1998 Suzuki Sidekick jx from North America - Comments

Nothing wrong yet.

I've only had it for 2 months.

Still not shure if I made a good decision.

Great everywhere except on the highway.

3 speed automatic has to work way too hard to go 60 or over. (incredibly high rpms)

It spun out on me making a very mild left turn on a wet road. (I was not going very fast and the tires are good...scarry!)

The weak engine is a big disappointment.

Very loud inside. (Between the engine and road noise, only on the freeway though.)

Really, really, bumpy (I worry about the air bags going off!)

After almost spinning out, i'm not very comfortable with the thought of winter driving in it. (Even with the 4x4 option.)

The convertible is a nice thing to have!

I thought the transmissions are all 4-speed + lockup (in effect 5 speeds). If you have "overdrive" turned off (the button on the shift knob), the tranny will hold 3rd gear and your truck will be noisy and very high revving. Has this been checked out?

The factory Bridgestone Dueler tires are pretty slidey in the wet, especially after 30,000 miles or so. I replaced mine with Goodyears which are much better.

Thanks for the advice on the tires. That would probably help a lot. As for the 3 speed, I'm pretty sure that's what it is. I only hear it go through 3 gear changes. And there is no overdrive button on the shifter (I wish!) I did talk to a transmission person and he said some are that way, (3 speed) and not to worry. I'm getting used to it.

None of these are 3-speeds. No wonder you're grumbling about it. They're all 4-speeds. It should show 3000 rpm at 90km/h (55.9235 mph) in 4th gear with standard 215/R15 tires.

Just checking back in after getting a bit more comfortable with the truck. I like it a lot more now that I've spent some quality time in it. I've had it since June 2004. Anyhow, I'm OK with it on the freeway (it comfortably goes 70ish, give or take a few miles an hour) and I'm not so concerned about the high rpm's. (Thanks for the comment about me grumbling about it being a "3 speed"! A 3 speed it may not be, but it definitely could have used another gear on the high end. After (semi) spinning out, I'm much more careful about my turns and have had no problems. Now that were in late fall, I recently got a taste of the dreaded "cross winds" on a high wind day...yikes! hold on tight! (would a hard top cover help that any?) Winter is on the way and I have never had a 4x4, so hope it works out in the snow (I've been told it's great and it's terrible..) Can't wait to find out. So the bottom line is, it's very reliable and I have grown to like and trust it.

P.s.The airbags have yet to go off from the bumpiness! I guess that was a bit dramatic!

Slow down in the wet... when 4x4 is not engaged it is RWD, be careful. I am shopping around for a cheap 4x4 and I found the title of your review a bit misleading. Sounds like you're having issues not the truck, good luck!

I have owned my 1998 since new and will admit that the RPM's

are a little high at highway speeds. This has been one of the better small 4Wd's that I have owned. I also can tow it with my Motor Home without alteration which is a bid plus. Thumbs up to this little workhorse.

Sidekicks and other short wheel base vehicles are not meant to drive at Freeway speeds or tow trailers. 4X4's are not invincible in rain or snow. You might start to move where a 4X2 cannot, but steering and braking are not better. Drive wisely and be safe.

I don't think I'd worry too much about freeway speeds. I've owned a '92 Sidekick since '96 and put in the neighborhood of 150,000 miles on it. Much of that has been on the freeway. I've never had any difficulty reaching or maintaining freeway speeds. The only difficulties I've experienced were with the water pump, alternator and fuel pump. Coincidently, each time it broke down my college age daughter had the car out of town. She drives it exclusively now and loves the car. I'm looking for a newer replacement as this is written.

I own a 1998 suzuki side kick sport. First off if anyone sliding around in any vehicle it is because they do not own proper or sufficient winter tires. I own four winter king tires these happen to be the best tires on the north american market. I own a sports bmw and when ever I take it out for a spin it slides around this is mainly because the vehicle is rear wheel drive that might be the same problem for the suzuki since they are rear wheel drive. For the high engine revs I suggest you get a tune up and make sure all the ignition coils are working properly. Titanium spark plugs allow the engine to run a lot smoother. I love my suzuki side kick its perfect. any more question emailme at loosechangeent2006@hotmail.com.

Hi guys, I'm currently in the market for a 1997-1998 4 door sidekick. I was wondering if any of you 5 spd (1.8L) owners could tell me what the rpms are at when doing 100km/h or 60mph. Thank you.

Actually, according to the EPA fuel economy website, which shoes some information about vehicles alongside their fuel economy ratings, a 1998 Sidekick 2 door has a 3 speed auto, while the 4 door has a 4 speed. I guess they assumed that owners of the 2 door model would not want to take such a short vehicle on the freeway anyway.

Four months ago I bought a 1998 Sidekick Sport with 4 speed automatic. I sold by 1993 two door Sidekick JX after 3 years of excellent performance. What a difference between the vehicles. The Sidekick Sport it much more stable and comfortable. Although the engine is larger the automatic saps much of the power so each vehicle performs about the same. Just bought some all-terrain tires for it and can't wait to hit the trails for out of the way fishing lakes.

I owned a 1995 sidekick a few years ago, regrettably dismantled by a drunk idiot. Point is that they are very reliable vehicles, high mileage and tons of fun, specially if convertible. Since they are rear wheel drive, one must be careful when turning, or else you might hit a ditch, a house or even worse, a pedestrian; also consider that, since they have a very short wheelbase and short chassis, they will be very jumpy. I do not recall having any problems with speed, but then, mine had manual transmission. The 4X4 is a monster.

We own a '92 Asuna 1.6l 5 speed. The only option it didn't have is air conditioning. I added things like the overhead map lights and the console/cup holder from the local wrecker by getting them from the newer four door models.

I had to replace the water pump, alternator, and the starter.. big deal, they only worked 15 years/240,000 kilometers, so they'll only last 'till 2022...

We had to install a home brew 2" lift (cheap and easy) because the coil springs had sagged over the years, and the off-road ride and local speed bumps cause a lot of bouncing. It worked like a charm; now it's a nice smooth ride over the bumps.

Tire choice is important! If you never want to go off-road, then pick a GOOD brand of highway tire, and DO NOT OVER-INFLATE THEM! The truck is so light, that you will skitter and jerk from side to side in the highway ruts unless you run at the proper pressures.

If you want to off-road, go up one tire size, do a 2" or 3" lift, and RUN LESS AIR PRESSURE THAN SMALLER SIZED STREET TIRES. You won't believe where these things can go off-road! I was complaining about only getting around 20 mpg in four wheel drive, when a guy with a Chevy blazer told me to quit whining because his v8 got around 10/11 mpg in 4x4.

I purchased my 95 4 door sidekick about 8 months ago. runs great is got the 1.6L 16 valve engine, does great in town and not bad on the highway, you can cruise at about 110kph @ 3100 rpm. Its great on gas cause the car weighs nothing, engine block is aluminum and so are a lot of the other components. I find it does quite well off road, you just can't be afraid to rev the snot out of it. I've got 225,000K on it and everything works, except for the synchronization gears in the transmission. I totally suggest this to anyone wanting a cheap 4x4, parts are cheap, especially on e bay!!!