1990 Suzuki Sidekick JX 1.6 Liter
Summary:
The best and most dependable vehicle I have ever driven
Faults:
Well, beside the fact that I rolled it once a couple years ago, the only think I have had with it was the computer connector come out of the computer and I overloaded the alternator so I had to get another one. Besides that, I have had absolutely no trouble. It is, however, top heavy.
General Comments:
I got this vehicle when I turned 16 and at first glance, it looks...puny. When I rolled it 3 months later, for some reason I got attached to it. It was totally mechanically sound right after we flipped it back over. I conduct my lawn mowing business (about 54 full sized yards) and I pull a 4,000 pound flat bed trailer with it for 3 straight summers every day all summer long. It does excellent on gas compared to my Chevy 1500 truck with 350 engine. It does excellent on the highway except when passing. It will haul a 12,000 pound load at 65 mph getting a little over 20 mpg. This Suzuki Sidekick is also a beast at offroad. This is the most reliably, fuel efficient vehicle with enough cab space to suit me and my 3 employees. Also, the engine runs very smooth and the manual transmission is wonderful.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th December, 2002
29th Aug 2004, 23:12
I just bought my 1990 Suzuki idekick this year, and my sidekick does wonderfully in even the most rough terrain. I don't think my sidekick will be able to pull that much weight, but I agree that the engine runs very smoothly and soundly.
7th Feb 2005, 17:05
12000 pounds at 65 mph? I should ditch my 5.4 L Triton and get a 4-banger Sidekick!
22nd Oct 2005, 14:13
I would find it hard to believe that the sidekick would pull 12000lbs. If you are really doing this you should stop, it is dangerous. How on earth do you manage to stop? My 1 ton dumper with 7.3 diesel would have a hard time pulling such a load! This can't be right!?
15th Mar 2006, 23:47
When you put that trailer on the hitch, have someone sit on the suzuki's hood. So when the trailer lets all its weight hit the hitch, your friend will fly into the air as the ass end of the car digs into the ground.
2nd May 2006, 14:49
I own a nineteen nighty "gold rush" sidekick.
It is verry rusted and the roof leaks. But, I love it anyway.
28th Sep 2012, 23:59
If you read through his comments, you'll see he's pulling a (lawn mower) trailer, so I'm sure he meant to say 1,200 pounds and not 12,000. Do you really think it would pull 12K pounds??? I have some Ocean Front property in Arizona if you're interested in buying??? LOL.
27th May 2003, 00:59
Pulling 12000 lbs and getting over 20MPG!!!
That's unheard of. Not even a 7.3 powerstroke can pull that much weight without breaking some sweat.
If what you are saying is true, you will seriously damage your frame, suspension and powertrain. The little Suzuki is rated at only 1000lbs and you are pulling 12 times more!