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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  Regrettable purchase - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By tlong - June 3 - 11:00 am

  This is the very first brand new vehilce purchase I have ever made. I am quite disappointed. The exterior paint is "cheap & sensitive" (scratches down to the metal extremely easily, I have had to pay for protectant because of bird droppings marking it). The interior "plastic" (dash, doors)scratch extremely easily, and the upholstery snags like mad as well. The little windows on the front sides create blind spots. The window sticker when I bought it said avg mpg 30 highway and I have not ever gotten above 25-26mpg. Small gas tank. Cruise control is not standard neither are arm rests. Not terribly comfortable. Hard to handle in strong winds. Back seat not much leg room. Not "family" car

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  Two Thumbs Up! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Teresa W. - May 31 - 10:06 am

  Ive just gone an entire week with my new Suzuki SX4 and I cant be happier with the car! I love the styling, interior features and I keep finding little things here and there that are just so cool. I feel great about buying this car and everyone Ive showed it to (and let sit in it and explore) makes the "Hmmm... maybe I need one of these" face. I can see about four more being on the road by the new year. The cost is fantastic for the amount of car you get. Im especially happy with the AWD on this car. Ive not had to use it yet, but I feel confident itll add to the many safety features.

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  Great little car! - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Sue - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I went from a Nissan midsized truck to this little car (after an accident that totaled the truck). I paid a little over 11,000 for this "used" 2009 vehicle that has 10,000 miles on it when purchased. I live in MN. This little car gets 30 MPH in the city and at least 38 MPG on the hwy. Today it snowed 6 inches here and I drove my "little car" all over the place! It handled great. the front wheel drive pulls you right through the snow. I appreciate the higher seats,it makes it easier on the hips when getting in and out. I HIGHLY recommend this car and dont believe that it only gets 20 MPH. The navigation and radio/cd work well, and daily someone tells me they like the color:misty green!

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  Excellent - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By nitin - May 20 - 1:33 pm

  This vehicle is amazing. Everything from the awesome drive to the ambiance, this is a very very good car and it is backed up by excellent service.

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  Three years strong... - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By princesskiara - April 14 - 5:10 pm

  Bought it used, and Ive had my SX4 for just shy of 3 years, and have had no mechanical issues. It will reach 80k miles this month, and the only things Ive done are replaced the tires and front brake pads, plus the regular 30k services and oil changes. Love the keyless ignition and entry, love the fuel range module (I get an average of 27mpg, up to 40 on road trips), love how I sit in it and that the windshield doesnt feel like its too close to my forehead. :) The only issue I have is the suspension--feels like it needs stabilization when I hit bumps on corners. It rides nice, however, and feels very safe in all other conditions. Never had any problems on snow or ice. :)

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  Great car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SX4 kicks butt !!! - April 9 - 12:50 pm

  Honestly, I had never owned a Suzuki and was kind of reluctant to purchase one simply because I was not familiar with these vehicles Oh boy, Have I been pleasantly surpised! This car keeps getting great reviews from friends, not to mention the great perks it came with, and the much needed, built-in bluetooth system. On a normal work week, I used to fork out about 60 bucks for gasoline (California), Now after the first week of owning and driving the car guess what? So far, I have only put 35 bucks of gas and still has little less than half a tank left. Cannot beat this deal!

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  an all wheel drive "car" finally - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By vrswashingtondc - April 7 - 4:56 am

  Its no wonder that this vehicle is the number one selling suv in Europe. If you think gas is expensive here... wow. Tight handling, sits like its a foot higher of the ground. Good acceleration,

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  Wowzers - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By daisy - February 26 - 5:50 am

  I love this car to pieces! It has saved us so much money and it feels like a sports car! It is comfortable and the stereo rocks! Way to go Suzuki and thanks so much from me!

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  The little blue monster still going. - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By lorenzo menendez - February 21 - 9:46 pm

  My last review was on 6-2-2009, the vehicle has 38,000 miles with original tires, apart from regular maintenance, no mechanical problems at all, brakes are still the originals. People are still asking about the vehicle and its performance. Recommend it to anyone that wants to buy a small reliable and cheap cross over station wagon type. If you want it to have more power and burn front tires get a tornado.

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  Why you shouldnt buy an SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Greg Myers - February 19 - 2:10 am

  I bought the SX4 for my wife as a Christmas present in 2006 . The colors was beautiful and it had a manual trans . (Her favorite ). Since then , the engine failed at 30,000 miles , the airbag module($1800)failed , it has thrown numerous check engine lights and and now has a bad catalytic converter . Guess what , if you arent aware , your emissions warranty runs out at 80,000 miles and theres no getting around it. The trouble code is for a catalytic flow efficiency problem that is more likely an oxygen sensor fault like Nissan has just experienced . The dealer installed cost of the new cat is just over $900.00. Do it yourselfers can get it at the dealer for about $500.00.