Every Model Year, Ranked By Reliability

The Suzuki Sidekick has been known by many names – the Suzuki Sidekick, the Suzuki Escudo (JDM), the Geo Tracker, the Chevrolet Tracker, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. In essence, it has remained the same, i.e. a lightweight Japanese SUV with 4WD capabilities that you can have fun offroad adventures with. The Sidekick created a new niche in the market when it came out back in the early 90s, the two-seater 4WD SUV coupe. Right from the first generation, the Sidekick proved its mettle off-road through Suzuki’s participation in some of the world’s unforgiving off-road events like the Dakar Rally and the Australian Safari.

With its uncomplicated mechanical 4×4 system and compact, lightweight build, the Sidekick stands out as one of Suzuki’s most adept off-road vehicles. Over the generations, the Suzuki Sidekick has a massed a loyal fan following with several aficionado clubs established to help owners solve issues and share ownership stories. In North America, the Suzuki Sidekick was called the Chevrolet Tracker or Geo Tracker and was manufactured through a joint partnership between GM, Canada, and Suzuki. The boxy 80s styling of the first-gen Sidekick has aged well, with demand and prices rising.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds, Kelly Blue Book, J.D. Power, Carsurvey, and RepairPal.

1 1995 Suzuki Sidekick JX

Reliability Score – 10/10 (carsurvey.org)

The Suzuki Sidekick JX came in three- and five-door body styles with an optional soft top for the two-door version. The prevailing commendation among Sidekick owners revolves around the remarkable reliability of this compact SUV. There are regular long-term owner accounts of Sidekicks running without major issues for 200,000+ miles with regular preventative maintenance.

Suzuki Sidekick 4dr JX Specifications

(Source: Edmunds)

Common Complaints

• The sudden collapse of the clutch pedal
• Engine oil leakage due to crankshaft seal deterioration.
• Failure of the throttle position sensor

2 1989 Suzuki Sidekick JX

Reliability Score – 10/10 (carsurvey.org)

1989 was the first year the Suzuki Sidekick was initially introduced, the only year the SUV was offered with a naturally aspirated 1.3-liter engine. This model with the carburated 1.3-liter engine has become a rare find because it was only sold in the U.S. for one year.

Suzuki Sidekick JX Specifications

(Source: CarGurus)

Common Complaints

• Failure of the oil pump leads to blown head gaskets
• Underpowered engine prone to overheating

3 1991 Suzuki Sidekick JLX

Reliability Score: 10/10 (carsurvey.org)

1991 was a special year for the model, as it was the first time Suzuki offered the four-door version of the Sidekick. This meant a longer wheelbase and more stability, especially on the highway. Despite being one of the slowest vehicles in its class it made up for it with off-road chops and great gas mileage.

1991 Suzuki Sidekick JLX Specifications

(Source: J.D. Power)

Common Complaints

• Fuel injector failure.
• Throttle body ECU failure.
• Rusting on fenders, underbody, and under hood.

4 1997 Suzuki Sidekick JLX 4WD

Reliability Score: 8/10 (carsurvey.org)

The JLX trim was the top-of-the-line variant of the Sidekick and it came with 16-inch wheels and standard safety features like ABS and dual airbags. Interestingly around the same time, the Sidekick faced stiff competition in the shape of the all-new Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. 1995 was the first year Suzuki introduced the Sidekick Sport which was available exclusively in the four-door configuration and came with a slightly more powerful 1.8-liter engine with an output of 120 horsepower.

Suzuki Sidekick JLX Sport Specifications

(Source: cars.com)

Common Complaints

• Faulty throttle position sensor.
• Damage to the transfer case due to driving in 4WD mode on dry surfaces.

5 1992 Suzuki Sidekick Sport Utility 4D

Reliability score: 4.6/5 (Kelly Blue Book)

The ’92 model got a redesigned instrument cluster and 15 more horsepower, and 1992 was also the first year that the Sidekick got a four-speed automatic.

1992 Suzuki Sidekick Sport Utility 4D Specifications

(Source: Edmunds)

Common Complaints

• Failure of the torque converter
• Solenoid issues due to insufficient fluid levels
• Sticking accelerator pedal

6 1993 Suzuki Sidekick JX

Reliability Score: 8/10 (CarSurvey.org)

The 1993 Sidekick remained mechanically similar to the 1992 version with no major changes happening. This particular model is in mint condition and was sold on Bring-A-Trailer for $11,000 not to long ago.

1993 Suzuki Sidekick JX Specifications

(Source: J.D. Power)

Common Complaints

• Oil leak due to failure of front axle seal.
• Difficulty in starting the engine in cold climates and high altitudes.

7 1994 Suzuki Sidekick Sports Utility 4D

Reliability Score: 8/10 (carsurvey.org)

The 1994 Suzuki Sidekick’s minor updates for this year were the newly adjustable tilt steering and the appearance of a new brake light mounted high on the rear door.

1994 Suzuki Sidekick Sports Utility 4D Specifications

(Source: Edmunds)

Common Complaints

• Clogged EGR Valve
• Failure of headlight bulbs

8 1996 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JLX

Reliability Score: 4.6/5 (Kelly Blue Book)

In 1996 Suzuki decided to shake things up a little and introduced the Suzuki Sidekick Sport which came with a more powerful 1.8-liter twin-cam engine. Suzuki also increased the track width of the Sport version by 2.0 inches and placed it on 16-inch wheels and tires to improve stability.

Other distinguishing features of the Sport were its two-tone paint options. From 1996, every Sidekick got a redesigned instrument cluster to accommodate dual airbags and Suzuki finally addressed an issue that long-term owners had been grumbling about for years, the absence of cup-holders by providing two of them.

The Sport variant also featured a premium Alpine stereo system, cruise control (available exclusively on the JLX model), a security alarm system, power windows and locks, a split-fold rear seat, remote fuel door release, cloth door trim, power remote mirrors, rear window wiper/washer, and overhead map lights.

Suzuki Sidekick JLX Specifications

(Source: Edmunds)

Common Complaints

• Failure of ring and pinion gears causes a problem in the differential
• Transfer case failure leading to 4WD not engaging when needed

9 1998 Suzuki Sidekick JX

Reliability Score: 4.6/5 (Kelly Blue Book)

1998 was the final year the Sidekick was available in this particular appearance, as Suzuki introduced the second generation Sidekick and called it the Grand Vitara. The Grand Vitara came with a more modern facade and newer powertrain options, however, it lacked the charm of the older models.

The only new options for the 1998 Sidekick were new paint options to choose from. By this time the Sidekick had carved out its niche in the market, competitors like Toyota were rushing in to fill it, with the RAV-4 and Kia with the Sportage.

Suzuki Sidekick JX Specifications

(Source: Edmunds)

Common Complaints

• Failure of clutch pedal due to failure of main clutch valve actuator
• Failure of the drive belt
• Idler pulley replacement