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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  2008 Suzuki SX4 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Renee Brown - May 12 - 3:46 am

  A good dependable vehicle for a good price. Also came with a great warranty and road side assistance. This is the first Suzuki Ive owned and I would recommend it tomy family and friends.

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  My Little White Tank - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By CtYank42 - May 9 - 1:40 pm

  This is my third Suzuki automobile, having owned an 88 Chevy Sprint and a 93 GEO Metro. While the little three bangers were great on gas, and very dependable, they werent nearly as well built and fun to drive as my SX4 Sport. One of the reasons I bought another Suzuki - my seventh including four motorcycles - is the build quality of the Japanese built models. I considered a Forenza and a Verona but I wasnt comfortable with the quality control reports on the South Korean built cars. My SX4 Sport has two wheel drive (all the four sedans are 2WD) and it handles better than any small car Ive ever owned, including an 02 SVT Focus. I havent averaged less than 31MPG in 3000 miles. Fun

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  Great car - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By MtTop - April 13 - 5:00 pm

  My son bought a used 2008 SX4, I liked it so much I bought the 2009 model. I have bought over 10 new cars in my life, but this car is by far the MOST FUN to drive. Ive had it about a year now, and I still look forward to driving it. Its that much fun. Excellent AWD, used it many time in Northeast PA. No worry about shoveling, just put it in AWD and go, let the FWD car people shovel. Plenty power for passing and cruising. Spent many 6 hr drives to Boston and never get tired or uncomfortable driving it. Avg about 30 mpg to and from work, 44 miles both ways, with city and interstate driving. Bought the iPod adapter and also factory fog lights. Very easy to install. BUY ONE!

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  Fun little car! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Happy in PA - March 9 - 1:40 am

  My husband & I bought the crossover and we are in love! I have an 06 Mustang GT and hubby has a Dodge Ram Hemi, we added the Suzuki to our family so that we could keep our Mustang in the garage when the weather isnt good. We both fight over whos gonna drive the Suzuki. Its so much fun to drive and its nice to drive on long trips. Plenty of room for my 63" hubby and our 2 dogs. If youre thinking about buying this little car, you wont be sorry!

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  Great little ecoonomy car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By BentimesX2 - February 6 - 10:20 am

  Overall this is a fun to drive little car. It handles the curves surprisingly well and has decent power for an auto. I had a modified Subaru and the Suzuki hugs the curves just as good in stock form. Not the fastest car on earth but it will put a smile on your face. So far we have put nearly 5000 miles on the odometer with no issues. Our sedan has the optional 17" black painted wheels with machined face and they really set the car apart. With the addition of front fog lamps it looks great. So far gas mileage is on par with the sticker but we have yet to get over 30mi to a gallon even on a 175 mile one way trip to the beach we never got over 26mi to a gallon.

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  Decent Little SUV Alternative - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By JDA - January 25 - 12:20 am

  This is my wifes new car. She loves it. She traded in her pickup for it due to heavy driving. It drives Very well and has good get up and go. The built-in GPS is a genius way to have one without needing a super expensive radio. So far my wife loves it. We were looking for a an SUV or minivan for her, but she saw it and said, "this ones cute." The price is also right for a new car. The dealer was very good and positive. We were also surprised with the $300 gas card! If youre looking for a nice small vehicle, definitely check it out. There is one caveat however. I am 59" and I cant find a comfortable driving position. This is meant for shorter drivers.