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:
Showing 21 through 30 of 256.00-
Suzuki SX4 - 2009 Suzuki SX4
By Tom S. - May 22 - 3:46 pmThis is a nice small - medium size car. Has a very strong engine (for its category), a lot of space and it is priced better than the competition.
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Biggest Little Car Ever! The SX4 Sedan! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By Patrick - May 15 - 11:10 amI have the vivid red SX4 Sedan w/ conv & auto. Ive owned over 150 cars in my life. New, used, old, big & small. This car really takes the cake for value, comfort, looks, performance, etc. I could go on and on. (Okay, I will!) I am 6 350lbs and I fit! No tipping the head to get in or reach out and close door. (Big guys know what I mean.) I can easily open the door in the parking garage and slip in and out since the doors are so short. Glass everywhere. Feels like a greenhouse. Tall seating feels like youre in an SUV. Handles excellent. Easy to drift if you want. Sharp appearance. Beats Toyo, Nissan, Subies and most other small cars in the looks, ride and standards department.
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SX4 Gotta Love It! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By Lisa - April 19 - 1:03 amI have only had my lil car for a couple of weeks now. I traded in my 2003 XL7 (which I loved), to get better gas mileage. It seems to get around great. I have had great luck with my other Suzuki and my son has a AWD 04 Aerio. I did my research and found out the SX4 replaced the Aerio. So I went to the dealership on a mission to find me a SX4 AWD. I was happy to get the Copper one that I wanted!
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Good snow car but rattles - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By mountainlife - March 6 - 4:50 amThis is the second Suzuki I have owned. The first one (Sidekick) was tough as nails and very reliable. We put over 100k tough miles on it with virtual no repairs. I hope the same for this one. The engine takes a while to break in and I have noticed an increase in mileage and performance after ~20k miles. It is not quick but will pull the 10 mile grade up to my house with the cruise on and set to 70 mph. I live in the mountains and it really snows up here. The factory tires were terrible and wore out quickly. I replaced them with Michelins which are great. The car rides and handles great but it has several rattles after one year. For the money it is a good buy but I just hate rattles.
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OK vehicle - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By Kurt - February 11 - 11:06 amSX4 is a decent vehicle. Build quality is good,ride is OK. Power isnt very good so we have a lot of 1st gear hills around us. Its not a high end vehicle but for the price its servicable.
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Fantastic purchase - 2010 Suzuki SX4
By zcal77 - January 26 - 10:00 amThis has been a fun car to drive on a daily basis. Though its a naturally aspirated four cylinder, it has a lot of low end torque and the manual six speed uses the power well. It keeps right up with more powerful engines, the 150 horsepower is plenty. It handles way better than the other comparable vehicles I considered, and feels more solid and safe. The only things I think would make it better would be the option of a sunroof and leather. I had those installed, so for me I couldnt ask for more! The styling is also top notch, designed in Italy, it gets a lot of compliments.
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No problems after 7000 miles - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By Ben - December 30 - 6:53 pmI bought my SX4 Sport new in April and after 7,000 miles I really enjoy this car. I originally looked at a Mazda 3, but for the same price and options as the SX4 I would have ended up with a used Mazda 3 with 30,000 miles on it. For the money its hard to beat the SX4, good gas mileage, nice interior, warranty, 17" alloys, and more. I drive a lot in town and the highway for my job and I have been averaging 28 mpg combined. If you are looking in Ft. Collins, CO I recommend Dellenbach, they were extremely nice and didnt pressure me while looking
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Love It - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By suziiiqqq - December 26 - 3:43 amI live in the mountains and commute over them. My little SX4 is great in the snow! I call it my mountain goat!
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Better than the rivals! - 2010 Suzuki SX4
By zukiguy - December 13 - 10:00 amThis car has been the easiest car to own, with specials etc. I have no out of pocket cost for maintenance, it gets better gas mileage than estimated. I average 32 mpg mixed driving. Drives and handles like a more expensive European car, volvo s40-ish. The power is highest in its class with 150 hp and its great, very peppy. Its very comfortable and interior/exterior fit, finish and style are top notch and it doesnt look for feel cheap like the other compact sedans I considered buying. This car is worth a look, youll be surprised as I was, its awesome and very reliable, never had one problem
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You get what you pay for - 2010 Suzuki SX4
By andrewf86 - October 11 - 9:58 pmThis is a pretty bland car that lacks important creature comforts and is surprisingly small. At first it feels large but once you put 4 adults in you realize how small it really is. We bought this car because we had a baby on the way. The trunk barely fits the baby stroller and the passenger seat has to be moved all the way forward to accommodate the baby seat. This car gets very poor MPG, isnt fun to drive, and isnt very large. The only real redeeming feature I can think of is the AWD which is pretty capable even in very nasty weather. Its not a bad car, its just very mediocre but it doesnt cost much money.
