Written on: 23/11/2012
It's not an urban car..If you live in a city or an urban environment then perhaps you are better with an ordinary car, because ordinary isn't what a jimny is..For the Yorkshire dales and getting home through 3ft snow drifts or tramping across soft ground then the thing is the bees knees. Sure it won't fly round corners at silly speeds but so what? I have driven it up and down the motorway to Malvern from hawes and then up through Wales to Anglesey and found no issues with wind noise or... (read more)
Written on: 24/10/2012
nice to see plenty of good reviews about the jimny. for those who are experiencing bad faults with the car REMEMBER !! theres bad cars in every manufacturer. i had a mitsubishi and it ended up costing me a arm and a leg. same when i had a 2009 ford. this is the second jimny ive had and ill tell you its amazing in the snow. even better than my warrior. its eco and reliable. the insurance is cheap and its brilliant to park. what more do you want!!!!!!! (read more)
Written on: 23/08/2012
Having had a series of company cars over the years, everything from, Audi's, BMW's, Volvo's and Jaguars, I decided to buy a 4x4 vehicle as my own, due to my change of circumstances,and having looked at most other 4x4's in the lower end price bracket, mainly small second hand SUV's, I decided on a brand new Jimny as my new fishing truck. I paid my deposit and waited, and then I started to read the various reviews, from ones that said the vehicle was a load of rubbish, to others that said they... (read more)
Written on: 27/07/2012
I bought my 2007 Jimny with just 25,000 k's on the clock (at 7mths old) and I was soooo proud of my beautiful 'new car'. I loved the height of the seat, excellent petrol economy, easy parking, if fact, I really liked absolutely everything about it. Then at around 35,000 k's it developed a bit of a shudder in the steering which got progressively worse and the short story is that over 2 years, 4 different mechanics and 1 4wD specialist all tried to find and fix this steering problem which kept... (read more)
Written on: 14/06/2012
I am writing this because I have never had such bad experiences with a car.I bought my 2006 jimny in 2008. Since then, the power steering has gone - twice1;the clutch has had to be replaced;the gearbox has leaked; the rear axle has broken and the front axle has also had to be replaced, and , today, it has broken down completely and needed towing for the 4th time - I don't yet know the cause but the gears roared and screeched, something underneath groaned and rattled and it gave out completely. Every... (read more)
Written on: 05/03/2011
As others have said, a vehicle that has exceeded all my expectations! I have a Jimny SZ4 Automatic purchased new in Dec 2010.
Around town the elevated driving position is superb and there is good all round visibility. Compact dimensions,good sized door mirrors and minimal front & rear overhangs make the Jimny a doddle to park or move through traffic.
The rear boot area is modest with the back seats up but drop the seats and there is a good sized stowage area. Although there is some...
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Written on: 10/10/2010
One of the best vehicles I have ever driven !! Since the day I bought this amazing piece of machine I enjoyed my life more than ever.
The extreme off-road capabilities together with on-road comfort always made me very confident on "go anywhere - any time - do whatever I want and return back safely". This small rugged mighty 4X4 is far ahead of most expensive SUVs in the market with this hybrid capabilities.
That's true that there are bunch of SUVs in the market labeled as "4X4", but this...
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Written on: 10/09/2010 by paston (1 review written)
My new (July 2010) SZ4 has exceeded all expectations. The "exp rts" may not like them but I love it. The engine was a little tight at first but now it has run in the performance is excellent and the engine is quiet and smooth. The ride is far better than I expected and considerably better than my old Terrano. Off road the Jimny comes into its own. I spend a lot of time in southern Spain and I have found its off roading capabilities whether in mud, on steep rutted tracks or in deep dust... (read more)
Written on: 19/09/2010
I found this review very helpful because...I'm going to buy one
Written on: 19/09/2010
sounds nice, i might take a test drive
Written on: 07/04/2010 by Acadian (1 review written)
Had mine for a little over two years. I use it for my work driving across the Gulf States all year round. From Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman. Would not drive aqnything else through the desert. It will go places in the desert other 4X4 can`t Even the AC is working fine in the summer 48C +. With proper service this little machine will not let you down.Juat remember it is not a fast accelerating vehicle. At an average speed of 120kph it handles fine. Even on Saudi roads. (read more)
Written on: 26/12/2009
I do only about 5000 miles/ year and most of that is local, shifting loads with the rear seats down or towing a trailer, some in 4WD on the moors. The Jimny has been great for that. I am sad that I have had some problems - a brake disc was replaced while in warranty, then a king-pin was replaced. Sounds like king-pins are a typical problem for this short wheel-base vehicle. No other probs though, has been very useful in the snow this last week here in Scotland! Seems like if you don't... (read more)
Written on: 06/09/2009
Just look at owner reviews to see how good the car is. Great tough little thing. On road Suzuki Jimny 1.3 JLX drives like it should being a 1.3, off road it will take on anything and be a lot better than more expensive models. Whats more, it will put a huge grin on your face when ever you drive it. (read more)
Written on: 28/05/2009
The Suzuki Jimny 1.3 JLX excellent for 4x4, it 's little inside, but it 's amazing on 4x4 (read more)
Written on: 15/05/2009
I have had my Suzuki Jimny 1.3 JLX now for 2 years. It is an amazing car. It will just about keep up with traffic if you are good with the gears, but when it goes off road, nothing keeps up with it. It is unstoppable. Unless you get stuck, but then all you need is a mate and a spade. I regularly hit solid objects in it, little damage, it has been on its side, no (little) damage. Most of all, it is ultra reliable. My brand new clio goes to the garage more than my jimny. *which is V-reg (2000). (read more)
Written on: 15/04/2009 by Tuppar (1 review written)
Excellent little 4X4, I used to have a 2006 Nissan Micra, which whilst an great little car,was not what i wanted. Then I traded it in for a 2004 Jimny (My family thought I was Mad) It took me a while to learn how to drive the Suzuki Jimny on road and was somewhat nervous on the bends, but it has that certain something like a Morris Minor or Citroen 2CV that makes you love it. I am still a man though so have not given it a name, but it does make me and the dog smile. I have somewhat of a... (read more)
Written on: 05/03/2009 by dj zimmer (1 review written)
I have owned my Suzuki Jimny 1.3 JLX for 2 years now and I love it. It puts a smile on my face. It is not fast, but it is quick enough. It is good on petrol, around 36 mpg is average. I have driven mine to Germany and back, and I never felt cramped. Aircon and leather is a nice touch. (read more)
Written on: 11/01/2009 by BEXKI (1 review written)
I used to have a Freelander-but to be honest im more than happy with my Suzuki. Definately recommend-reliable and tough. (read more)
Written on: 20/12/2008 by Alanthebutt (1 review written)
Ours is plastered in mud all the time. You can tell which part of Devon we have worked in each week by the colour of the mud. We have hit so much mud on a few occasions that we have had to stop to wait for wipers to clear it.
I love it when we bundle home in it and you pull up besides the big so called 4x4s....The Jimny just seems to say....
"So where did you go to work today then, as you dont look like you have ever been to work"
(read more)
Written on: 09/12/2008 by garys suzuki
I do a lot of hunting shooting so its great for me I need to install larger wheels and a 2 inch body lift kit, a mate of mine has just passed his ds1 (deer stalking) up here in Northumberland and the guy that runs it was telling him that he was stuck in his £35000 Land Rover on a bad muddy road up to their house and his wife that had been shopping at asda pulled up and asked him if he needed a lift home in a Jimny! (read more)
Written on: 07/09/2008 by tburtnz (1 review written)
I live in New Zealand and own a 99 Suzuki Jimny wide. I'm a real adventure guy and find the jimny suits me rite down the the ground I go hunting in it. carry the mtb on the back and the kayak on the roof. The Jimny is awsome off road I new they was good when brought it but is better than I thought would be only the ground clearance could be be made better by 20mm or so would make a difference! ive had the jimny driving through hub deep puff shingle or (sink shingle) and the jimny just keeps... (read more)
Written on: 15/07/2008 by Agnikul (3 reviews written)
I am a doctor-cum-farmer and regularly do three hour one way journeys between my farm and the city which include motorway and muddy miles. The Jimny tackles both very competently. I have driven this car on English roads and on mud paths in rural Punjab for just over a year, the car is three years old - I have yet to be disappointed by it. Rear space is very limited and meant for short legged humans or for canines only. (read more)
Written on: 19/05/2009
Update Jimny JLX 2005<br/>Heavy mostly bumpy off road usage over last year. Continue to be impressed by 4x4 ability. Added dual fuel with CNG - succesful, now ultra frugal. Two trips to the Himalayas. The little beast performed better than expensive diesel engined 4x4s and against large petrol driven non 4x4s but the CNG was useless.<br/>All three doors became very rattly, fixed by a mechanic for £10. Spark plugs replaced. Air filters being replaced every 1000 miles because of dust storms. No major repair or other trip to garage except for oil/filter changes, and one top up to air conditioning gas, now done over 60,000 miles.
Written on: 25/06/2012
Does it go up mountains ok on normal roads? I live in the Andes and am considering buying one... thanks
Written on: 25/06/2012
@Generalmelched I found it very nippy in the mountains. It is rear wheel driven when in 2x4 mode so different in handling from most small modern cars.
If you drive at very high altitudes please remember that it has no turbo or supercharger to compensate for lack of oxygen, it will become thirsty.
Do make sure all the tyres are the same size.
Written on: 27/06/2012
our altitude here is 2,500m in ecuador.... i do drive to the coast a lot which is like an hour or 2 up hill so mi concern is with a small engine it will bereal slow and consumption petrol quite hefty. I'm more concerned with the speed... the Andes are big, big mountains not like the UK or even the Alps...
Written on: 27/06/2012
Power to weight ratio feels okay, I have not looked up stats. Even on a flat road the Jimny is happiest below 70mph. I have driven a fair bit at an average altitude of 2300 metres (Murree Hills, Pakistan) , it performed to my satisfaction but not to compare with a new Land Rover Disco in comfort . Sorry, I did not note fuel figures but it felt much nippier and frugal than my Toyota Corolla in the mountains. Maybe you should also look at a bigger turbo engined vehicle?
Written on: 29/06/2008 by maboeid (1 review written)
Actually I'm planning to buy a Suzuki Jimny but my above opinion comes through test drive and relatives cars drive.
I tried it only at the city and I relly enjoyed this, the small body sie helps you to go throu the traffic jam. Also driving the Jimny is funny and controlable.
I just need to test it on off-road, I used to hear great words about this car on the off-road, I wish to impress me out of town as inside it. any way I'm willing to get anew one, so I will tell you the story then.
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Written on: 09/11/2007 by calleja (1 review written)
I love my Suzuki Jimny I even named it "Chepe", I've become too much of a fan for these cars, the best part is that it has a really strong personality, but when you look at the car it will show no more than a compact 4x4, but when you drive it off road, it will really show you what's he made of... The best 4x4 ever as in; light, reliable, stable, strong body, and as soon as you duplicate the gearbox, you'll literally take the earth and drag it around. Such a small car with such strength is a... (read more)
Written on: 21/09/2007 by webby201
My Suzuki Jimny has been in the garrage about 9 times since owning it. Here is the list of problems, popers on soft top break fixed 4 times, windscreen wipers broken, 2nd gear linkage fixed, half shaft seal gone interior light keeps comming on fixed 3times new windscreen as laminate was faulty and im now just about to have them look at the gear box as it still grinds in to 2nd gear. OK car good value for money but I'm getting rid of mine soon. (read more)
Written on: 04/06/2009
can you tell me what city/country you were driving it in, and what type of use/driving style you mainly use?<br/><br/>Thanks
Written on: 19/12/2006 by Ruffles
I absolutely love my Suzuki Jimny 1.3 JLX. Where I work traffic is awful and when all other cars sit in long lines I am able to drive my Jimny across a dirt road and beat the congestion! It has more storage than you would think and the roof rack is great for large items. Sometime last year there were heavy rains in Barbados and some roads were flooded and one newspaper showed a picture of a Land Rover stuck in the road and a Jimny just driving by. Way to go Jimny! (read more)
Written on: 12/12/2006 by rallymad03 (1 review written)
This really did put a smile on my face for the first few months of owning it. Easy to drive and a HUGE personality, both on and off road.
Off-road, the Suzuki Jimny went well, although in 4WD, understeer is a major problem, so unless in serious muck, 2WD is best. The on-road capabilities is its downfall. There is no grip - at all. The car rolls around like an over-inflated bouncy castle, and when the petrol tank is 1/2 empty the back end jumps out if you're a touch enthusiastic.
Fuel...
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Written on: 16/12/2008
I disagree with this review because I have put the Jimny through very tough use over three years and 44000 miles and so far nothing has broken down. No problems - zilch.<br/>
I get an average 35mpg in mixed town, country and mud path driving therefore our fuel consumptions are not dissimilar.<br/>
The low gear 4x4 function is very simple and efficient. The low 4x4 gears behave exactly as low gears are supposed to.
Written on: 15/01/2009
My Jimny is 5 years old with 41,000m on the clock. Had it in for a yearly service and was told that the front nearside(UK lefthand) cv joint was knackered so thought I would have a look at it myself. After striping the front axle down I found that BOTH bottom kingpin bearings were crumbling rusted ruins, the steering knuckle oil seals completely shot and the knuckles themselves scored and rusty. Serves me right for not doing my own maintainance..
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Written on: 19/11/2006 by Diane06 (1 review written)
I just love my Jimny - it has been great this summer driving around with the roof off - it looks so funky. It has a great heater so gets really warm quickly in cold weather. People do take notice of the Jimny as it is so cute. (read more)
Written on: 21/11/2006
Hi, I'm thinking about buying the hard top Suzuki Jimny, and I have been asking various owners their views. Have you done any long journeys, used it on the motorway or just town use? How is fuel economy and reliability? Have you had any problems or scares with the handling, or is it not as bad as people say?
Written on: 26/10/2006 by John Thompson (37 reviews written)
Far better than the agricultural and unstable SJ range, the fun-loving Suzuki Jimny 1.3 JLX is actually quite appealing for a hairdresser's car.
Mock ye not the actual ability of these things! They are fiendishly good off road, and yet pretty good on it! The howling little engine is tough and sees the wrong side of 100mph on the slightly optimistic speedo given a long enough road, yet even if you cane it mercilessly, 30 odd mpg is easy. Normal folk can expect 36mpg and happy cruising at an...
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Written on: 30/10/2006
Hi. I'm a biker too (albeit bikeless at the moment), and I have been thinking about buying a Suzuki Jimny, preferably a recent model. How does it handle around town? I make the occasional motorway trip, approximately once a month, between 40 and 70 miles, so just how is it on motorways? I appreciate I wouldn't be buying a sports car, so I am realistic about this, but any further views on this and the supposed 'dodgy' handling would be much appreciated. Would you say they are reliable and cheap to run?
<br>
<br>Thanks
Written on: 31/10/2006
They handle just fine!
<br/>
<br/>I'm sure you could tip a Suzuki Jimny over if you were berserk enough, but you can give one a good old pasting to your hearts content, and I believe your bottle will run out before you run into problems!
Written on: 25/06/2012
Does it go up mountains ok on normal roads? I live in the Andes and am considering buying one... thanks
Written on: 25/08/2006 by mondeum (1 review written)
Treat the Suzuki Jimny 1.3 JLX as a two seater, then you won't be disappointed. It's a fun car, it looks cute, and Jimny owners often acknowledge each other when passing - its a Jimny thing. OK, its not fast, acceleration is lousy, but if you want a two seater sports car, you won't be buying a Jimny. It is what it is, a very competent 4x4, compact, easy to park, and it is a true off-roader. (read more)
Written on: 20/10/2006
Do you still own the Suzuki Jimny? And if so, have you had any problems to note? Have you taken it on the motorway? And if so, how does it perform? How is fuel consumption? I am thinking of buying one, so any advice would e much appreciated.
Written on: 10/11/2006
Yes I still have the Jimny, and yes it has been on many motorway journeys. Not the most comfortable ride, and it tends to be less economic on motorways than around town. It is after all quite a heavy little car, so the 1.3 litre engine has to work hard at motorway speeds. I also have a 1.8 litre Freelander, which although less economic overall, tends to be more economic for motorway driving, and more comfortable. As I said before, the Jimny is a fun car, so don't expect the refinements of larger more expensive cars. If you do get one, enjoy it. It's fun.
Written on: 25/06/2012
Does it go up mountains ok on normal roads? I live in the Andes and am considering buying one... thanks
Written on: 01/07/2006 by menahemy (1 review written)
Before getting a Suzuki Jimny, you need to define your expectation.
If you are looking for a family car with high road performance, get something else.
If you enjoy short weekend off road trips and mainly drive around town during the week, this is the car for you.
This little car provides tons of pure joy.
During the week it's a spirit lifter for a gloomy drive to work.
On the weekend it provides an escape from the hectic daily life.
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Written on: 21/10/2006
If you live in the frozen North, the Suzuki Jimny is very good on snow!!
Written on: 22/11/2006
Do you still own the Suzuki Jimny? And if so, how has it been? I'm looking to possibly buy one early next year, and though most of my driving is in town, I do the occasional longer/motorway run, up to 70 miles. Any reliability issues? And is the handling/ride as bad as they say?
Written on: 24/11/2006
I still own the Suzuki Jimny, and I still love it.
<br/>No reliability problem so far (knock on wood).
<br/>To improve the driving comfort and a bit off road behavior, I put new shocks and springs of Old-Man Emu. The improvement is great and the car is much less jumpy.
<br/>The road handling is not its strong side, and on wet roads you need to be very careful not to wiggle your tail. In many cases of slippery and wet conditions I simply put it in 4x4. I personally enjoy this untamed behavior.
Written on: 09/06/2006 by Reeny
I'm really happy with my Suzuki Jimny. I was a bit worried at first because they were not a mass market vehicle in Australia, but now I am glad I bought it.
I will keep this car until someone smashes into it, or the bottom falls out.
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Written on: 06/08/2005 by frood1 (3 reviews written)
Suzuki Jimny 1.3 JLX - Bought mine as a pre-registered in 2003 because I needed a cheap, reliable vehicle that could do 30000 miles a year without problems. I wasn't disappointed! Some say it's not a comfortable car for long distances - I regularly drive 550+ miles in one journey, and at my age (late 40's) I have no complaints about comfort.
Regarding the lack of space. I have no need for more than 2 seats, so I have (semi) permanently removed the rear seats, and fitted a carpeted flat floor...
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Written on: 16/10/2006
Do you still own the Suzuki Jimny? And if so, how is it?
Written on: 21/10/2004 by paul goodwin (1 review written)
Bought the Suzuki Jimny 1.3 JLX 4x4 for my wife (to replace her XR2) but I ended up driving it myself at weekends and parking the BMW. Easier to park in a multi story, easier to see (high driving position) and more fun all round. A lot of tyre and engine noise above about 60 mph and uncomfortable above 70. Although a bit slow, it keeps up with traffic.
The optional aircon was a good investment.
Although not ideal for long distance, we recently did 1500 miles over 10 days (including 450...
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Written on: 12/10/2004 by alpenwest (1 review written)
We bought the Suzuki Jimny 1.3 JLX as we wanted a chunky 4x4 with reliability, and it hasn't disappointed it is reliable, economy is about 32mpg which although not great is better than most. Back seat room is poor and rear storage non existent. The only problem I have is with the dealer who is not helpful and indeed just wants to charge a small fortune for a service and any parts. (read more)
As rated by real users
"Good performer" Read More
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"Great Motor!" Read More
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Andyivan74's Comment
Written on: 12/03/2013
Hi, I was talking to someone that owns a 2008 jimny. He put a 2" lift kit on his and then afterwards he said that the steering wobbled so much that it was "indrivable". He took it back to the mechanic who said to install a steering damper that fixed the problem. He also said that there is a special steering column that was install in the newer models that prevents the car from rolling whilst turning at high speeds. A lot of people remove this as it makes the car drive a lot smoother.