2007 Suzuki SX4 Crossover w/Convenience review from North America

Nothing close to major thus far. This car has been great!

The paint on the hood was chipped from previous test drives and began to oxidize. The dealer remedied that immediately.

There are a few creaks and rattles in the dash but they are barely noticeable. They only occur over rough RR crossing and major bumps.

The lug nuts have begun to corrode after a long hard winter. I will be installing new chrome plated ones.

As far as compacts go in my area (near Chicago) nothing at this price comes close.

The first thing that sold me on this car was the AWD system. Switchable between front-wheel-drive, "iAWD" (AWD with computer controlled power distribution), and 50/50 four-wheel-drive, this car can be driven in adverse weather conditions and rougher terrain/roads with confidence that you will keep moving in the direction you want. Starting from stops in winter weather with the iAWD system is quick and putting the car in the 50/50 mode worked wonders for getting out of plowed over parking spots and into blocked driveways and parking lots. It even came in handy one night to pull a car off of a snow drift!

That last point brings to mind the convenient placement of a rescue hook on the back of the car for such situation or to get your car unstuck as well.

The spaciousness of the car is second to none. I looked at Chevrolet HHRs, VW Rabbits/GTIs, Nissan Versas, and other compact hatches and this car took them all out as far as cargo room and driver comfort. I am 6'1" and roughly 190lbs. and this car fits me perfectly. I regularly haul a five piece drumset in bags with full hardware. I also regularly haul large amounts of photographic gear and a mountain bike with gear and have been able to do each with room for me and a passenger easily. Though I don't have experience in the backseats... they seem roomy and I have received no complaints from passengers back there.

The list of standard features on this car sold me as well. It is a stylish ride which came with alloy wheels, a five speed manual trans (which I elected to keep instead of "upgrading" to the auto), leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls (convenience package), the 2.0L engine, and, the biggest selling point, AWD!

Fuel mileage does suffer from a number of factors when compared to the Honda Fit or Nissan Versa. The transmission keeps the engine spooling fairly high at highway cruising speeds and the extra weight of the tall body and AWD system add to the hindrance. Over all, in mixed driving (20%Hwy, 30%City, 50%"suburban") I have been averaging roughly 28.5mpg. This, of course, depends on your driving habits. I have had some tanks as high as 30mpg and some as low as 25mpg.

The other complaint I would voice about this car is the small 11.9gal fuel tank. This seriously limits the range of this car but is acceptable because it is not intended as a long road trip vehicle, though I have taken it on a number of 4hour+ trips with no complaints about the comfort of the car or the ride.

Visibility is great save for having to look around that goofy A-pillar on a couple of curves, but that is very easy to get used to. All around, the windows are well placed and provide good visibility.

This car is surprisingly nimble with the 5-speed manual and I have no problems merging on highways, passing on two-lane roads, or keeping up with traffic off the line at traffic signals.

This car is also VERY agile. It corners unbelievably well and handles very predictably. Stock, it has fairly large wheels and a good contact patch paired with fairly stiff suspension, but with small upgrades to the wheels/tires, engine, and suspension, this car can be downright dangerous on the track when pitted against more performance oriented compacts.

Overall, I am very pleased with this car. It is the best I have ever owned, through and through, and I plan on purchasing another Suzuki when that times comes.