Suzuki Sidekick
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Suzuki Sidekick | |
| Also called: | Geo Tracker Suzuki Escudo Suzuki Vitara |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Suzuki CAMI |
| Production: | 1989–1998 |
| Successor: | Suzuki Vitara Suzuki Grand Vitara |
| Class: | Mini SUV |
| Body style: | 2-door SUV 2-door convertible 4-door SUV |
| Engine: | 1.6L 95 hp I4 1.8L 120 hp I4 |
| Transmission: | 3-Speed Automatic 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive 5-Speed Manual Overdrive |
| Wheelbase: | 97.60 in. (4-door) 86.60 in. (2-door) |
| Length: | 158.70 in. (4-door) 143.70 in. (2-door) |
| Width: | 64.40 in. (4-door) 64.20 in. (2-door) |
| Height: | 65.70 in. (4-door) 64.30 in. (2-door) |
| Fuel capacity: | 14.5 gal. |
| Related: | Suzuki X-90 |
| Similar: | Honda CR-V Jeep Wrangler Kia Sportage Toyota RAV4 |
The Suzuki Sidekick was a mini SUV produced as a joint venture between Suzuki and General Motors known as CAMI between 1989 and 1998. The vehicle was a follow-up to the popular SJ413 and Samurai. Also, this vehicle, while sold in North America, was designed to slot above the Samurai.
The Sidekick was sold as the Suzuki Escudo in Asia, the Suzuki Vitara in Europe and Australia, the Geo Tracker in the United States, and as the GMC Tracker, Chevrolet Tracker, Asüna Sunrunner and Pontiac Sunrunner in Canada.
[edit] History
Originally the Sidekick was available as a 2-door convertible or a two-door hardtop. The Sidekick was introduced in 1989 and was sold until it was replaced by the second generation Vitara in 1999. In 1991, a long wheelbase 4-door Sidekick was introduced which was replaced in 1995 with the upscale Sport which had a slightly different look and larger 16-inch stock wheels.
The Suzuki Sidekick came standard with a 1.6 L 8-valve I4 gasoline engine with a 1.6 L 16-valve engine available, the latter of which was preferred. An independent front suspension gave it better handling and the solid rear axle helped keep its off-road credentials intact. The Sport model came with a more powerful 1.8 L engine.
In 1996, Suzuki introduced the Suzuki X-90 which was mechanically identical to the Sidekick but had a much rounder body, a trunk, and removable T-bar roof. The X-90 disappeared from Suzuki's lineup after the 1998 model year. The Sport variant was replaced by the Grand Vitara in 1999.
In Spain, production went on at Suzuki's partner Santana with the Vitara nameplate. After a facelift in 2005 the name was changed to Santana 300/350.
[edit] Modifications
Common modifications by off-road fans are lower gears in the transfer case and a body lift or suspension lift in order to run 28 in to 35 in tires.
