1989 Suzuki Samurai JX review from Australia and New Zealand

Steering is a little vague, despite readjustment there is a lot of play in the wheel.

When driving in rain, water leaks out of the dash into the car. During one cyclonic stormy drive down from Northland, the foot wells entirely filled with water and we had to bale out at a tearoom. This is all part of the character of the car though...

I have never enjoyed a car as much as this one. It doesn't look like every other car on the road (even if some people call it a post box on wheels) and it drives really well off it.

So far, it has been ultra-reliable, starting first time every time. Maintenance has been affordable and services are cheap, as it is a very basic engine.

It is great for little New Zealand roads, but not so happy on a fast motorway, going up an incline, as it will tend to slow to around 80kph. On the flat, I can cruise it at 110, no problem. Can be hairy in high winds and corners have to be taken carefully, due to its boxy shape and narrow wheel base.

The driving position is comfortable, but the leaf spring suspension makes for a bumpy ride. It's a laugh.

Mine is called Sid.