Suzuki Stats

Samurai and Sidekick spotter’s guide.

- Jay Kopycinski

THE SAMURAI WAS INTRODUCED TO THE U.S. MARKET WITH THE 1986 MODEL, AND THE SMALL SUZUKI remains highly popular today despite being discontinued in the states over two decades ago. Prices have continued to climb and the mini utility 4WD is enjoying almost a cult following in some ways. Soft top, hardtop and integral steel hardtop (often called a “tin top”) models were available in the United States.

Samurai (1986-1995)

The Samurai was initially powered by a 1.3L overhead-cam, carbureted, eight-valve, I-4 engine producing about 63hp. The only available transmission was a five-speed manual gearbox with a 0.795:1 overdrive ratio. Behind that sat a gear-driven, cast-aluminum transfer case with 1.409:1 high range gearing and 2.268:1 low range gearing.

All models used a manual steering box, front disc brakes, and rear drum brakes. The early models used a four-pin front differential with 3.727:1 axle gearing and 6.9-inch ring gear in both axles. The front axleshafts were 22-spline, while rear axleshafts were 26-spline.