1996 Suzuki Sierra Reviews

The only two things I've had to replace so far is the rear crank seal, which was leaking, and much to my dissatisfaction, still is.

The water and alternator belts were squealing because the alternator was misaligned (???). Even though I've had the car for 7,000 kilometres or 6 months, it stills goes alright and has given my cheap motoring so far.

The car is slow. Very slow. I can't keep up with buses in the city, and don't even think about doing 110kph on the freeway. The vehicle's lack of wind resistance does no favours for the 1.3 litre carburettored engine under the bonnet, which I'm told, pushes out a meagre 23kw at the rear wheels.

The interior is not particularly spacious, but if you are 6"4' like me, you will find the head and leg room very good. All controls are easy to find. It's Japanese functionality at its best. No A/C, power steering so there is less to go wrong. I wouldn't say the interior is exceptionally loud, although I haven't driven many quiet cars.

The ride. The suspension feels like it actually does amplify the bumps as another reviewer has put it. You will find yourself cursing the government about the lack of road funding, because you feel every single little bump. The handling is rubbish, as it is a 4wd and they are prone to tipping.

My car is only a '96, and it has been well looked after, so no rust. The panels are easily dented if you push on the doors too hard, but I have fixed and resprayed them.

As I've said, you have to push it way too hard to keep up with normal traffic flow. So I'm putting in a 1.3 litre DOHC 16v engine to give me a bit of a boost.

Did I mention it's a killer off-road?

Nothing.

The Suzuki Sierra is a great little city runner.

We never took it onto the beach, but I hear it's ideal for that sort of four-wheeling activity.

It is the common knowledge that they tip over on steep inclines. If you do go off-roading, be wary of this... they have a short wheel base.

My wife and I found this car a good, reliable no-frills car.

The only thing it lacked was power and speed. Overtaking can be a stressful (and potentially dangerous) pastime, as the top speed it goes comfortably is about 100km/h. Any faster and the engine sounds like it's working a little too hard. Noise inside the cabin is a little loud at these speeds, too. Forget about listening to the radio on the freeway (unless you have a booming sound system).

Even during city driving, I found that I had my foot down on the floor very often. A long incline made it very difficult to stay at 60 or 70km/h. Cars are continually overtaking you.

But if you don't take on the highways, and you want a reliable, small city car that runs on the smell of an oily rag, the Sierra is perfect.