1996 Suzuki X-90 All options (LX? Sport?) 1.6L 5-Speed
Summary:
The BEST car I have ever had!
Faults:
Nothing at all. Nothing! Just like all my Suzuki's. Never a problem. I only buy Suzuki's, have for years, will until I die.
I got in an accident with my Suzuki Sidekick, and I got seriously injured, but you should have seen the other car! I was the only survivor in the accident, and I had no passengers in my car. The car was completely mashed up, but the cabin was fine. The windows were blown out, but I got virtually no cuts. My neck was broken, but I can still walk, and once my neck heals, I will be just as I was before the accident.
That little Suzuki saved my life. My last few Suzuki's I only sold to buy newer Suzuki's! I've driven Honda's, Toyota's, GM's, Chrylser's, and Ford's. Every one of the cars from those manufacturers has numerous problems. My first Suzuki never had a single problem. I sold it at 247,000 miles to get a newer Suzuki for the heck of it!
When I purchased the car, it was obvious the poor thing had been seriously beaten. Dents and scratches all over, virtually no signs of regular maintenance. I only bought it because it was so cheap, I really didn't know if it was going to be able to make it!
I fixed up the body, did all the necessary maintenance, and repaired some small things. All in all, I put about another 500 dollars into it. It runs like it was new! My most amazing Suzuki yet! These cars can take a licking and keep on ticking!
General Comments:
It shifts smoothly and easily. There's a bit of travel on the clutch, but I found that to be a good thing, as it gives me excellent response and control.
I LOVE the T-tops, it so nice. The air conditioning is nice and cold, and dehumidifies very effectively. It even works well with the top off, for driving tops off in 100 degree heat!
The leather seats are very durable, they look great, and their pretty comfy. I drove 4 hours to get home in it, stopping only once, and it was plenty comfy!
The speakers were gone when I bought it, and I installed new ones, and the acoustics are great! Good sound, tops on or off.
The trunk isn't huge, but it holds everything I need it to. I don't like the fact that the spare tire has to be in there, but there's still plenty of room for groceries or whatever else. I don't haul much anyway.
The Mileage is GREAT. I'm averaging 28 to 30 mpg, and that's in a 4x4!
Speaking of the 4x4, the two speed transfer case is great! Shifts easily, the auto locking hubs make it simple to put into 4x4, and the car can go ANYWHERE. Great in snow, in mud, in sand, I have never gotten stuck, even after logging hundreds of off-road miles. The tires I'm using are stock size, and aren't mudding tires, just nice ones.
Some say it looks goofy, but I absolutely love the style. I actually get a lot of positive comments!
The part prices are so-so, fairly cheap used. But after replacing the first few parts when I got it, all I've replaced since is ordinary maintenance stuff. Nothing else has ever failed on this car! I've never been left stranded!
It corners much better than my Sidekick, as it rides a little bit lower, yet it still has enough clearance for off-roading. I've added some skid-plates to it just to be safe, though.
The ride is a little rough, but it doesn't bother me. I'll be replacing the shocks eventually, just for a smoother ride. It rode about the same as my Sidekick, and any other low priced 4x4.
I replaced the 9 year old seals around the doors and windows, and it's fairly quiet inside. Much quiter than my soft top Sidekick! And just as quiet as the other cars I've driven.
The power is plenty adequate. I drove an Automatic once, and it was painfully slow. The manual transmission delivers the power from the engine much better, and it's easy to get up to expressway speeds.
The wind affects it more than a sedan, but less than most SUV's. It's noticeable, but not worrisome. I have no fear of tipping or anything in it.
The accessories are wonderful! I love the intermittent wipers. The windows are a little slow, but I was able to speed them up by cleaning the window tracks. I 'll bet they could be much faster with newer window motors. The previous owner must've never touched the window tracks, as they were filthy, and straining the motors. Like I said earlier, A/C is great. The new stereo system is great, never had a chance to test an original. The auto I drove had a new system, too. If they were anything like my Sidekick's, then they were alright. But better to replace them if you like your music loud and clear! The rear defrost is quick and effective, I've never had any difficulties seeing out of it, even with a dark tint in pouring rain!
The interior is fine. Everything is reachable and well located. The dash was surprisingly unscratched! I cleaned it up and it looks great. I'm going to paint it eventually. The Gages are easy to see and read. The interior doesn't stand out, it's simple and sweet.
The view is good, it's easy to see all around you.
My tallest friends fit in it fine, for such a small car. My 6'2" friend says it's "comfortable enough." I'm only 5'8" and the car feels like the perfect size. Ride height seems perfect, higher than a car, lower than an SUV, good vision without obscuring anyone elses behind me.
With the manual transmission and all it's features, it is just a pleasure to drive! Every trip is fun! When I feel like a little adventure, I can take it anywhere, even on bike trails (in the woods, not on public bike trails, of course ;) )! And weather permitting, the T-tops add an extra thrill! They come off and on so fast! Starts raining? 45 seconds and it's all back in place ready for the rain!
Overall, this is the best car I have had yet! And I've had many! I usually get bored with cars quickly, and sell them for different ones, but I've had this car longer than any other! I probably would've had the Sidekick longest had I not gotten in an accident with it, but this X-90 is even better than the Sidekick, by far! If you can find one of these rare gems of a car, I highly recommend you purchase it, take good care of it, and you'll have a fine car for as long as you want it! I will never sell this baby, but maybe eventually get a different one for a daily driver and turn this one into an off-road beast! It does fine off-road stock, but I wouldn't recommend taking it on any serious rock trail or anything like that, unless it's got a lift and good tires. I've seen others use their X-90 to rescue Jeeps! Keep in mind, I have NEVER had a problem with this, or any Suzuki, and I'm sure I never will.
One last thing... Please don't subject an X-90 to the ownership of an irresponsible teenager. Give Him/her a civic to destroy, those are worthless anyway (finally junked my civic, it had new problems every week for 2 months until I gave up on it!) X-90's are not race cars, and never will be! They are good, fun, reliable transportation, and deserve more than some ricer teenager destroying it while trying to race some other crap riced out car. I managed to rescue my X-90, and it has not ever let me down!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th March, 2005
3rd Apr 2005, 16:12
To the above commentor... You feel better in your sports car? Too bad you don't have a sense of self security. Having that opens you up to the possibility of driving very fun cars! It's a great car, and a rare one as well.
And keep in mind, no mater what you're driving, sooner or later, those ladies will find out WHY you are driving that fancy sports car, and you won't be so cool then...
31st Mar 2005, 07:18
You are right, it does look goofy.
You sound like someone who would be singing along with the radio, going down the road.