Suzuki Jimny road tests and consumer car reviews

Suzuki Jimny 1998

I have nothing to complain about with this vehicle, it’s like a small robust truck, but is an affordable smart looking car. Ideal for our country roads and countryside. Not ideal for highways or at speeds more than 105Km/hr. With it’s powerful 4x4 H/L you can go up a very steep hill with no problems :) The only drawback is fuel economy. I can cover around 32/33MPG. Pity there are no Diesel versions.

Responses to this review

There are diesel versions around. Left hand drive I believe - Adrian D from New Zealand

Suzuki Jimny cabrio 2003

Hello, I am writng from Italy. I have had a 2003 Jimny since new, now highly prepared for off road use (replaced springs and shocks,tires,etc.) and I also use on the road as an everyday car, kids, shopping etc. The kids like it because its a REAL 4x4 that turns heads and has taken them to ski in the alps with more than 45 cm. of snow and helped pull out much bigger suvs and so called 4x4s that could not make up the mountain. I have used it in 4x4 meets,camping in remote parts of Italy that you can only dream of in a rav4 or similar type of small 4x4, they are cars with "all wheel drive", and if i had wanted one of those I would have bought one!    I have had very few problems, the most extreme was loosing a shock bolt!Other than that just the parts that wear out(brakes,battery,etc.) My wife likes it because it has all the girl stuff a/c power steering, air-bags and ABS and has always started right up and is small and light and not your standard girl car. she likes that it handles all the nastiness that Roman streets have to offer(cobblestones, potholes, flooding - Rome is always under construction) and parking is easy because it’s small and agile. Now to the dislikes, they are few, but good ones....handles even worse now with raised shocks and springs,max speed is 50mph before it gets scary, it has always been bad on gas even as new, I’m getting maybe 27ish mpg, in the city it uses less but still a lot for 1300cc. Space is very limited and for a cabrio it has no roof rack, I’ve had to invent a system based on the old samurai and it is very under powered (even with reprograming of the computer) with wife kids and stuff on th roof rack. I do recommend the Jimny for the above reasons. If you need a small economic car or a suv stay away from the Jimny you will be disappointed. but if like me you need a real tough 4x4 that is driver friendly even modified without killing your wallet then the Jimny will take you there and back, again and again.

Suzuki Jimny JLX 2003

Bought an old 2003 Jimny JLX recently as wanted something that can handle the snow. Some observations for prospective owners: Very, very hard suspension, you will feel every bump. Even after deflating tyres to correct level ( 23psi front 26psi rear if memory serves, dealer had the front too high). Bad on potholed side roads but not so bad on a decent road when cruising. Part-time 4wd so most of the time it’s set to 2wd mode using rear wheels only, so have to be careful in the wet when cornering or using roundabouts. 4wd only usable when conditions bad - heavy snow/ice etc as otherwise you get transmission windup. Going to get some decent snow tyres for the winter and probably all year round. The Bridgestone Duelers fitted as standard by Suzuki generally get a bad write up but some swear by them. The manual repeatedly makes the point that the Jimny is not a standard car and care must be taken on bends and when cornering, a few scary stories on the internet about them skidding in the wet or similar and falling over due to high centre of gravity and hitting a kerb etc, certainly possible but fingers crossed this is a rare event. High winds on a national speed limit road or motorway can be unsettling (this is a considerable understatement), vehicle can veer alarmingly and requires constant steering correction, feels very unstable but getting used to it (it feels unstable generally), 40mph-50+mph gusts can cause the Jimny to jump left or right depending on direction of wind. Far more than any other car I’ve driven. Fuel consumption is heavier than expected, get about 250 miles then fuel gauge is at the bottom of scale, usually about 7 litres left in at this point. 40 litre tank so nowhere near the 38mpg the manufacturer claims. This is with a daily commute at approx 50-60mph on occasionally hilly ’A’ roads. It may be low powered but it has a good amount of torque, with a bit of revving it can handle hills just fine, also happy to cruise at 60mph. High driving position is good, all round view is good, manoeuvring to park is easy, great turning circle. Rear seats fold flat on the older model like mine, so plenty of storage space if you don’t mind losing the use of the rear seats. Only 2 speakers - in footwell bulkheads and one was faulty so I replaced both. Even cheap £25 10cm 3 way speakers big improvement on sound, although a little awkward to get access to where they need to go, (have to pull out a plastic screw/stud then slide/pull the plastic bulkhead covers out whilst kneeling next to the open door) 43mm deep speakers fit ok if anyone else thinking of doing this, I had to break off the existing large plastic connections to get to the speaker wire so I could reconnect to the new speakers. Interior light doesn’t come on when back door opened as no sensor. Minor irritation, presume newer models have a sensor on the rear door. Interior space is narrow, 2 medium sized people in the front will be almost touching shoulders, tend to take my coat off before driving now... Although this all sounds a bit negative, there is something appealing about the Jimny, and I am confident that it will handle the heavy snow without issue when it comes, it’s not the most comfortable or relaxed driving experience but it’s growing on me. Plenty of other drivers seem to have had no major issues and this one has been around for 8 years so I’m going to persevere.

Suzuki Jimny 2009

An honest and reliable little 4x4 and it really is a proper 4x4 not like most Japanese 4x4s. It’s cheap to run and maintenance costs for a modern car are brilliant.

Suzuki Jimny Sport 2007

G’day, always loved the little Sierra, especially with the top down as a convertible when I was a pimply teen. I’m 43 now and have had all the proper ’adult’ and ’family’ cars. Now it’s time for some fun! It’s like a Mini that goes bush! I bought a Jimny Sport brand new after seeing one at the state motor show in Melbourne, could have bought a Jeep but why? I could have 2 Jimnys for one Jeep! Have you looked at the design of a Jeep underneath and compared it to your car? It does everything I ask of it, though my bush experience may be lacking the Jimny is teaching me well and I have taken it off road many times to get to bush not accessible otherwise. It also gets a lot of ’looks’ dirty too. It can, it didn’t cost half the cost of a house unlike some 4X4’s or is that $X$’s. I don’t go serious 4wd where it’s got two wheels hanging in the air while it’s leaning on 45 degree angle, it’d probably roll in standard kit, but as I said it handles all the Aussie outback I care to put it on. Yes it’s not a great handling car on the road sometimes, it’s small inside, a little under powered - why not a 1.5 or 1.6 like the same sized Vitara predessesor Suzuki?), but if you respect the type of car it is and drive accordingly it’s okay. I have roof racks and a coffin to store gear for trips so thats okay and a bike rack for the rear. I have an ARB bullbar and driving lights to replace the factory fogs, still 55watt globes, headlights are fine. In short its great for what it is, and James May made it to the end of the challenge in the ’Top Gear Bolivia’ special too, says something I reckon! Happy motoring!

Suzuki Jimny 2009

I just love my Jimny. I bought it last year November and it is one of the best cars I have ever driven. I use it predominantly in the city but are making plans to take it to Namibia and up the Sani Pass like all the others. Why can’t I find a Jimny Club in South Africa? Maybe we must start one.

Suzuki Jimny Sierra 2008

I have owned my Jimny for one year, and I think its a fantastic little machine. I live in New Zealand where we have lots of winding roads and I’ve found that I can chuck the jeep around like a little 4x4 go kart! It even gets heaps of grip in the wet ! as far as power goes , it hasnt got a lot of torque as its only 1338 cc, but being vvt, it revs out to 6500 rpm, so if you want to go fast, just keep the revs up and it will embarrass many larger vehicles. I am a builder and regularly tow a trailer which the Jimny does no problems, the close ratio gear box helps with this task. i would happily buy another of these machines in the future.

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.

Responses to this review

Hello, I presently have Bridgestone Dueller H/T 684 tyres fitted to my Jimny but find them ineffective for offroad trips. Are there any suggestions on suitable tyres for better performance short from mudgrip tyres? - Schalk Pienaar from South Africa

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

Crankshaft pulley just failed at 16000 miles on an 06 plate car, i.e. 4 years old; rubber bonding failed. Lucky car was in a car park and had just started engine and not travelling at speed on open road, where much more damage could have occurred. Now at dealers awaiting repair. Not really good enough, this shouldn’t happen - K Foster from Devon

We’ve just had exactly the same problem on an 06 car with 28k on clock. Started car after being parked up in a car park, funny noise, no power steering and ignition light on. Thank goodness for the AA - Jim from Staffordshire

Bottom pulley failed on my 05 car at 32K miles. It will be an expensive repair - C David from Ceredigion

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!

Responses to this review

Hey sounds good, could you give me info and prices (in Rand OK) and contacts where to get the roof rack, the fuel rack and other after market effects you have purchased? I work for an INGO organisation and we would be interested in any info you could provide. Kind thanks Pierre vajrapani@indiatimes.com - Pierre from Chad

Suzuki Jimny 2005

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

Responses to this review

I almost decided to buy the Jimny but one thing concerns me. Here in Brazil, despite the bad roads, we like to drive fast. How is this car on speeds above 120 kilometres per hour? Please let me know your opnion on security and comfort doing that. Thanks - Flavio Ciro from Brazil

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.

Responses to this review

Ok, just to point out a few things, firstly, what are you on about loading up a rav4 for? It’s a review on a Jimny! Secondly, the rav4 is a crossover so it is incapable of going places that the Jimny can, the Jimny is built on old and very tested body bolted onto a ladder chasis with long travel springs over axle suspention, big approach and departure angle (which by the way are almost twice that of the rav4) so Mr driving instructor/examinor/mot tester! Get the facts right and Vectras and Stilos handle so much better on the road than a Jimny but can’t go anywhere off road! By the way aswel! In off roading circles the Jimny is regarded to be as good off road as a defender! As much as I like izuzu troopers they again are not designed to go places the Jimny is capable of going. Ok? - Anon from England

Suzuki Jimny 2004

I’m afraid I found the Jimny to be a rather poor vehicle, the 1.3 engine underpowered and unrefined. It is OK if only used for the school run, but longer journey’s and motorways are off-limits as far as I am concerned. There is also very little interior room, it feels like a SMART car inside! On the positive side though, it is reasonably inexspensive and come well equipped as standard. Why do I have a vehicle I obviously don’t like? It was available at a ridiculous price. Next time I well look to spend a little more - you certainly get what you pay for with cars...