1987 Suzuki Samurai review from North America

Catalytic Converter clogged at 20,000 miles.

Speakers blew out at 25,000 miles.

Dashboard would short out and go dark when cigarette lighter was pushed in.

Hood latch broke.

Exhaust system replaced two times in 3 years.

Low speed rear end collision shorted out brake and tail lights.

Speedometer cable broke at 50,000 miles.

Wiper motor died during a rainstorm at 45,000 miles.

Engine seized and exploded finally at 65,000 miles.

Generally a really miserable little lemon.

I purchased one of the first ones available in my area, in the spring of 1987. Dealer told me there would be parties and galas for owners. No wonder I never got an invite... the dealer was too embarrassed.

Funniest thing: A rock broke the windshield in 1990. The auto glass place called the Suzuki dealer for a replacement, and they stated it would "have to be shipped, and would arrive in a MONTH." I could not go a month without a car, so They had to take the old windshield out, trace around a piece of auto glass, and jump up and down on it to get it to fit. So no more automatic car washes for me.

I went from being "the coolest guy on the block" to being a laughingstock in about a years time. I spent more time arranging rides while that junker was in the shop than actually driving it.

And yes, I had to do an emergency swerve once, and came within a hairs-breath of tipping the whole truck over.

The seized engine was my fault. The rest is poor workmanship.

When if finally died, it was almost a relief.

I hope Suzuki has improved over the years. Based on my experience with the "Samurai from Hell", I would not touch their product with a ten foot pole.