1991 Suzuki Samurai JX 1.3 litre from North America

Faults:

Driver's seat vinyl split at 150,000 km.

Replaced alternator and starter at about 200,000 km.

Replaced all wheel bearings at 260,000 km.

Started to rust at 280,000 km.

General Comments:

Extremely durable little beast. Went four-wheeling hard the day I bought it, and it's seen regular off-road use since. My daily driver for the last 16 years, I've explored many mountains, bogs and deserts on the side. It's spartan creature comforts are more than made up for by it's ability to take the punishment and keep on going.

The motor's a bit tired now, and I'm looking for a rebuilt kit. Hope to be driving this old friend for another 15 years!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th October, 2007

1991 Suzuki Samurai 1.3L SOHC from North America

Summary:

Best 4x4 ever made

Faults:

Fried the main computer twice while welding it the Samurai. (Remove the computer completely to be safe, I had the battery disconnected both times)

Body being eaten away by road salt.

Nothing else besides brakes pads and other light maintenance.

General Comments:

Suzuki Samurai: For people who enjoy driving!

My Samurai just turned 15. It’s my 8th car and my all time favorite. Living out in the bush 2 hours from town it's is the best vehicle you could own.

Its 4wheel is rock solid and its narrow enough to go quad bike trails for fun (if you pull the mirrors in). The looks on quad bike drivers when they see a Samurai, engine growling, barreling over trails is pure gold; or from the city slickers can't get their pickups or jeeps down the same trails.

All I can say is that wish we had these when I was in the army. Few vehicles are as easy to fix and can take as much punishment as a Samurai and keep going. Drive it top down in the rain if you want, they can take it.

Only two complaints I have are: that the Samurai wasn't designed for the punishing amount of salt that gets poured on Canadian highways in the winter; its soon just going to be 2 seats welded on the frame & drive train. Second is that they don't make them anymore, a true shame.

Drive one in it's natural habitat, the wilderness, and you'll see why people love them!

Best 4x4 ever made for real work. A Logger's best friend!

Easy to fix, drive and maintain.

It doesn't go fast and rides rough in the bush; but If you like to feel the road, air, dirt and rain while driving this is the best way to get it.

It’s freedom on 4 wheels.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2006

28th Jan 2006, 10:55

The Samurai is the "best 4x4 ever made"? Then why did they stop making it?

28th Jan 2006, 11:42

Caus GM took over and decided that the good models should be dropped to make customers buy the sucky ones, therefore increasing profits.

29th Jan 2006, 10:17

Yes, GM has a history of that.

But in the Samurai's case I believe the nail in the coffin was the Consumer Report issue that said it was highly unstable. The US media repeatedly show the footage of the vehicle rolling over in panic stops.

Right or wrong, this image was ingrained in the minds of US consumers and they turned away from the Samurai.

This happened to Audi as well in the 1980's (bad report on 60 Minutes), and they almost left the American market.

1991 Suzuki Samurai ja 1.3 from North America

Summary:

The car is great

Faults:

Nothing really has gone wrong with this car. Bad carpet is all that I could say. I did have to replace all of my vacuum lines just because they were old.

General Comments:

This car is a blast to drive, me being a new driver and this is first car I love it to death. It's not the fastest car in the world, but its the best car I've drove. It turns on and dime when at low speeds and is really easy to park. it's a convertible and can't wait to drive it in the summer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2005