Used Suzuki Samurai

Launched in 1986, the Suzuki Samurai was not really released into the market until 1990. Available in either the convertible or the fixed-roof hardtop, the hardtop did not really sell that well, which was then dropped in 1989. The convertible stayed on and switched from carburetion to fuel injection in the onset of 1990. The 66 hp 1.3-litre engine was then introduced along with the 5-speed manual transmission. Standard was also the part-time 4WD system that was on-demand as well. Other standard features include manual-locking front hubs, though automatic-locking ones could be installed. 1991 saw the Samurai JA and the Samurai JS. Both were 2WD models, with the JA not having a rear seat or a top. The JS, on the other hand, comes with a 2-place rear seat and a folding soft top. The JS model was dropped in 1992, giving way to the 2WD JA and the 4WD JL models. Come 1994, the last of the 2WD models were dropped, giving way to the 4WD models. This time around, the Samurai was given a centre high-mounted stoplamp and a canvas top. But in 1995, the 2-door 4WD convertible remained in the market for the Samurai’s last season. Sadly, its small size, the lack of airbags, and its lightweight construction inevitably makes the used Suzuki Samurai quite vulnerable, compared to its contemporaries on the road. Moreover, there is not much comfort and performance as well. Its short wheelbase and the lack of a smooth suspension system give you quite a harsh and unstable ride at times. And even if you take the Samurai on smooth roads, it can still get a little pitchy. When you deal with tight corners, the Samurai can also become a bit unnerving. With slow steering, making those tight corners can be tough on any driver. Its 1.3-L power plant just runs out of power a little too early despite its efforts to give off decent power. At highway speed, the Samurai becomes just too noisy and insulation is not as adequate as it should be. Its dashboard does come with controls that are convenient and simple to use. The layout of the dashboard itself is impressively simple that it is not hard for you to find the particular knob or dial that you need to operate. The Samurai is indeed cute and affordable, and these are just about the qualities that it can boast of so far. In essence, it is just too small a car and too underpowered for comfort. Because of its lack of refinement, it does not really serve all to well as a real means of transportation.