on a budget, your vehicle has arrived. Note however that our average observed 24 mpg trails most vehicles in the subcompact car class.

Tom Appel SX4 is the little buddy that never let's you down. Fun to drive, easy on the pocket book (you know, because a lot of guys carry pocket books), and packed with safety features, SX4 is a must see for econ-class shoppers.