Overview & Reviews

While Suzuki makes class-leading motorcycles that are desired from Okinawa to Omaha, its luck in the automobile market has been less than stellar. Most of its models were rebadged Daewoos when the Suzuki SX4 was introduced. This compact car proved the small Japanese company could make better cars when it took on the project itself. While it's not quite as fun as Suzuki's two-wheeled vehicles, the SX4 is nevertheless a thoroughly competent and well-made small car.

Considering that Americans still overwhelmingly prefer sedans to hatchbacks, the sedan model gives the Suzuki SX4 an advantage over other subcompact cars that are offered only with a hatch. The available all-wheel drive on the hatchback also gives the SX4 a decided advantage, as do both models' impressive build quality and sporty styling. However, its 143-horsepower four-cylinder engine struggles with the hefty curb weight, and fuel economy is consequently below average as a result. If your top priority is having a fuel-sipping compact, the SX4 is not the best choice. Yet while other subcompacts may lean toward either sportiness or comfort, the Suzuki SX4 does a good job of providing both, with the added bonus of all-wheel drive and a sedan model.

Current Suzuki SX4
The Suzuki SX4 is offered in four-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles, which are split into two different styles. The sedan can be had in a no-nonsense economy car guise as well as a "Sport" series of trims that feature different suspension turning and styling. The hatchback is available as the sporty "Sportback" or the SX4 Crossover for those seeking a more rugged compact car with available all-wheel drive, SUV-like body cladding and a taller ride height.

Underneath its sporty exterior lies a platform shared with the previous-generation, award-winning Suzuki Swift sold in Europe and Japan. This translates into a car with ride and handling characteristics seemingly fashioned for those locales. The ride is on the firm side, but in an upscale sort of way, absorbing bumps and undulating pavement with impressive composure. Its steering is also tight and direct, offering one of the more fun driving experiences in this segment.

For those in colder climes, the SX4 Crossover should prove attractive, as it is the least expensive all-wheel-drive car on the market. Featuring three modes, the AWD system can be configured for maximum traction or fuel economy. AWD Auto is like many crossover SUV systems that shunt power to the rear wheels only when front-wheel slippage is detected. AWD Lock is for lower speeds through snow or mud, while FWD mode is best for fuel economy. In most cases, that's the mode of choice, since neither body style achieves good fuel economy numbers for this class.

Picking the right SX4 for you can be tricky, as there are a multitude of trim levels available. The range starts off with the base sedan, which is scarcely appointed with full power accessories, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt steering wheel and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat. Added niceties available on both the upper sedan and Sportback trims include air-conditioning, a four-speaker sound system, cruise control, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, keyless ignition/entry and an integrated Garmin navigation system. The "Sport" sedan options include a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes and an aero body kit.

The interior is one of the Suzuki SX4's best attributes, sporting a simple, user-friendly design and decent materials. Although not as versatile as some other subcompact hatchbacks, the SX4 does offer plenty of rear passenger room and cargo space thanks to a flip-and-fold backseat that's placed high atop the floor for so-called "stadium seating."

Used Suzuki SX4 Models
The Suzuki SX4 debuted for the 2007 model year. Changes since then include the addition of the front-wheel-drive SX4 Sport sedan in '08; in its first year of production, the SX4 was offered only as an all-wheel-drive hatchback. Model-year 2009 saw the arrival of a front-wheel-drive hatchback (known as "Crossover"), a split-folding rear seat for the sedan and a standard navigation system on upper trim levels.

For 2010, Suzuki added the SX4 Sportback model and power was ever so slightly increased from 143 hp to 150. New transmissions -- a six speed manual and continuously variable (CVT) -- replaced the previous five-speed manual and four-speed automatic, improving fuel economy A restyled front fascia, new gauges, a height-adjustable driver seat, an auxiliary audio jack, a few new navigation features and some renamed trim levels also debuted for 2010.

It's important to note that every SX4 got standard stability control for 2012. Previously, it was only available on upper trim levels. For 2011 only, rear drum brakes came on the base and LE trims.

User Reviews:

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  17 Inch tires are really bad - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Stacey - April 14 - 1:43 am

  I love driving my car, however I have put on 17,000 miles and I am getting ready to put on the 3rd set of tires. Dealership says these cars eat tires and I agree! At $200.00 a pop for 205/50R17 they are expensive!

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  Suzuki is for normal people - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By oasis - April 12 - 2:23 am

  The Suzuki SX4 Sport is for the ordinary person who wants a car that is priced right. The car looks good and drives well. The cvt is a plus. I have just driven 100 miles without any problems. The car runs a ruff and you will notice this at idle. With the sports wheels you will feel the road bumps. The car does not leak when I drove it through the car wash. Do I recommend it? Yes! The price is the point of sale for this car. So go for it, the car is peppy and a good starter and commuter car. Some sports car enthusiasts will also like this car. 3-16-10 -Oasis

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  Great Car for a Great Price w/ toys - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Shelltop - March 30 - 9:43 pm

  I stumbled upon this car after looking at Hondas and Corollas with higher price tags but bare bone. I have been pleasantly surprised I got this car for $11k.. power windows, radio, large "roomy" interior feel. Im happy with the purchase. The extra window front panel was weird initially but I see more copycats out there. I recommend taking a look at this brand.

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  A great AWD car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By noynoyjohn - March 20 - 6:10 pm

  This is a great car-nimble and fun to drive. Have it for 3 months and so far I have encountered no problems. I really like its keyless feature-you dont need to insert key to start the engine (like an expenssive car). Its highly recomended.

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  Great for its Price - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Jesse - March 9 - 8:30 am

  This car is really a comfortable ride, it can be bumpy at times, but other than that is is a real fun time to drive, this car is fuel economic, but not as good as someone would expect. The car has an OK acceleration speed for its price, it can get from 0-60 in about 9.52 seconds, it is really stylish, and has a nice look to it, I would recommend this car to new driver that is looking for a fun ride, at a low cost.

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  Sporty, yet practical - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Kevin - March 9 - 1:40 am

  So far I have almost nothing but love for my new SX4. It is very fun to drive. Low displacement allows for high reving with good mileage. It also corners very nicely and has many comfortable features.

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  My Brother Thought It Cost $23,000 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By raderator - March 6 - 3:33 am

  But I paid only $15,599 after some haggling. The handling, ride, and comfort all are top notch. I took it to a local snowed-in park and did mange to finally get stuck, but then I learned to stay in L and keep a foot on the brake to prevent wheel spin. The traction control on the Sport is probably worth the extra $1,000. I love the MP3/WMA CD player, intermittent rear wiper, keyless entry, daytime running lights, and LOW insurance. The automatic transmission shifts very smoothly and runs at only 3,000 rmp at 80 mph, which is 1,000 rmp less than the manual. Im still on my first tank of gas so I dont know the millage yet. The tumble-forward rear seat creates a large, square cargo area, that is great for dogs. But Ill probably remove it.

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  SX4 sport, great car at great price - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Tom - March 3 - 4:26 pm

  Use it for driving to office, half highway half local. Got 28mpg (with 2wd). Feel a little noiser when speed up before get to 50 miles. SX4 is for people would like to have a small car but also have trunk space, and can have 4wd on a snow day. Small car? It actually is not small at all. 6 man sits in from seat very comfortably. It weighs a bit heavy but very stable when driving.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By cathie1 - February 27 - 4:16 pm

  It is a great car. It is extremely comfortable. When you are driving it, you feel like you are driving a SUV. The car does not have great initial pep, but once you get moving it takes off. It has a very smooth ride even on rough roads. Everyone I have taken in it likes it also. Even the people who sat in the back seat which is also very comfortable. It is more comfortable then the Honda CR-V, which my brother owns. I only paid $14,900 for it. It is not a $17,000 + vehicle like someone else said (unless you get a lot of upgrades) and on an empty take it cost $19 to fill up at a cost of $2.23 per gallon. It even comes with a great warranty (7y, 100K bumper to bumper) which gives you confidence.

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  From 4x4 dakota quad to grocery getter - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By bow - January 23 - 4:13 am

  Traded in a 2004 dakota quad cab loaded (fuel reasons). Love the suzuki. Wish it had a bigger gas tank. No problem doing over 100 mph. Back seat is not really ideal for a baby seat, very tight. Goes anywhere (so far) in the Pittsburgh area winter. Purchased in oct 07. suspension is not too good with the potholes in sw PA. Handles very well. Cup holders questionable.