We're calling the
Suzuki Sidekick JLX 4WD small because it has the smallest wheelbase of any four-door on the market. We found it to be a great value-ours had a sticker price of $15,429 with standard features such as power steering, cruise control, rear wheel anti-lock brakes, a security system, a locking spare tire case and power windows and locks. It is one of the more complete four-door four wheelers we've sampled.
Another big advantage is its fuel economy, with EPA numbers of 23 mpg city/26 mpg highway. The downside here is performance. The 1.6-liter 95-hp four has to make man noisy revolutions to get this vehicle going. Even then, "go" appears on the meager side.
The
Suzuki four-door Sidekick JLX 4WD is good-looking. Resemblances to the two-door Sidekick and its Geo Tracker cousin (also made by
Suzuki) are present in the flared fenders, body color mirrors, black bodyside and rocker moldings and large si 'de glass. The profile is somewhat upright but perky-looking. Our Sidekick was in a Red Pearl coat, which was set off nicely by the black trim. The front and rear bumpers are body color capped by black. They look nice but could be vulnerable o marring in off-road situations. chromed wheels are standard and aluminum sport wheels an option. The rear cargo compartment is accessed by a full-length door opening toward the curbside that carries the securely mounted spare outside. A locking hard case is included in the JLX model. There are front and rear tow hooks, a skid plate under the fuel tank and a locking fuel filler door with remote release.
