1996 Suzuki Sidekick problems
The Suzuki Vitara is a series of SUVs produced by Suzuki in five generations since 1988. The second and third generation were known as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, while the fourth generation eschewing the "Grand" prefix. In Japan and a number of other markets, all generations have used the name Suzuki Escudo (Japanese: スズキ・エスクード, Hepburn: Suzuki Esukūdo).
The choice of the name "Vitara" was inspired by the Latin word vita, as in English word vitality. "Escudo", the name primarily used in the Japanese Domestic Market, refers to the "escudo", the monetary unit of Portugal before adoption of the Euro. The original series was designed to fill the slot above the Suzuki Jimny. The first generation was known as Suzuki Sidekick in the United States. The North American version was produced as a joint venture between Suzuki and General Motors known as CAMI. It was also sold as the Santana 300 and 350 in Spain and in the Japanese market, it was also sold as the Mazda Proceed Levante.
The second generation was launched in 1998 under the "Grand Vitara" badge in most markets. It was accompanied by a still larger SUV known as the Suzuki XL-7 (known as Grand Escudo in Japan). The third generation was launched in 2005.
The fourth generation, released in 2015, reverted to the original name "Vitara" in most markets, but shifted from an off-road SUV towards a more road-oriented crossover style. It shares the platform and many components with the slightly larger SX4 S-Cross.
The model introduced in 2022 for the Indian market only reuses the "Grand Vitara" nameplate. It is slightly larger than the SX4 S-Cross.
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Common 1996 Suzuki Sidekick problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick, several common problems have been identified:
- Fuel Filter Replacement: Another common problem involves the need to replace the fuel filter. The fuel filter plays a vital role in ensuring that clean fuel reaches the engine, and a clogged or faulty filter can lead to engine performance issues and stalling.
- Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Replacement: Owners have experienced issues with the TPS, requiring replacement. The TPS is essential for the proper functioning of the engine, as it monitors the throttle position and helps adjust the air-fuel mixture for optimal performance.
- Distributor Rotor Cap Replacement: Problems with the distributor rotor cap have also been reported. The distributor rotor cap is a critical part of the ignition system, distributing high-voltage electricity to the spark plugs. Any issues with this component can lead to misfiring and engine performance issues.
- Timing Belt Misalignment: Some owners have faced problems with the timing belt being off notch, causing issues with engine timing and performance. Proper timing belt alignment is crucial for the synchronized operation of the engine's internal components.
- Heater Core Leak: Another reported issue is a leak in the heater core. A leaking heater core can lead to coolant loss, engine overheating, and issues with the vehicle's heating system.
- Engine Performance on Long Drives: Owners have complained about engine performance issues on long drives, including loss of power, sputtering, and stalling. These issues can be indicative of fuel delivery problems, electrical issues, or issues with components like the catalytic converter.
- Poor Gas Mileage: Some owners have reported poor gas mileage, with the vehicle only achieving around 16mpg in normal driving conditions. Issues with fuel efficiency can be attributed to various factors, including engine performance, fuel system problems, or driving habits.
- Intermittent Stalling: Owners have experienced intermittent stalling issues, where the vehicle cuts out when driving over 2000 RPM and then recovers when the RPM drops. This could point to issues with fuel delivery, ignition, or engine management systems.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick highlight a range of issues affecting different systems of the vehicle, from engine components to fuel delivery and overall performance.
How much horsepower does a 1996 Suzuki Sidekick have?
Basic Sidekicks come with a frisky 16-valve, 95-horsepower engine in JS or JX trim. The JS is a two-wheel drive runabout; the JX a four-wheel drive mountain goat. Convertible and four-door Hardtop models are available.
Do Suzuki sidekicks have airbags?
The JLX trim was the top-of-the-line variant of the Sidekick and it came with 16-inch wheels and standard safety features like ABS and dual airbags.
Is the Suzuki Sidekick the same as a Vitara?
Though Vitara is the global model name, it is marketed under different names in certain markets. In Japan the Vitara is sold as the Escudo, while in North America the first generation was known as the Sidekick. The choice of the name ”Vitara” was inspired by the English word “vital,” as in “vitality.”
What is the other name for Suzuki Sidekick?
This model is known as Escudo V6 in Japan, Sidekick Sport in North America or Vitara V6/TD elsewhere.
1996 Suzuki Sidekick car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Suzuki Sidekick problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Suspension problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Suzuki Sidekick vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
The NHTSA has received 81 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Suzuki Sidekick vehicles.
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-20
- VIN: 2S3TA02C1T6
- Components: POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CLUTCH PEDAL SEPARATES FROM PIVOT SHAFT. WELD BRAKES, PEDAL DETACHES, VEHICLE DISABLED. THIRD OCCURRENCE. OEM PEDAL REPLACEMENT REVEALS NO-WARRANTY, COMMON OCCURRENCE FAILURE MODE. PEDAL RE-ATTACHED TO SHAFT BY PROFESSIONAL WELDERS ON TWO PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES. HAVE REPLACED CLUTCH CABLE, CLUTCH PLATE & THROWOUT BEARING WITHOUT RESOLUTION. HYDRAULIC REPLACEMENT INVESTIGATION IN PROGRESS. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JS3TD21V9T4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 1996 SUZUKI SIDEKICK SPORT ON AN ICY AFTERNOON HE PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH AND HIT THE UTILITY POLE, AND BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG POPPED AND BURST INTO FLAMES IN THE CENTER OF THE BAG. A NEIGHBOR SAW WHAT HAPPENED ,CAME OVER, OPENED THE PASSENGER DOOR, AND BEAT THE FLAMES UNTIL THE FIRE WAS OUT. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND FORCED THE CONTACT LEFT HAND TO GO THROUGH THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WHICH SHATTER,ED,AND CAUSED CONTUSIONS TO HIS KNUCKLES. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE POLICE AND THERE WAS REPORT. THE OFFICER COULDN'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE AIRBAGS COULD HAVE DEPLOYED BECAUSE THE UTILITY POLE HAD NO DAMAGE, BUT THE VEHICLE DID RECEIVE A DING. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES AVAILABLE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE UTILITY POLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76000.*AK UPDATED 03/19/07.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2S3TD03V0T6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT HER VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. SHE STATES THAT SHE GOT INTO HER VEHICLE AND INSERTED THE KEY. SHE SAID THAT WHEN SHE TURNED THE KEY, IT SOUNDED AS IF THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. SHE STATES SHE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, WAITED AND THEN TURNED THE IGNITION ON AGAIN, THEN SHE SMELLED AND SAW SMOKE, THEN THERE WAS FIRE. SHE SAID HER HUSBAND AND THE NEIGHBOR PUT THE FIRE OUT. SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE SHE HAD AN ELECTRICAL FIRE . SHE SAID SHE HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW/USED MOTOR. SHE SAID SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY DID NOT SEEM CONCERNED. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-16
- VIN: JS3TD21V1T4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AUGUST OF 2002. I AM NOW REPLACING THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR TIME #3. I KNOW FROM THE LAST 2 TIMES THE SLAVE CYLINDER AND CLUTCH WILL ALSO NEED TO BE DONE. THIS IS ABSOLUTLEY HORRID. MY FIRST REPLACEMENTS WERE 1/03 CYLINDERS #1 AND CLUTCH #1, SECOND TIME THE REPAIRS NEEDED TO BE DONE IN SEPTEMBER, HOWEVER DUE TO AN OUT OF STATE MOVE THEY WERE NOT DONE UNTIL 12/03 CYLINDERS #2 AND 1/04 CLUTCH #2. I AM AT MY WITS END ABOUT THIS. I SEE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT MULTIPLE POWER TRAIN/CLUTCH PROBLEMS AND REPLACEMENTS. MY QUESTION IS THIS: IS SUZUKI LIABLE WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM?*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-07
- VIN: JS3TD21VT41
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS NHTSA RECALL 96-V-121-002 RELATED TO THE FUEL TANK. THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *NLM
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-04
- VIN: JS3T21V1T41
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE BRACKET SNAP CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED TS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-10
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE ALWAYS INDICATED HOT, DUE TO THE RADIATOR CAP WHICH IS DEFECTED, HAS BEEN CHANGE THREE TIMES. AND REOCURRING THE PROBLEM.. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-23
- VIN: JS3TD21VXT4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP ALMOST FROM THE DAY I PURSCHASED IT FROM LARGO HONDA IN KEY LARGO FLORIDA; DEC. OF 1999. ALTHOUGH I PURSCHASED AN EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT FOR $8,000, I WAS NEVER ABLE TO GET SATIFACTION FROM THE DEALER, THE SELLER, OR MY WARRENTY CO. ALWAYS AT MY EXPENCE , TOWING, {RENTAL CARS =$1,700 04/05/00 - 50,373 MILES AUTO DOC OF KEY LARGO, 305] 453-0977, REPLACED FAN, CLUTCH, ADJUSTER, RADIATOR, WATER PUMP.... NOW THIS WHERE MY MOST RECEIENT BEGAINS. *SOUTH MOTORS OF MIAMI. I WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT A SECOND W2 RECALL NHTSA ID # 00V008000, 96V121002- I CALLED SUZKI, I CALLED SOUTH MOTORS - TOOK AUTO TO SOUTH MOTORS 6AM, FOR THE DAY, RECIEVED ESTIMATED $29 OIL CHANGE THAT ENDED UP BEING $139, BUT THEY DID NOT DO THE POWER LOCK PROBLEM I HAD ASKED FOR , AND TOLD ME THAT ALL RECALL WORK HAD BEEN COMPLEATED - BLEW ME OFF. STILL NO POWER LOCKS, FULE FILTER SEEMED MORE STUFFED UP THAN BEFORE, = POINTS, PLUGS, COILS, "SERVICE ENGIN LIGHTS" ETC. ON JULY 30, 2002 A BOLT APPARENTLY BROKE OFF THAT HAD BEEN HOLDING THE AIRCONDIONER TO REST OF THE CAR, THE FAN BELT WAS REPLACED ANDBOLT WELDED
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-12
- VIN: J53TD21V4T4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RIGHT FRONT DROPPED WHILE PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT FRONT STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JS3TD21VOT4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATION LAST YEAR IN 2001,TO DATETHE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO SUPPLY THE REPLACEMENT COMPONENT FOR THE VEHICLE. NLV CONSUMER HAS RECEIVED SECOND NOTICE FOR SAFETY RECALL. *MR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-12
- VIN: JS3TD21V4T4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RECALL 00 V 008000 /FRONT STRUTS: C AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER: (KNOXVILLE, FORD LINCOLN, SUZUKI; KNOXVILLE, TN; PHONE# 865/688-4600, HE STATED THAT THEY WOULD INSPECT THE STRUTS, AND ONLY MAKE REPAIRS IF IT NEEDED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-16
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH WELL ARM BROKE WHILE DRIVING. WAS UNABLE TO DISENGAGE THE CLUTCH. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-01
- VIN: 2S3TE02V2T6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: IT SEEMS THESE TROUBLES ARE UNUSUAL FOR ANY CAR OWNER AND VERY COSTLY!! THE SPEEDOMETER WAS RELACED BY MY HUSBAND WITH A PART BOUGHT ONLINE FOR $50 IN ONE DAY, WHERE THE DEALER WOULD HAVE HAD IT FOR A WEEK AND CHARGED US $350. HOWEVER, THE CLUTCH IS A MUCH BIGGER PROBLEM. THE DEALER QUOTED THE PART AT $51, WITH LABOR AT $700. I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED IN THE FIRST PLACE. IT IS A SAFETY FACTOR, SINCE I COULD NOT ENGAGE THE CLUTCH WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, AND AM TERRIFIED TO ATTEMPT TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT HAS BEEN PROPERLY FIXED. CAN THE MANUFACTURER BE HELD RESPONSIBLE?*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-30
- VIN: 2S3TD03V6T6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CROSS MEMBER OF VEHICLE IS HELD IN PLACE BY ONE BOLT, BOLT FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE WAS SHAKING BADLY. HARD TO CONTROL, ALMOST LOST DRIVESHAFT.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-01
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND EXPERIENCES CONTINUED VIBRATION, VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, FRAME ADJUSTED, NEW TIRES PUT ON AND BALANCED, FRONT END ALIGNED, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, POSSIBLY RELATED TO THE TIRES OR THE FRONT END SUSPENSION. CJ
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2P4FP2537TR
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SINGLE CAR ROLL-OVER. WIND GUST WAS THOUGHT TO BLOW CAR TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. DRIVER OVER CORRECTED TRAVELING TO THE LEFT SHOULDER AND THEN ROLLED 6-8 TIMES. DID THIS CARS ROLLOVER TENDENCY CONTRIBUTE TO THE ROLLOVER AND RELATED PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY? *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-14
- VIN: JS3TD21V0T4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 00V008000 IN MAIL & CONTACTED DEALERSHIP FOR AN APPOINTMENT. WAS INFORMED BY SERVICE MANAGER THAT NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR THE FRONT STRUTS. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JS3TD21V5T4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MOUNTING BOLTS BROKE PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE (00V008) DUE TO INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH. NLM
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-20
- VIN: JS3TD21V7T4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL CONCERNING LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILURE. AND HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JS3TD21V1T4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL (00V008) LETTER FOR THE FRONT STRUT MOUNTING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THEY HAD NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE RECALLED COMPONENT, IT TOOK ONE MONTH FOR THE DEALER TO RECEIVE THE PART TO MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. *YH
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-03
- VIN: JF3T021V2TY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RECALL 00V008000; MANUFACTURER DIDN'T HAVE PARTS TO SEND TO DEALER. THEY WERE ON BACK ORDER. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JS3TD21V9T4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THERE IS ONLY 1 DEALER IN ENTIRE STATE, AND DOES NOT MAKE APPOINTMENTS FOR RECALL REPAIRS. ALSO, NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JS3TD21V4T4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: NHTSA RECALL 00V008000 AND MANUFACTURER'S RECALL W2/FRONT STRUTS. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-07
- VIN: JS3TD21V3T4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RECALL200V008000/MCPHERSON STRUTS. PARTS THAT ARE NEEDED TO PERFORM THE RECALL ARE NOT AVAILBALE.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-14
- VIN: JS3TD21V1T4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER CALLED DEALER TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT FOR RECALL 00V008000/ FRONT STRUTS REPAIRS. PART WAS ON BACK ORDER. CONSUMER IS UPSET BECAUSE DEALER DOESN'T KNOW WHEN PART WILL BE IN. MANUFACTURER ALSO CONTACTED BUT OF NO HELP. PROBLEM STILL REMAINS UNREPAIRED. *AK *ML
1996 Suzuki Sidekick recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING BASE ON THE UPPER END OF THE FRONT STRUTS CAN LEAD TO BREAKAGE OF THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE UPPER END OF THE FRONT STRUTS TO THE VEHICLE BODY.
- Consequence: IF THE STRUT BROKE LOOSE, A DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A REINFORCEMENT, FOR BOTH FRONT STRUTS, BETWEEN THE FRONT STRUT MOUNTING BASE AND THE VEHICLE BODY. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT STRUT MOUNTING BASES, MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUTS, AND STRUT BAR STAYS WILL BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FUEL TANK ON THESE VEHICLES CAN BECOME PUNCTURED BY A FUEL TANK FLANGE ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT DURING REAR-END COLLISIONS. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL TANK INTEGRITY."
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE RESULTING FROM THIS PUNCTURE COULD RESULT IN A POST-CRASH FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW SHIELD GUSSETS BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND ATTACHMENT BRACKETS TO PREVENT THE REINFORCEMENT FROM PUNCTURING THE FUEL TANK WALL.
Negative 1996 Suzuki Sidekick car reviews
Positive 1996 Suzuki Sidekick car reviews
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The Sidekick was one of the first SUVs out there and when I was looking for my first vehicle, it really caught my eye. It had great reviews in Consumer Reports. I feel very safe driving it because it's zippy yet heavier. I've taken it off-roading with both stock and B.F. Goodrich tires and it's handled the trails beautifully. It handles better than many trucks and SUVs out there because of its awesome ground clearance and weight!
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I am delighted to share my experience with my Suzuki '94. My family purchased it from our family friends in 2014, and I have been driving it as my own for almost a year and a half now. Although I replaced the stereo to add new-age features like Bluetooth connection and USB plug-in, the original stereo was still in perfect condition. I must admit that I need to work on my shifting skills, but the car shifted perfectly before I got a hold of it! Before this car, I drove a 2014 Chevy Sonic and a 2015 Chevy Cruze, both of which belonged to my mother. However, I prefer my Suzuki '94 over them. I feel safe and comfortable driving it, and it performs phenomenally on freeways and in the city. The brakes are even better than the newer cars I've driven. I had an incident in the city where a truck rear-ended me going 45 mph, but my car only had a little scratch and ran smoothly without hesitation. My family and friends encourage me to get a new car, but I plan on keeping my Suzuki forever unless it becomes un-fixable. :)
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Congratulations on your purchase of a 1994 Suzuki Sidekick with 81,000 miles on 04/20/09! From what you've shared, it sounds like the car is running great without any problems. While it may not be the fastest car on the highway, it can still cruise along at about 85 with ease. Although the car doesn't come with AC, power windows or locks, I believe having at least one of them is necessary. It's great to hear that you're having a remote starter, power windows, and locks installed next week for another 600.00. I'm sure it will be worth it! The interior lighting may not be the best, but it's good to know that you were able to easily solve the problem with the addition of a LED bulb for the dome and some LED foot lights for only $20.
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You bought this amazing vehicle back in December 1994 and it was with you until you moved from NV back to VA in 2017. Unfortunately, you had to leave it behind and gave it to your best friend out there. You even drove it from VA to NV in 2003 and it was the absolute best ever vehicle in the snow, never slipping a single time in 4H. You put it in 4L and it could climb a tree! It's clear that you miss it so much, it hurts your heart! You never had any mechanical issues due to regular and diligent maintenance and care. It was a real champ and you'd give (almost) anything to have it back.
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This car really surprised me! I was looking for a low-cost 4WD vehicle that I could use for primarily local driving with my two big dogs. But everything about it has continued to please me - from the ease of driving and handling, to the comfort and roominess of a small SUV, and the overall dependability. While it's a very basic car with standard 5-speed transmission, AM/FM/cassette, factory air, and manual windows and seats, it still ranks among the best!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Suzuki Sidekick problems:
1996 Suzuki Sidekick Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
Top 1996 Suzuki Sidekick Problems · Clutch Pedal May Suddenly Fall to the Floor. 49 people have reported this. 25 · Engine Oil Leak From Front Crankshaft Seal.
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Other years of Suzuki Sidekick
Are you having problems with your 1996 Suzuki Sidekick?
Tyshawn West 2024-10-18
I bought this sidekick with relatively high mileage (over 100k in 2000) for use at my second home in the NC mountains. Since none of my other vehicles have four wheel drive, I needed a cheap and reliable vehicle to drive in the winter. Despite being anemic in normal driving, it can't be beat for its low price and winter-driving ability.
Skylar Harris 2024-10-05
This truck has been through a lot, but it's still running strong with 185,377 miles on it! I've taken good care of it, getting the transmission flushed and the oil changed regularly. It's not the fastest car on the road, but it's perfect for my daily 50-mile commute to college. Plus, it's great for driving in 4WD on snowy days and can handle icy hills with ease. And the best part? I got it for only $500 back in 2005! What a steal!
Delaney Hamill 2024-09-06
This very small SUV has all the power of a 4 cyl and all the gas mileage of an 8 cyl. The 4 wheel drive works pretty well, but it's worth noting that replacement parts can be pricey - for example, a serpentine belt can cost up to $35.
Elias Heidenreich 2024-09-04
I bought this vehicle used with about 30,000 miles and I absolutely love it! The only issues I've had were a tie rod end and one hub, but that was at 100,000 miles. Other than that, I've only needed a tune-up and brakes for this vehicle.
Hobart Bradtke 2024-07-08
I bought this vehicle used with about 30,000 miles and I absolutely love it! The only issues I've had were a tie rod end and one hub, but that was at 100,000 miles. Other than that, I've only needed a tune-up and brakes for this vehicle.