2009 Suzuki Jimny JLX+ from UK and Ireland - Comments

So far in the month I have owned the car nothing (touch wood) has gone wrong.

I did a lot of research on the Internet before I bought my Jimny. I already had a Ford Mondeo, which I loved and which has done 45,000 in 6 years. I wanted to keep the Mondy, but wanted a vehicle I could use in the snow to get to work, to go camping and drive over muddy fields at festivals and the like, and just to have fun in.

The upshot of all my research was that Jimny owners LOVED them (fanatically so in some cases), but motoring journalists were either scathing or lukewarm in reviews. I decided that the people who lived with the car day in day out were the best judges, and so I went off for a test drive.

The minute I sat in one in the Suzuki dealer showroom I was hooked. A test drive showed me that it had light steering, a willing little engine and was fun to drive. An order followed and I picked it up 2 weeks later.

I had read the review on here where the chap discusses in great detail about how his rolled at a roundabout. In fact the first few miles in my Jimny were anxious one as based on what he wrote I almost expected to crash within a few days!

A month on (through some torrential rain and winding Peak District lanes plus towny roundabouts) I have to say I don't recognise the car he described. My driving style in the Jimny is relaxed - if I need to get somewhere in a hurry I take the Mondeo. I don't race everywhere in it and have not noticed any of the dangerous handling characteristics he and a few others have described. Yes there are incidents on the Internet and local papers involving Jimny's, but there are often other factors involved such as driver impairment though alcohol consumption etc.

In the owner's manual (which presumably the roundabout chap read at some point) it mentions that the Jimny has a different type of handling and specifically mentions that it can roll over if it hits a curb. So in possession of that knowledge I drive to the car's limits.

I like the bouncy ride and high driving position, which makes coming out of our drive a breeze as well as making lots of junctions easier to negotiate. I don't need to carry more than myself and 1 passenger, just a labrador, so the size of the car is perfect. I don't drive much over 50 on the roads I use to get to work, so the small engine is great for that too.

The operation of the CD player/radio is fine, but I don't like the bright red display at night. Having to retract the aerial manually to put car in garage is a pain too, but these are small niggles and wouldn't put me off buying another. However I shall be keeping "Buster" for a long while and having much fun on and off road with him!

Yep, I read the handbook. Yep, I thought my new Jimny was ace. Yep, I rolled it (at low speed etc etc etc...).

If you get caught out with the combination of a grease patch on a bend which unsettles the rear wheels, which then re-grip or catch a kerb-your Jimny will roll too, and you will be surprised by how easily it happened and by how slow you were going... I hope it never happens to you-but please beware!

Keep safe...

You sounds like you are on an anti Jimny crusade. Time to call it a day I reckon.

Why would I be?

Good luck with you new car. I hope you have no problems yourself.

If you do, please report...

Hey guys I am seriously considering buying a Jimny and now I'm reading about it rolling over, I am a bit scared. My normal driving speed is 100kph. if I go slower I'll fall asleep driving. I don't go offroad but if I buy one bet I will. so considering how fast (or slow) I drive should I consider the Jimny. I really love it cause it so cute (i am a female)...thanks.

As with any offroader (yes that is what a Jimny is) driving sensibly you should be fine. For example doing corners that are meant to be driven at say 80km at 100 km is asking for trouble. The Jimny is not permanent 4wd so it is not like driving a legacy. You can engage 4wd on the road, but only in icy, muddy, marginal conditions. If you want a hot hatch, go for something else. If you want a cheap, easy to park reliable city car that is awesome offroad then the Jimny is a good bet. The latest models with VVT are actually not so bad on the highway, surprisingly quick.

Otherwise I'd recommend a Vitara 2.4 SWB, which has good power and torque, is slightly bigger, is good offroad and better onroad than a Jimny. Will cost a bit more, but probably a better package.

I wrote this review and am still overjoyed with my Jimny. To the lady who was considering buying one - go for it! You will love it I guarantee that. It is cute and fun and enjoyable to drive. My daily commute is so much more fun in the Jimny. Driving it just makes me smile.

The roundabout guy who 'stalks' people who post about their Jimnys has a serious chip on his shoulder. The write-off incident must have seriously messed up his future insurance quotes or something!

Mine hasn't even slid yet and it has been out in all weathers. Face it fella there are more of us who love our Jimnys than there are negative people who don't like them. You took the roundabout too fast in my opinion. Pilot error.

Have to say around here it is a big favourite with little old ladies who presumably appreciate the lovely light handling.

My Jimny rocks! But I will be honest - if at some point I do have a mishap with it I will add it to this review.

Thanks for the advice guys, I actually did a test drive on the Jimny - and I loved it, unfortunately I saw and sat (did not drive) the Grand Vitara 3 door and I loved that one as well, so I'm confused which one to get. My husband loves the Jimny and I love my husband, so I know (I think) I'll get the Jimny... looking forward to making it look bad on the road with bigger wheels, spoiler etc.

I got mine just a week ago and I wish my commute was longer so I could drive it more. It handles perfectly fine, considering I drive at 80Km most of the time. BUY IT, YOU WON'T REGRET IT..

Panama City, Panama.

Enjoy your Jimny!

WOW!!! Got myself a Jimny and what a pleasure! Enjoy every minute in it. Actually looking for reasons to be in it, that's if my husband is not driving it! If you want a big, expensive car forget about it, but for a second car in the household (for mom and one extra passenger) there can't be more fun and joy than riding a Jimny! LOVE every moment behind the wheel and anyway, on our roads (where off road is almost necessary) the Jimny is a little 4x4 with a BIG heart. Won't let you down - GO AND GET ONE, you won't regret it!!