Suzuki Jimny road test reports and car reviews

Suzuki Jimny 2000

This car is nowhere near as slow as some say. I could cruise at at least 80mph when needed but the fuel consumption could suffer but flat out I could hit 100 if needed. The only gripe with this car is the narrow interior which is ok for thin people but for 2 larger people can be tight but for tight spaces this car is great and can park in tiny spaces and proved to be very reliable.

Suzuki Jimny 2001

If it’s got no go then either you are used to a Porsche or there’s something wrong. Mine will cruise all day at 60 and is very nippy for a 1300. If you want to break speed limits all the time don’t buy a Jimny if you want to see over hedges and lorry wheels, and have some fun, buy a Jimny. Oh and it does 36-38MPG all the time. FANTASTIC CAR.

Suzuki Jimny JLX Hardtop 2000

Owned from new and used extensively off-road. I’ve never had any problems and after 9 years it’s still on the original brakes,exhaust and battery.

Suzuki Jimny 2009

I am from South Africa and work and live in a rough terrain. The Jimny outpreforms all 4x4s in real tight and limited spots. I have videos to back this up. In Luanda, Angola we use them on the beach, they are real tough.

Suzuki Jimny 2004

I’ve owned my Jimny for just over 4 years now, and I am very impressed. I admit that interior space, ride comfort and acceleration aren’t perfect, but the little car really comes into its own off-road. I have taken it off-road quite a lot, and it has never let me down. It copes well with deep mud, steep slopes, rough terrain - you name it, it’ll tackle it. Basically; if you’ve got the nerve to tempt it, Jimny will get you there. I’d have another one any day, but don’t want to get rid of the one I’ve got.

Suzuki Jimny 2007

Good points:- positive steering, easy close gear change, handles well with good visibilty. Good radio cd player, good fuel consumption, turning around 37 m p g with sensible driving. Easy to drive, holds the road well and is four wheel drive - so good off-road traction. Interior adjustable mirrors and head lights, reliable engine. Bad points:- demister is poor in wet weather needing a window open to help de- misting, road noise is very excessive with windows open, ride very uncomfortable due to short wheel base, suspension too firm, luggage space practically non existant unless rear seat is folded down. Interior carpet holds all the bits making it difficult to clean. Road tax expensive due to it being four wheel drive even though only a 1300cc engine. Lacks pulling power on hills, indicating engine not powerful enough for the weight of the vehicle. Had to have a new crankshaft pulley at 20k due to the original shattering.

Responses to this review

Hi Trevor, do you have any more details about the crankshaft pulley shattering? Mine has just done the same, it seems as though the centre-piece just disintergrated and mine had only done 22K, is it a common issue? - Mav from England

Suzuki Jimny 2009

Hi, I live in South Africa and have owned a Jimny for 3 months and have done 15,000 kilometres in the most demanding places. I changed the tyres to more off-road type and fitted a 20 L jerry can bracket on the back of the car - replacing the spare wheel which now lives on the roof rack. The jimny is fantastic and easily keeps up with bigger 4x4s even in high altitude so I am very happy with it... Cool little car!

Suzuki Jimny 2005

One word......... Fantastic!

Suzuki Jimny JLX 2007

I have owned over 30 types of car from a Ford Cortina to an Audi NSU. I have a Jimny on a 07 plate and purchased it as a second car. We intend using the car both on and off road, we had an Isuzu Trooper and Daihatsu 4Track and spent time on and off road with these. Although I would not place the Jimny in their league. I have extensive off road experience and have also spent time as a driving instructor and examiner both testing applicants to drive and as a vehicle MOT tester so I see myself as having a little motor knowledge. The Jimny has never failed to impress me if driven in the manner that it was intended for light haulage or local diving at lower speeds allowing the engine to take the strain and not the foot the car will hold well, corner without a fight and in comfort and return 30 mpg without a fight. If you drive like a fool the car will fight back and handling is poor. The same can be said about a Stilo or Vectra. I sat in the car a week ago at the local shop and watched a couple fight to load a Rav4, they unlocked the back door by placing the key in the lock, attempted to load the boot and had to run to the front door only to return to get the key, Wind down the window and place the tube through the window. Well what has all this got to do with your so call lecture on experience and then go on about loading the car? Well it’s simple. After we have raced it pushed it and got fed up with it its just a shopping trolley and based upon the Rav4 from my position a very good spec at around 30% less than a Rav4 with central remote locking, electric windows and air con. For good value for money and the ability to cope with minor off road needs or snow why buy more. Well done Suzuki well price good motoring.