Here's Why The Tiny Suzuki Samurai Outsold The Jeep Wrangler 2 to 1 in 1987!
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- ( www.TFLcar.com ) Here's why The Tiny Suzuki Samurai Outsold The Jeep Wrangler 2 to 1 in 1987
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I'd totally buy that Zuk off of you guys. I use to own a '07 Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport (4×4) with a 3.2L V6. Great little off-road vehicle for the money. However, VW bought Suzuki from GM and they discontinued the V6 option. Also, quit using words like "adorable" and "cutest" when describing some features on a manly vehicle like the Samurai. Lol
What’s difference Of samurai and jimny
*CALL IT.........TIPPY* THEY LIKED TO TIP OVER
no
Samurai = USA, Jimny and Sierra = Australia, Jimny is what they are in Japan also India also make and use these as Military vehicles branded as a Gypsy.
Samurai’s have crushed a lot of egos with their off road effectiveness.
Its light weight helps not much mass to get moving
Fits between or around tracks where big trucks can't go. Many guys had to eat crow from my little Zuki.
I had a 1986 Subaru GL wagon and a lot of big tough 4x4 truck guys had to eat crow as well since my wagon could go places that their truck couldn't. Old Japanese engineering was great
Old Japanese engineering the best !! These were called agricultural vehicles .. same with the Subaru’s of that era .. 4x4 was real .. when you locked it up it was locked .. they were literally used as tractors so their transmissions geared to be slow and tons of torque for the weight .. I’d take this or a ww2 Jeep over a modern vehicle if I was going deep and unsupported into the wilderness ..
@@jeremy3747 I had gl to! Low range was awesome. It was olive drab spray painted with black trim. Rust around the rear suspension finally did it in but the little engine and trans were original and ran fine.
I ‘ve been tried a Suzuki Samurai in the hardest patagonian roads in Chile in the latest 90’s. Remarkable off-road response and so reliable, all with a minor fuel consumption.
I loved my Sammy. Took that thing everywhere in Arizona. Embarrassed plenty of big trucks and Jeeps with it. Not fast but would go anywhere you pointed it.
It climbs like a mountain goat.
Evolved into vitara. I remember dropping my little 4 door vitara with 2 liter engine into 4 low to pull an F350 dually out of soft sand on a job site. His trophy wife with boob job just hung her head.
Yes, I love mine too, excellent for Arizona. Just needs better suspension
my dad had one as I was growing up, he could go anywhere with this thing. went on snowmobile and ATV trails, he also pulled a school bus out of the mud with this thing. amazing little vehicle. I would buy one if I ever seen it.
One of the best 4x4's ever made.
I test rode one back then and had to test the off road capability in a town park. A homeowner across from the park came out and yelled at me. I didn't realize the dealer had their name on the spare tire cover. The salesman wasn't happy when I came back. :-)
@@Dave-sw2dm
But it was fun, right? 😀😁
Okie Rider , I would have bought if I could have. Now that I can afford one there aren't any new ones to chose from. Wranglers are just too big, and too Fiat/Chrysler for me.
Japanese vehicles will always be superior in quality,reliability,technology and simplicity over any other brand outhere in the entire world, here I the states people are so doomed buying all the garbage fiat and GM is selling here . They need to introduce the 2019 jimny again.
General George S. Patton Jr. The new Jimny is able to get North American certified (it has proper reflectors and lights) dealer needs to work out agreement with Suzuki and get the model 2018-2019 crash tested, then it's legal for import and vehicle registration.
Just got done rebuilding/restoring my wife’s 87 samurai. By the time it got a new exhaust with header, Harley Davidson carb, flat top pistons, and a new high performance camshaft, youd swear it has about 100 horses. Honestly it’s a blast to drive now, and is a monster off-road.
Keihin Bracken nice! I have a 93 2 door sidekick....250 grand and still going....4wd still great.
I had me one of those back in 95, it had an Old man emu suspension kit and 31 inch tires, it was soooo good in the woods and on the hills, miss it very often
Zooks are incredible. That little engine is simple, two people can lift the block out and there's not a lot that goes wrong with them you can't fix, including suspension components.
But offroad? They're a little monster. Great approach, ramp over and departure angles in standard config and they only get better with a lift or bigger tires, really gutsy low range pulling power, light which is a real boon on sandy and muddy terrain. The only downside is the usual disadvantages of a short wheel base, but they have the same advantages too so that balances out. Where the Suzuki really shines offroad is in tight quarters. You can get a zook through a gap in some rocks or trees that other cars simply don't fit. Don't know how many times I've seen mates in Suzukis drive around the barriers placed at the end of trails to stop vehicles from continuing on, but you wouldn't have fit a cruiser or a jeep in there, that's for sure.
Also worth a mention, the design language was heavily influenced by one of the world's greatest ever four wheel drives, the FJ40. Mad little nuggets. Seriously punch above their weight offroad. Cheap at the petrol pump, easy to find parts for, including aftermarket upgrades. name? GodZOOKI
Had a 2005 Jimny I bought new and then after some four or five years, I gave it to my mom as their second car. Perfect for the unplowed winter roads here in Sweden. Now my sister has it, and she loves it. Sitting tall in rush hour traffic and perfect for parking in the inner city. However over 110km/h it’s not a pleasant ride. I undercoated it and put Hammerite paint on exposed metal underneath and during yearly motor vehicle inspections we have here the mechanics always complements how fresh and good it looks. No real mechanical issues or rust in the 13 years it’s been in the family.
I was just thinking how 2005 diddnt seem that long ago . . . . its been 13 years
glad your Jimny is still on the road and in the family!
In sweden you have to undergo YEARLY obligatory inspections to drive your car???
Damn. You guys are tyrants towards liberty and personal rrsponsability, no wonder you are being replaced by muslims
don trump : at least muslims men have what we need ;) if u know what i mean hmmmm.... , a good masculine men, sorry for f4g gt offended LOL
I love their height generally
I laughed when my uncle bought suzuki vitara but after ten years all he had to do is to change oil, this thing is built like a tank and I have no regrets buying a same brand vehicle
Great video. Yes Suzuki. Bring the Jimny to the US market.
As for naming.. you can call it Sammy.
Samny
Yes Please! I would buy a Jimny in a flash!
Just call it the new samurai and it will sell good. Those huge trucks from the big makers are not what the young millennial want
Would love a new one! th-cam.com/video/iO51yz360zE/w-d-xo.html
Called all mine sammi's and named my 10 year old dog Sammi.
I would buy that Jimny in a second flat - Suzuki PLEASE come back!!!!
Mr Anderson Yep there is - just not in the US....
Mr Anderson You can’t import many new cars to the US, unfortunately this is one.
Ah, this brings back memories. I remember tearing around California with my buddy in the Slamurai back in my USN days.
There is no other name to be considered - it's a Slamurai.
The new Jimny 2019 looks so great
Yesss it does!!
I’d buy one
Prob do not have a removable top option do they?
hope they bring it back here.
Wish they would being the Jimmy to North America again
I had a Samurai and I agree 100% what was said. It’s a Fantastic vehicle. We can also take the doors off very easily with a small modification in the hinger. Excelente vídeo.
I love mine especially when I swapped in the bigger 1.6 16v out of a tracker, makes a huge difference. Instead of being 3/4 to full throttle everywhere you go, you just lightly touch the gas pedal and you’re on your way
Friend back home had one and it had 35 inch tires on it and we used to get drunk in it and go ride out into the lakes with it! Those little trucks are so much fun!
Really, they are a great off road and runabout vehicle and a load of fun. I used to live in Utah and had a '85 Toyota x-tra cab 4x4 pickup (brand new it was 10k out the door!) and a buddy had a Samurai. We went all over the place off-roading and that Samurai always did well. I was always impressed. Since then on occasion I've heard people knock them but doubt they ever had the chance to spend any time with one and are are just ragging on the little beastie. Great review!
I own a 1999 Suzuki Samurai lwb (shown on my channel) made by Santana in spain.After 700.000 km dailyride in 10 years (no joke) and now third engine (1,3 EFI 69 PS) i hate it because of the rust and love it for the offroad experience (lightly modified) .Parts cheap (from India) and availabel for the next century ha ha. I start with short wheelbase SJ413 than Samurai short and also own a short Vitara 1,6 (Sidekick) all used off and on road. I am a Suzuki 4x4 fan 20 years passed ha ha.Here in europe some guys pulled there light horse trailers (one horse) or light camping trailers with there Samurais ha ha the Samurai can pull up to 1300kg with trailer fitted with breaks.
I had a 1987.5 Samurai. I put over 100,000 miles on it, including moving several times while in college. I also fit 7 people in it one time. It was super-reliable, fuel efficient, and practical in ways I would never have imagined. It was also loud, uncomfortable-riding, and prone to break-ins. I had 2 stereos and a soft-top stolen. I do wish Suzuki would bring the Jimny here though.
I remember when those came out in 1987, I used to love them, but never was able to purchase one. I was 19 back then. Look forward to your off road video.
I think it ran to 1994 or '95 in the US. The last couple of years, the government started requiring 3-point rear seat belts. Rather than reengineering for those, Suzuki simply deleted the rear seat so the last year of Samurais are all two-seaters.
I have a Suzuki Samurai known as Maruti Gypsy long wheel base only made in India used by Indian Armed forces and Police
It is a 1000cc carburatted engine
Fantastic for off roading
Easy to maintain
The model I have is 1996 and got it from Army auction.
Completely rebuilt it and took delivery on 10 11 2018
Amazingly almost parts are available from Maruti.
I have installed a new MIKUNI Carburreator made in Japan as SGP ie Suzuki Genuine Part.
It's a great offroader mainly due to its light weight...it leaps like a 🐸 during offroading
It's known as a Mountain 🐐
In India We have 1.3l mpfi model presently
Your car, MG410 Gypsy E was based on Suzuki Farm Worker, not the smaller engined Samurai. Your car has 993cc engine that also worked in the Zen and 1000. It has around 50 bhp of power, but it somehow managed to churn 57 bhp in the Maruti 1000. Your car is very rare to find nowadays, it's worth a lot, we all see the Gypsy King, but the first generation small track Gypse MG410 and second generation wide track MG410W is very difficult to find.
We wanted to buy one, but because of the 6 month waiting period, we chose to buy the Safari Storme VX 4x4 instead.
Thanks for info
Completely rebut it recently
All bearings ie F&R kingpin crown etc were changed with original NTN bearings made in Japan
New steering box all oil seals new flywheel and clutch assembly cable
Etc fully restored with 95% MGP parts and Gasket original SGP made in Japan both gearbox main and transfer case completely overhauled at Autotech Chennai authorized MASS.
I am going to keep it as a Classic vehicle
Ex Indian Army vehicle
Thanks once again on the inputs and value of this Gypsy MG410W. painted in bright Red
That thing looks like it could be a really really short bed pickup truck/ute
Abhishek Talukdar i Believe the gypsy king was a 1.3L petrol variant which the army used . Climbs every terrain in Kashmir and across any sand dune in Rajasthan
Great car. Very Fun to drive. I love mine and drive it in the weekends. Speed is calculated at smiles per hour. :)
Damn it, bring it back before us guys in our 50s die off! I too, wanted one of these back in the 80s when they came out. I actually owned an 87 back in early 2000’s and enjoyed the hell out of it. Regret selling it, but had no choice. Such a simple and easy to work on vehicle. I hope Suzuki considers bringing the Jimny to the US market.
I just purchased one in Japan and it's getting shipped to the USA. *(it's 30 years old so there are no DOT and EPA regulations on it anymore. It is exempt). While it will probably take a while to get here, it is the best option to finding one of these and being able to enjoy it stateside.
@@paulwillhite6730 haven’t checked, but if you have a channel, feature it! A Suzi straight from Japan would make for great content!
I may do that. I just purchased it on Friday. So maybe I should make an video series documenting my process of getting this thing here and all of the headaches that will be associated with it.
@@paulwillhite6730 the response just may surprise you! I’d love to see/hear more about yours. Suzuki should really consider bringing their Jimny over here.
You hit it on the head. SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE!! Take notice Ford/Chev/Dodge/Jeep.....
RyanRyan: GM, Ford just don't get it. They will continue with BIG, oversized behemoth 4x4s. Keeps are overpriced. Suzuki should do something to bring the "Sammy" back to the U.S.. It will sell LARGE! Peace...♐
Typo: JEEPS, not keeps. Sorry! ♐
Ryan Ryan lol not
@@BlackGT1999 J.E.E.P stands for "Just Empty Every Pocket"
It's your own fault Americans. Stop buying those monsters. Buy electric cars. Not hybrids, full electric. And buy hydrogen (fuel cell) cars, as soon as they're out. If you don't, nothing changes.
Love the Beetle and Samurai content! I owned a super beetle while in the Air Force stationed in Southern California, and checked out the ‘new’ samurai when they were first imported.
The Jimny/SJ is fantastic fun. A friend of mine had two of these mid 80s SJs. Had so much fun driving them off road. Also a couple of years ago, I rented a Jimny while on holiday to Iceland. A fantastic offroader that too. I love Suzuki, they make such fun cars.
I had a Samurai for 10 years, 170K miles, never any stability issues, drove like an underpowered sports car. Went everywhere, I really miss Mi Burro.
India got long wheelbase version called Maruti Gypsy in 1985 and and it is still in production. Indian army and police uses it since it launch. Great off roader and lifestyle vehicle. Cheap and reliable.
I proudly own the 1liter carburreated version 1996 ex army fully restored with Maruti Genuine Parts through an Maruti authorized service centre named AUTOTECH
Got discontinued for a while now
Great find! My buddy had one in the 80s. The short wheel base gives it a choppy ride so it's its not the best for a long trip. It was the best at the beach easily floating on the sugar sand than would swallow big heavy trucks. When you do get stuck its no big deal to push or pull it out. Looking forward to the off-road review.
I remember the choppy ride. It definitely was exhausting to drive on long tripd, plus the gas tank was super small. I loved it anyway.
"Light trailers" lol. I've towed farm tractors with my stock Sami. I love my Sami it's amazing
Gotta love the samurai! I have taken my tin top Samurai on 31" tires through the Rubicon and got all sorts of funny looks from the guys in Jeeps.
One of the hardest core guys on the off road scene drives a heavily modified Sammy. He laughs at the other guys as he drives past them so he can win h them out.
TJ I also enjoyed your post... Great videos.
If they bring the new suv they are selling now overseas, I will buy one for sure!
Is that before or affter u blow a guy
@@Ktheodoss go play ij traffic with your minivan while the rest of the WORLD has fun with their JIMNY's.
It's not a SUV tho. Other than that, you are 100% right.
Jimny 2019 is freaking great.
@@Ktheodoss it's just hella funny how you shat on the Jimny 2019 claiming to be a bad offroader while everything you point about it is that it is not a good "onroader"...
And you know what? Yes, it is not the best car to drive on streets bc its main purpose and desing is meant to be a pure breeded affordable yet efficient 4x4.
@@yeyegtpp What I'm saying is nobody that is actually into off-roading will buy this vehicle because it's not better than other vehicles. You are much better off buying a used Wrangler than this toy new. There's a very real reason this vehicle is gone from the entire North American market. And it's not because of me.
These were soooo popular here where i live in Canada. What a shame they have 'gone away'!
The size and economy makes this Samurai make it ideal for city driving. I have been looking for one of these in good condition, but I'll likely find hen's teeth sooner!
I can't wait to see TFL take this in on and off the road.
P.S. Suzuki DOES make a vehicle for us here,...it's the 'original Quad' for off-roading fun. I owned a King Quad 300 and what a little tank of an ATV it was. These Suzuki ATV's should be reviewed here on TFL Offroad because these are still available here in Canada,. Note to Mr Elmer!
people keep them on there lands put shovels on them too
Reg Sparkes I have a place in the Caribbean & see them all over...But they’re all RHD.
@@penvon , as a matter of interest,..I saw a Jimny only about 2 weeks ago down the road a bit from where I live in Canada, it is a RHD model and 1972,..he want's "only"
$14,000.00 CAD for it,....he 's in a dream world, but I'd still love to own it. I have no idea where he bought it from being a right hand drive vehicle , here in a left hand drive country.
Reg Sparkes Most likely from Japan.There are RHD car places around in Canada like Velocity cars in the Vancouver area I think & RHD cars out in Pickering ONTario,they all specialize in these types of vehicles...There are other guys as well but not sure of their names...Keep on looking & especially on eBay & I’m sure you’ll get lucky & nab a LHD Samurai in good condition.
@@penvon Thanks, yes I'll be looking there too.
Thanks for this video. I have good memories of going mudding at construction sites in a samurai. It was so light, and could handle mud even with car tires.
Great job Tommy. keep'em coming!
I was in the Grand Staircase NM, in Utah, and came across a couple in one these and thought it was perfect for 4 wheeling.
One of these in the stable for off roading specific needs and you'd be good to go!
is it just me or did the horn sound exactly like roadrunner meep meep ?
actually like the old VW bug
Just u
Actually my friends and I have made the same observation of my friends Samurai.
No, that’s what people say about my samurai horn
American car makers are to blame for kicking Suzuki out of the US. They were scared of how popular it was becoming. Cue the Consumer Report into "safety" concerns about it being liable to roll over, and the rest is history. If you look into the Consumer Report test methods, it was proven (albeit much later) that none of the other SUV's could pass those tests. Suzuki sales never recovered. But all over the rest of the world these little trucks enjoy cult status for all the reasons highlighted in this review.
Exactly
I disagree. Suzuki USA ruined themselves when they jumped in bed with GM. Most of the later model Suzukis were Daewoos. Even the Grand Vitara turned into crap in later years. Earlier Suzukis (Samurai, Swift, and Sidekick) were well made vehicles. Really want to see impressive? Suzuki used to sell a 100hp Swift GTi/GT from 1989-1994. 100hp doesn't sound like much, until you put it in a 1800 lb. car. That was lighter than the Honda CRX Si, and those are pretty quick. Only issue was the actual shifter in them. Want a laugh? Pull up a picture of the interior of the Swift GT and look at the shifter.
Terrence Bennett Interesting, but I was unaware Suzuki did any deals with GM. Also, I thought Daewoo was Korean, and not Japanese. In the grand scheme of things, I don't think the gear shifter on the Swift was the reason they did no make it in the USA and did ok elsewhere. The lobbying by big US motor Co's to doctor the Consumer Report is well documented and was a popular case study on business courses at universities. I still think this was the biggest reason.
@@GdaySport You are correct in terms of the Samurai, but the Sidekick/Vitara was supposed to be the replacement. The Samurai was ruined, but Suzuki USA did the unthinkable with GM. Daewoo is Korean, but GM owns a controlling share in them. It's disappointing to see many of the decisions that US automakers make. They are just downright savages and seem to follow no ethical code to make a dollar... Heck, I'd hate to be a Holden owner in Australia. GM is just ripping off the Australian people these days.
CR came with false claims,,due to Chrysler paying off under the table,,CR always been a neutral company,no ads,,but along they way they will become corrupt
So well made , zero issues
. New England winters were rough on highway, but for a fun beach, country roads ,this was the best
.. I want one again
I had one. My coworkers mostly laughed at me (tough Detroit snobs they were), I wish I still had mine tho. Lots of fun trail blazin', and fun in the summer with the roof off. Here's a name for ya... Leetle Mule. ;-).
very cool. my buddy had one back in the day. he drove the snot out of it and it just kept going.
In my country people put 22re's with the 5 speed manual transmission!. They become unstoppable.
had a buddy that had 1 of these in the late 80's,very capable off-road
For a few years, I drove a 1992 sidekick (big brother to the samurai.. By far the most capable and durable 4x4 that I've owned... And I've own many (jeep cj, commando, k10 chevy, and m35a2 deuce and a half). That little thing went anywhere you dared to point it. The amazing thing about it is that I purchased it for $100 dollars in northern Michigan. It had come from Florida where a family left it parked at the beach. when the tide came it, it was swamped and burried half way to the Windows in water and sand. The fluids were drained and changed and back on the road she went. Considering where the salty water wound up, you can imagine the rust this thing had when I bought it. I drove her a few years and re-sold it for$1500 to someone that drove it for a few years more before he sold it to someone for $800. Amazing little machines.
I used to have a 1987 Samurai JX like that one, but mine was light blue without the bull bar. It was crazy slow. Top speed was 73 mph...floored...which is how you normally drove it.
Mine had a white soft top and factory AC which would get crazy cold. My engine failed at 54K miles. The day before, I had the oil changed at the Suzuki dealer and the tech apparently didn't tighten the drain plug. So, a new engine was put in it courtesy of Suzuki. It was the newer engine from the 1988.5 and newer Samurai. It was like 2 hp more, but top speed went up to 80mph.
I gave it to my brother with 170k miles on the odometer and I bought a Jeep Wrangler. Big mistake. I had so many issues with my Wrangler. My brother has over 300k on the odometer on it now and he has only had to replace the alternator and carburetor once. He still daily drives it.
By the way, the JX (like the one here) is the one to get. It has the sport stripe, tachometer, digital clock and the seats with the see thru headrest. There's even the rare Special Edition JX that had different decals and stripes plus a split rear seat.
The Samurai is the vehicle that really started the SUV craze, and this truck is small and light enough to crawl up hills that most 4x4 SUVs couldn't climb. We're talking in stock form! These trucks are truly special even if most don't know or care about them.
FAKE NEWS KILLED THE SAMURAI !! Consumer Reports needed subscribers...a forced to roll over Samurai did the trick. I believe the lead guy at Consumer Reports, after watching several failed attempts at rolling the car, said "If you cant roll it, I'll find someone who can !"... Yeah that was on tape and a ex CR employee presented that little tidbit to American Suzuki Motor Co several years later. Too late sadly. I have 2 suzuki cars, they run perfect every time....no, they aren't a Lexus...but I dont have a need to compensate for anything ...I just need to get to work !
Myself and kids have had Sammie since the olden days and I love them but your an idiot if you don't think they are the tippiest vehicle sold in USA in forever.
I could put mine on two wheels jerking the wheel, be mad they're gone but the fact they were top heavy and dangerous for most people but very experienced drivers.
I don't buy your Bull shit story.
The Samurai IS dangerous on the street. Myself and sons have had many Sammie and many more jeeps, (5's , 7s, and trucks) jeep would be tippy also but has wider track then the old Willis and fords.
The original jeep was tippy as hell and the government would NOT sell surplus Jeeps when I was in the Army 79 80 they had to cut the body in 4 parts and the frame in 3 pieces.
Which media killed the surplus jeep sales from being tippy?
You are absolutely right. I have had 4 samurais and beat them all in the Arizona desert rocks. You have to try very hard to even make them begin to tip over. The Ford Bronco II came out when these did and way more prone to rollover. The CR report was completely bogus.
You should be Chinese to own a Lexus.........besides there ugly.
@@ronaldreed7698 I don't buy YOUR bullshit story bitch. But i have evidence and all you have is your half ass story.
th-cam.com/video/l83UoSMzeA4/w-d-xo.html
Ah, it brings back fond memories of a Citroën Dyane. 1930s technology which I had in the 1990s. 5seater, 600cc engine, air cooled, max speed 80mph, skinny wheels, high ride for dirt roads, horizontal suspension mechanism, unusual gear shift and parking brake. The car was so light it was moved by a gust in a storm. Down side, prone to ignition trouble in wet weather.
I bought an '87 Samurai nineteen years ago. I live in snow country, and when there's a foot plus of snow on the ground, the Sami drives thru it easily. I'd be happy to get a new 4WD but my 87 does it better than anything.
wanna know what we do to suzuki samurai/fox 4x4's here in iceland? we put a 1.6L vitara engine in them for extra oomph and 35" balloon tires... outperforms most 38"-42" land cruisers and nissan patrols.
and here stateside, I've heard stories of people putting thousands of dollars into full size trucks, lifting them several feet into the air and putting on massive mud tires, just for a stock Samurai to completely embarrass them on trails.
Also had one with a Vitara engine, way more fun with such a light car, I have seen what you people of Iceland can do with your 4x4s, amazing custom build with Balloon tires, well done, I also like Formula Off road.
Actually Formula Off road made it to the states, the participants field consists almost exclusively of Icelanders, but it is nice to promote the sport in the states. th-cam.com/video/YEogkjsehjw/w-d-xo.html
you don't even need to get that extreme. Here is my samurai with 30s climbing stuff that a patrol GR with lockers front and rear, 37"tires and a bmw inline 6 turbo diesel engine can't climb
th-cam.com/video/tUINvvfzduE/w-d-xo.html my samurai at 4:30
I’m driving one right now, same colors and everything 👍👍
Bought 3 of them in my time.
A 1983 Long Case... A 1987 JX Hard Top... And later a 1985 Soft Top!
LOVED ALL OF THEM!!!
They were SLOW...
But NOTHING could stop those!!!!
They were meant for OFF-ROADING!!!
It's an amazing off roader. In Portugal, we also had a longer wheelbase version, wich provided a less bumpy ride and more storage room.
Indian Army has been using this Suzuki...named as GYPSY in India...for more than 2 decades. The Indian army have more 30000 of these Suzuki Gypsy. They run from desert to high "Himalayas" at 6000 meters height.
Well, Tommy, you say it's a shame they don't sell cars in the US, but I bet you that the minute they decide to resell those cars in the States, the endless whining about lack or size of cupholders, sound system quality and lane keep assist will start flooding your ears. I mean, people with real appreciation for cars are few and far in between. Most Americans want boring, stupid machines with gizmos and toys on them and driving dynamics or smart packaging are the last thing on their minds.
Sadly, you're probably correct. All the gizmos and Lane Keep Assist, and people still cant drive worth a crap either!
@@crzy4x4 All the tech assist makes people even worse drivers. It becomes a crutch and they lean on it too much. The reality of it is, most people view driving as a chore, so all the gadgets numb that "pain."
yep, can confirm that one. was literally able to pick up a basic '06 Saturn (and by basic, I mean it was as base model as you could get back then, manual transmission, manual windows, manual headlights, etc. most advanced tech in it was the aux port in the radio) that was one owner, garage kept, and had records for only $750. why so cheap for such a good car? it was sitting for sale for a month and everybody else backed away when they found how basic it really was. we saved the thing from the crusher.
@@cpufreak101 That's a score. I'm not a Saturn fan, but a well kept one for $750 with a manual transmission; no way I would pass that up.
@@Ryno-fp7pm mhm, only thing wrong was the steering was a little loose which was a $500 fix, we're in it only $1,250 and I have myself a reliable car for years to come. I do honestly still believe had that thing been an automatic with power windows, it would be a $2K car easy since it's lived a perfect life. It just went for so cheap for, as I said, nobody wanting basic anymore.
Everybody that owned one of these loved 'em. There were tons of these things on the road! They really held their resale value, too!
had a mate who took one of these, lifted it a lot, fitted a massive roll cage and fit 31” mud tyres on it. it would go everywhere and never got bogged. awesome vehicle.
Im 43 and stil have ALL but 2 of cars since age 16..Theyvare all to bad ass..One is a 1988 Samari and the other is a 87 I bought with only 48,333 miles for $500 in 2004..it a hard top WITH AC...Which keeps it UNDER 55..lol.. I also have my 1991 Miata which my dad bought us a pair for my 16th Bday and they immediately went to Monster miata and had the very 1st GT40 347 Stroker/302s with Vortech S-Trim Superchargers which have both been upgraded to 2015 Coyote Motors & T56 trans..My 1992 Mustang LX which was a 5 speed but now is also a T56 6 Speed 5.0 Coupe and the pushrod 5.0 is now a Coyote 5.0,I HAVE 2 1990 SSP MUSTANG 5.0 5 SPEED COUPES I BOUGHT A PAIR OF AT THE TX DPS HIGHWAY PATROL AUCTION and RESTORED them..One to BLACK & WHITE With the black 10 hole rims,driver side spotlight,The other has a ROUSH 427&T6060 6 SPEED..MY 1990 MAZDA B2200 Which was slammed with removing the front torsion bars as in rear I had custom leaf springs made and then flipped the helper spring which brought the rear axle to the frame rail and up front..I had to cut the control arm snubbers down to rest on and match the rear...Its a short bed extended cab and had 4 15 inch Old school HAND MADE & STITCHED in Stillwater Oklahoma by 2 friends subs along with 6 10 inch Mids and 6 JL AUDIO Full range 6.5 inch which 4 were in each door and 2 were built into a mount on the ceiling over the 15s with a mix of amplifiers such as U.S. made HiFonics GOLIATH which were SOOO different..they are a CHINESE joke now. Bridged it put out 2500 REAL WATTS & ran 2 @ $1500 each.."NOW CHINESE & COST UNDER $250"U.S.Made, Soundstream D1000s and for my MID RANGE Woofers AND for the rest I ran Hifonics Zeus amps... That truck is now completely undated and had what would be a $15,000 paint job but I own a Paint shop asxwell as a ASE CERTIFIED Repair center in my vintage/Exotic car Dealership..Anyway..It has a 2007 Ferrari 430 engine in it along with a custom ZF 6 speed trans to a 8.8 4 LINK rear with Strange axles ALONG with my ACCURIDE AIR BAG SUSPENSION...ANd I not only blow flomes but i have drag plates for protection and I can and DO lay it flat if its outside because..ITS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STTEAL..IT CANT BE MOVED..EVEN BY THE BEST TOW TRUCKS..LOL WE HAVE HAD THEM TRY..ITS ALSO DONE ON THE GAS MONKEY EPISODE... and has been featured on a bunch television..such as Dick head Rich Rawlings Gas Monkey ,Fantomworks etc...Anyway..I know this was about tge Suzuki and I have 2..I love them and also ALL my cars many which I didnt get into..such as my 55 Ford F100,1950 Mercury Custom,1989 PORSCHE 930 TURBO and a few others..Im just super proud I kept my cars and never wrecked ANY at least of those..Of all tge vehicles I deal with,The most comfortable and absolute favoritesgot hit by a drunk 16 yr old girl..It was a 1999 S10 which was a impulse buy..I needed a small truck and the S10 was all that was left and I stopped by BUZ POST to look at a 95 COBRA R they had in the showroom wrapped in plastic with 3 miles for sale but I walked by a Bright heavy metallic green S10 Sport & the windshield said...LOADED 1 OF 1 SPORT...$8499!!!!!!! LOADED!!! TACH,SUPER NICE CUSTOM STEREO SYSTEM THEY INSTALLED,BUCKET SEATS,BLACK INTERIOR,AC..HELL AS I SAID EVERYTHING!! LOL EVEN HAD THE OLD CAMARO TYPE WHEELS THEY USED ON ALL THE SPORT MODELS AS WELL AS WERE LOWERED 2 INCHS WITH A BILSTEIN SUSPENSION..I SAID..$8K AND ILL BUY IT RIGHT NOW.. HE SAID NO..I ACTUALLY LOVED THE COLOR..BUT I SAID..DUDE..THE COLOR IS SHIT.. AND HE TGEN ADMITTED THE COLOR WASNT CORRECT AND IT SOMEHOW MADE IT TO THE PUBLIC!! IT WAS A TOTAL MISTAKE!! TGE COLOR HAD NOOOOO CORRECT CODE!!! bright ass crazy metallic!! it was bitchn!! I then pulled out $8k CASH!! FROM NO WERE..LOL AND HE SAID YES ..I TRICKED HIM EARLIER AND HE DIDNT EVEN THINK ABOUT SHIT EXCEPT MOVING A TRUCK THEY COUKDNT SELL..FINALLY..AND A BIT OF COMMISION. WE SIT DOWN AND STARTS TYPINGVAWAY ON THE COMPUTER AND WRITTING SHIT DOWN..SKIPPING TO END..HE THEN SAID HERESVTHE TOTAL WITH TT&L WHICH WAS THEN ALMOST $10K. MY GIRLFRIEND HAD VIDEO TAPED US LOOKING AT THE TRUCK WHICH I TOLD HERE TO DO AS HE WANTED TO SELL AND I WENT FROM WANTING A RARE COBRA R TO A MORE RARE S10 & I had his whole deal on voice..not visual except a few times..BUT THE DEAL I SAID..WAS $8,000 CASH OUT THE DOOR.. I PULLED OUT THE MONEY AFTER I KEPT REPEATING THAT..HE SAID ..OK... OUT THE DOOR.. THAT IS STILL HOW I BUY VEHICLE..I WANT OUR AGREED PRICE TO......BE OUT THE DOOR.. SORRY FOR ALL THE INFO AND CAPS..I CANT GET THEM TO.LOWER.. I GOT IT ..OUT THE DOOR..FOR $8K.. IT WAS AWESOME AND I IMMEDIATELY PUT A BAG SET UP ON IT ALONG WITH SOME ROCKN Concave 18X11s out back 18x8s up front.. Drove it from Dallas to NYC..Then across the country,stopping in Vail were I live now..I had and still have 4 acres my grandparents bought in 1958 for pocket change..We stopped their and stayed at what is now my house..Took off to Salt Lake..Then to Portland to San Francisco,,LA,Vegas...blah blah blah.. Ran like a ROLLS with the Bags.. I put 38,××× ish miles on it in 2 tears and I had 3 other cars to drive..I loved it.. and ive looked SOOOOO HARD TO FINDANYTHING EVEN KINDA CLOSE..NOPE..SORRY FOR THE LIFE STORY..IF YOURE EVER IN THE VAIL,BRECKENRIDGE AREA..LOOK UPVTHE ONLY EXOTIC CAR DEALERSHIP & REPAIR EXCEPT FOR THE LAMBORGHINI DEALER..I DEAL WITH EVERYTHING FROM PAGANI,KOENIGSEGG,LAMBORGHINI ETC TO ROLLS.BENTLEY,MAYBACH,JAGUAR AND EVEN THE RIGHT LEXUS,ACURAS OR IF ITS RARE OR SUPER SPECIAL...INFINITY..BUT DONT COME IF INFINITY IS WHAT U ARE LOOKING FOR..LOL TAKE CAR!!
Great review Tommy. As many times as you said "cute" maybe you should name it "Cutizi Suzi". Can't wait to see this rig off road.
We had one at a camp I worked at equipped with a 6' plastic snow plow for clearing snow off a frozen pond for winter sports. Per square foot it spread its 2000 pounds to be as safe or safer than a large man walking behind a large self-propelled snow blower, and much faster. Would clear 3-4" of snow with little difficulty. Would stay on top of 3-4" of ice without breaking through. On the couple occasions it went through thinner ice, the light weight made recovery pretty easy with a medium sized farm tractor and a heavy cable.
We had cable tow loops permanently attached to the rear lugs, and stowed in the bed area.
Great little vehicle!
I worked at a Suzuki motorcycle dealership in the early to mid 70's. We got some Suzuki 4x4s with 2 stroke 360cc water-cooled engines. What a blast! They'd go about 60mph, down hill with a tailwind. They would fit in the bed of a 1/2 ton full size pickup!
Consumer reports made false claims against the samurai, then was sued. The name was tarnished and revenue lost.
Consumer Report falsified their testing with the Suzuki and the Jeep CJ. over exaggerating everything they lost in court that's also one of the reason why the Jeep CJ cease to exist and they started making the Wrangler YJ. Trying to get away from the roll over reports.
Consumer Reports also made false claims against the Isuzu Trooper and Isuzu never recovered either.
@@crzy4x4
Ohh, those good old times when Isuzu and Suzuki were still around.
Ohh and Daihatsu...that Rocky was nice as well. I had a soft spot for it
Hey Tom ,
You can call it a death trap and tne Suzuki Samurai was built like crap. They cut every corner in producing this glorified delivery cart. Please for your own safety take it to your local junk yard and have it crushed. I barely survived a roll over crash in one going less than 25 miles per hour.
The fake roll bar got crushed down to the top of the seats and the drivers door popped open. The seat belt failed and I was ejected out of the truck. I broke my back and received numerous other injuries. I am still dealing with the injuries to this day.
I certainty can go through point by point the design faults in this vechile and can show you the independent testing and the General Motors testing that proofs how unstable this vechile is. Please for your own safety take your Samurai to the crusher and do not drive it there; tow it on a trailer.
Vehicle
Put decent tires on them and they will dang near float. They will go places you would trouble walking.
too true my 85 was a little tank
I had one new! Brake rotors were massive. Best thing I ever owned by far!
I’ve watched and read a lot of content about the jimny and would honestly say I’d own one as soon as they were available here stateside, really looks like a unique and quality vehicle.
That’s why the 3rd gen jimny sold so well in the uk, they are brilliant little things
Wait it has a bigger engine than most new fords haha
My dad owned like 5 of them. He had a 1980, 83, 85, 87 and 1991. I learned how to drive on the 1991 (EFI) black color my dad had. I wish Suzuki would make a comeback with the new 2019 Jimny. Now the Jimny comes automatic with higher horsepower, A/C, features 4 Low and Hill Descent. Has a modern 4wd system. I love their price and simplicity. Great review Tommy! :-)
The new Jimny has a more comfortable suspension and yes they are monsters off road.
Automatic! No thanks, manual all the way
@@jlr194 It comes in both Standard and Automatic transmission configurations .
Hanx Sepulvedo
. My first car was an '81 Hardtop bought in '85, great fun little car that would literally go anywhere (not quickly), only had 800cc engine. Eventually sold it to a farmer (I think he might still have it) when I started work as I wanted a car with A/C for my work commute in our hot climate. Still have plenty of affection for these little "rigs", and lots of great memories of mine.
My spouse and i currently own a '00 and a 02 tracker (vitara's in disguise), 200k miles on both and they just keep going... we've had less maintance issues than our flat fender willy's (exp his j20, which we call "the beast"). We wouldn't trade them for any of the new pcs of crap on the market now. But i do miss our scouts at times...
Cool video! I would actually like to see more. A ride along, maybe a light trail ride. Or even more I’d like to see the evolution of the samurai through the years.
Proud owner of a 94 samurai SJ413. I had the pleasure of rebuilding it myself, from engine to interior. Everything stock except for 3 items, which I would recommend changing. The carburettor, I now have a Harley Davidson 44mm carb in mine and it performs very well. The old hitachi carb will in the end give you trouble, won't last forever, and its difficult, if not impossible to find parts. Put in a aluminium radiator and a new third party soft top if convertible. So many great online stores in the US selling all the parts for it, so I had to import most parts from the US to South Africa. For so many years I have driven my samurai, while all my mates upgrade to better and more expensive cars as we get older, but Im the only one who parks anywhere and when I get back to my car, have business cards and notes in my wipers. People willing to pay three or four times the book value. Will never sell it.
It should be easy to get the Jimny to pass US safety and emissions standards, to come here as the resurrected Samurai. That little thing was something else when it was here, love it.
I wouldn't be concerned over emissions, but safety is a while new ball game, especially today, we test just about everything from roof crush strength to headlight angles and brightness. i don't believe Japan, or any other country receiving them, have a similar roof crush test
@@cpufreak101 they sell in EU and uk. i think it will be fine
@@iMernerner fair point, but getting it certified and putting in all the extra crap we mandate (such as TPMS, backup cameras, etc) wouldn't really make it viable when there's no demand for it.
@@cpufreak101 ah good ol' shitty regulations for ban other contry's car
@@iMernerner mhm
My mother bought a Suzuki Sidekick in the early 90's. It turned out to be one of the best cars she has ever owned. It's still running strong today.
Nice video Tommy! Samurais were great vehicles. My wife and I bought a pair of them in 1990. I think we paid $17,500 for both. A new red 1990 model with A/C and a used black 88 without. The red one had a little more power (such as it was). Easiest car ever to work on. I could adjust the valves in about 30 minutes. Can’t imagine they’d do well in a crash but we never found out. Never broke anything on them. Just had to do maintenance. Even doing the timing belt wasn’t bad. I would absolutely buy a new version if if Suzuki would come back to the US.
No one has a 4x4 with that kind of footprint here in Canada (if they do come, I suspect they'll test Canada market first). Small is no longer associated with being cheap and Suszki is missing out on a huge opportunity. They better get the jump on it before one of the big manufactures fill-up this niche market.
If they go viral and want to build an assembly plant here, I bet the local parts producer (Maga International) would jump on the opportunity to partner up. A lot of money flowing through Canada that's looking for a home.
I would LOVE to see something like the new Jimny sold in Canada again. BC where I live is absolutely spiderwebbed with super narrow, windy, steep mountain tracks where a small, nimble 4x4 shines.
to be honest,when it comes to Japanese car manufacturer,they dont seem,,,worried,Mitsubishi do come with great vehicles,once they reach popularity,,They discontinue it,,,,they are a Mega company,they do industry,appliances,,they have many ways to make money,,Suzuki and Kawasaki,so it's Yamaha
Name: Jimmy the Jimny! Or, Samurai Jim!
Seriously, I love these little bombers, but a lack of good drivers mean we'll never get them again. I just love how government safety regulations for vehicles are supposed to replace good driving. I don't care how safe you make the car, it can only be as safe as the driver.
I had the replacement for the Samurai.... the Tracker. That SUV was the best vehicle I ever owned. It was rust holding hands when it died in 2016 with 390,000 miles on it, but it got me where I needed to go, the 4x4 system was simple and never failed me in snow... wish Suzuki was still here because I would buy another one in an instant....
The hood release is in the glove box on Right hand drive too, it's a "security feature" as you could lock the glove box stopping easy access to it when the roof was off.
Felt like I was watching a Doug Demuro video haha
Marcus Taylor I was waiting for the Doug score
Funny, I had the same thought, especially when he called the tires “cute”!
Same here, haha
But Doug don't know **** about off roaders
Seriously. I was also waiting for The Doug Score
Sizuki gypsy. Its still sold in india. I am telling there is no place that indian army and people haven’t taken this jeep too. I have seen it in glacier hills. Cold dry hills, rainy hills, muddy and all do well in cities. This needs to come back to united states. Ill buy it. F150 for heavy loads and gypsy for enjoying places my truck cant go.
Rented one few years ago in Tobago- most fun I've ever had ! The righthand steer&lefthand shift had me feeling like a rally driver as we toured the crazy ass roads !
In 1987 this was the first new car I ever purchased. I got the upgraded model for $8050! The little beauty ran reliable for 15 years until I gave it to the kid up the street in exchange for cutting my lawn for the season. Both the brakes and the tires lasted almost 100,000 miles and the clutch last the chest is long. By the way did I mention that I got 30 miles to the gallon and the 15 inch standard tires are the cheapest size that you’re able to get
Consumers Union ruined the samurai with it's total lie about it being easy to roll over. The wrangler rolled over easier, but there was an agenda-ruin the best selling import or Jeep will not sell as many vehicles.
Just like the BIG 3 against TUCKER
Jeep wranglers are overhyped sluggish vehicles
Lol, I've had my little zook sideways on dirt and not tipped it 😂
Short wheel base vehicles suffer this.its not unique or surprising..you know this when you buy them..nobody buys one of these as a replacement to their crown vic..
They still do this today by banning trucks that are not assembled and where parts are sourced in the U.S. I wouldn't mind a Mitsubishi Truck, but no chance of getting it here. We really need a competitive truck at a great price. Small trucks are impossible to get now and they cost too much when you can get one. The big 3 are protecting their only viable cash cow, trucks... Because they suck at making cars.
En chile se le considera un genuino 4x4. Saludos de quilpue chile
Just bought an '88 Samurai this summer, found one in excellent condition with only 60,000 miles on it. It has been an absolute blast to drive, a beast in bad weather, and a treat all around. I have a couple complaints about it, the electrical system isn't great - it runs loud (and proud). I'll never sell the little beast!
LOVE IT! Bought "89 Sidekick brand new $9500, also had 1.3L 25mpg, dream to work on, 8+ inch clearance. Drove 5 years 200k miles before the engine blew.
The new one which is the Jimny is amazing looking...Suzuki please come back.
Move house to Europe for a Jimny! If the cold war turns a bit nastier, you could join the American army in Europe, like in the Samurai times...
Hans Kooiman No lol
Smooth Operator Even Elvis did it... lol
My father gave me one of these to use (I was 15 years old then) and it was fun to drive. I took it everywhere! Mine did not have a/c, and the rear seats were on the side of the vehicle, not across like on this one.
Got a 90 efi 4x4 Sami. Love it. Has 100 horses with the new cam and pistons! Priceless
There were very big in Puerto Rico in the 80's. I saw them with Toyota, rotary and even with a small block Chevy engines. Great for enduro racing (Off road) and sand drags.
I love boxy old suvs whose VIN starts with a "J". Get that thing off road ASAP!
I remember these well. The real issue was they were a death trap in any accident. They folded up like a tin can.
Aussie2u
LOL! So true! A friend of mine had one and wrote the thing off without much effort. Not many safety standards back in the day.
My 1991 held up pretty good when an ex tried to kill me by loosening my lug nuts lol, it flipped about 4 times going 50 mph. Cranked it up and drove on the tow truck with it in 4wd
@@jakeZduramax damn thats crazy
Moral of the story: Don't crash.
Matthew Thrasher I was gonna say watch out for crazy women lol
Proud owner of a beautiful, unrusty, 80.000km daily driver 1.3i 80cv 2001 samurai (spanish santana soft top, dark blue), I love the engineery of this little car.
With good michelin tires, it is literally riveted to the road, absolutely safe. I initially thought that it would be a death trap, but absolutely not, it is a gokart.
Everything follows function : larger at the bottom, narrower at the top to get a low gravitycenter, gauges are simple and clear, large back door as said in the video, small vents at the back of the hood to let hot air escape (here in La Reunion, sometimes 35°c with huge climbs), even the small water splash to rinse the windshield has been studied to be used without the top (and without getting the driver wet). Every bit of its mechanics is accessible, a real pleasure to change oil.
Lightweight but durable, it has certainly been a real mindblowing project for engineers. Do you realise? 955kg for my version, 10cm narrower than a twingo and the length of a twingo, 60miles per hour cruise speed, so light that it performs on the sand without deflating tires.
Yes, they didn't put too much comfort, but hey, it is made to be efficient (not like SUV nowadays, where form follows design before function).
@doug DeMuro when will you review this beautifuly engineered tiny car?
Oh man, i got to tell you Tommy, that Samurai take me back to my youth, i was 17 when my uncle bought one of those 87, charcoal color i am from El Salvador and where we live the roads where pretty bad that car was a hell on our backs but so awesome an fun to drive especialy with the top out, thanks for bring so many memories and you guys really do a nice job. Att. Julio F.
Use to have a V10 Ford Excursion and currently an Expedition but even I think that, that little car would be fun to drive
Love my 07 Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Geo/Chevy Tracker is a Suzuki Vitara
I had a.2003 Suzuki XL-7. Longer wheelbase and slightly larger engine and some had 3rd row seating. Mine did not. Nut awesome little vehicle. Built like a truck, easy to work on and very modifiable. No problem pulling a 14 ft jonboat up a slippery boat ramp. Very lightweight. Even without monster tires it floated over sand that other SUVs bogged in
Me too. Would love one of the new jimnys to add to the family! Come back Suzuki!
I live in Australia and own a 2004 Suzuki Jimny. Absolute little gun of a car. Love the video, man. Peace 👌🏻
HI my 2015 zook got 30k on the clock, its worth about 25k now. best car ever. and 100kph is fine on the freeway
I purchased one the first sold in the USA when they were only sold in Georgia, California and Florida. You mention not getting into an accident.....A lady in a Camaro ran a traffic light and T-boned me in my new Samurai with only a couple thousand miles on the ODO - TOTALED. Lucky for me, she hit the passenger side and yes, it caved in horribly. Years later after the Consumer Reports fiasco, I purchased a new Samurai and it was one of the last sold in Georgia. Had it for 12 years as a toy vehicle, and get this. A lady lost control of her car in the rain, and totaled yet my other Samuari.
What the Renegade should have been.
It is a Massive shame that renegade is a just expensive crossover that barely can go off road. Of course you need to buy 'Special Off Road model' which cost 20 used xj
The new ones amazing.
I was hoping for an off-road demo but otherwise a very good video. At one point I was looking into getting a Samurai but the size was a deal breaker. Thanks and keep up the great work!!!!