1988 Suzuki Samurai super review from North America
"Over rated, over priced, not very dependable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Computer went bad, impossible to find used one $500 for new one.
Fuel pump wiring went bad, had to Jerry rig it to work.
Drivers door glass broke, they don't sell them new anymore, had to drive 320KMS to buy a used one.
Bolts seemed to break every time I tried to undo them, cheap bolts used throughout.
Windshield got rock chip which spread within 1 week, across whole side of windshield, also can't buy brand new one so I left the cracked one in.
Exhaust gasket at manifold leaking and seems to be common problem.
General comments?
These cars are overpriced and over rated in my area of the world.
The metal used is very thin, they feel very tippy when lifted, the truck was always in need of some kind of repairs.
I bought this to try something new, you hear so much about how great Samurai's are and what a blast they are to drive. I found it to be all hype, they are cheaply made and highly over rated and therefore overpriced. On the good side of that, I put mine up for sale for $1000 to get rid of it quick and it sold the same day I placed my ad on craigslist.
I know there is a strong following for these trucks in the offroad community, and that is about all they are good for. If you prefer to have an actual vehicle instead of a ATV then this might be for you. I wanted it as a daily driver and it was just not up for the task. I say get a Toyota is you want a daily driver 4x4, because the Suzuki's are very finicky and not all that dependable for daily driving.
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![]() ![]() | Samurai: N : Almost unstoppable 4x4 box |
![]() ![]() | The car you love to hate. Very reliable, but very low performance |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 3/10 |
| Reliability marks | 1/10 |
| Comfort marks | 1/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 282000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 283000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Astro |
| Date of Entry | 18th March, 2008 |



