1996 Suzuki Sidekick

Pros: gas mileage, ground clearance, good cargo area, price
Cons: road noise, hard ride, pollution emissions

I bought my 4-door 1996 Suzuki Sidekick with 70,000 miles and now it has over 229,000 miles on it, with no serious mechanical work. It has been reliable transportation to work, vacations, and in rough weather. I bought the vehicle for gas mileage, ground clearance, hauling cargo, and price. In these areas it has been great.

It has traveled all over the southeastern part of the United States packed full of camping gear and luggage. Often it has been used as a small truck carrying lumber, wood, tools, and building material.

The trade off has been the quality of ride. The windows and doors allow a constant wind noise, even after many attempt to adjust the doors and windows. The vehicle has a hard ride which has always felt all the bumps in the road.

The engine is great, but the emissions often cause the check engine light to come on. Still, it has not affected the performance. Emission parts have been cleaned, replace and still the light comes on. It is a nuisance fixing it for inspection.

In all it has been a dependable vehicle and I have never regretted my purchase.