Faults:

With only 31OOO original miles on it, virtually nothing has gone wrong with this vehicle. Necessary replacements have been only the fan belt and a burned out tail light. I have also purchased a new top for it. After nearly 16 years of sitting in the drivers seat, it's ready for a seat cover at the least, or replacement if I want to spend the extra bucks.

General Comments:

I am one happy owner. One of the best vehicles I have ever owned. I would instantly trade it in on a new one if Suzuki ever sold Samurais in the US again. Barring that, I plan on owning my '87 until it seriously breaks. This little 4X4 really shines offroad, where its light weight and small size enable it to go where others can't. Excellent in the snow with good traction tires on. Lack of horsepower is its main flaw. Great for running around in town or offroad trails, but most definitely not a highway cruiser. Doesn't exactly ride like a Cadillac either. However, aftermarket performance parts for engine and suspension are readily available. The Samurai can be built up into a killer little 4X4. On a summer day with the top off, my Suzi still puts a smile on my face after all these years.

Faults:

The steering knuckle seals wear out fast letting water, mud and other elements get inside the knuckle damaging bearings due to lack of lubrication.

General Comments:

Simple and easy to work in.

Replacement parts can be found at a low price, if ever needed.

Broad line of nice aftermarket accesories available for off roading.

Very reliable.

Extremely capable off-road.

Tractor like ride.

Faults:

I blew 5 fuses for the coil.

The back left blinker does not work.

General Comments:

This car was seriously under powered.

However it could climb like a mountain goat.

It was also tough as nails and held up when we jumped it.

It was a great hunting car.

Faults:

Stock carburetion and smog system caused drivability problems. Solved by switching over to older Toyota carburetor.

General Comments:

It is outstanding off road in the northeast woods.

Fine in small town traffic, but not made for the rush hour traffic.

Faults:

The brake system is leaking. I have to refill the resevoir about once every 15 days.

General Comments:

The engine was rebuilt by the previous owner. It's no great powerhouse, but the modifications he made (Isky cam, header, Weber carburetor) and my own (MSD ignition and coil, new low-restriction exhaust, K&N snorkel intake) have made it plenty powerful for only 80 cubic inches. I will eventually replace this one with a 1.6L Sidekick engine with similar mods.

I have a Spring-Over-Axle lift (4") with stock springs and cheap shocks. This works, but new springs/shocks/shackles are on the way soon. I want to replace the 31" BFG mud tires with 33" when I do this.

I have rebuilt the axles with lower gears already, and a locker is waiting for the right weekend to find it's way into the rear axle. When I get the 33" tires, the gearing will be lowered again via a transfer case rebuild.

This is a stripped vehicle (by me) with little creature comforts except a cheap sound system ($200 CD/Radio/4 speakers) and seats transplanted from a Toyota Celica. The interior is bare floor with roll-on bed liner and a diamond plate toolbox where the rear seat was. It has a cool military aura going on.

This is probably the most capable 4x4 I have ever seen. I've never been stuck or stranded and my friends with Jeeps, Blazers and Toyotas just watch me go places they wouldn't dare try. It's an ATV with seating for two and a roof (on rainy or cold days only).