Since 1970, the Samurai, also known as the Jimny, arrived. Suzuki released the second-generation Jimny in 1981 and began exporting it to the United States in 1985 as a 1986 model. From 1985 to 1995, this JDM started with a bang and finished with a whisper–and while the United States eventually threw it out, the rest of the globe greeted it with loving arms.

However, aficionados and purists alike recognized that they will treasure this small off-roader for a long time. The Samurai was inexpensive and practical, and its small size set it apart from the slew of other large, clumsy off-road SUVs and trucks. It's actually fairly capable off-road, and it delivers better gas mileage than some modern cars. Solid axles and leaf springs all around were standard on the Samurai right out of the Cracker Jack box, which was quite heavy duty for stock tires.

It's only until recently that people have realized what a fantastic off-road vehicle the Samurai is. The Samurai's compact size and basic 4-wheel-drive system will get it just about anyplace its owners have the guts to go with a modest modification or even without it. Undoubtedly, many individuals now wish that more people had grabbed a new Samurai while they still had the chance. Although the Samurai is well-known in the United States, there are a few facts about them that people are not aware of.

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The Off-Roading Capability And Reliability

Suzuki Samurai
Via-Suzuki Media

The Samurai was a typical old-school truck with a low-range transfer case. Part-time 4WD system designed for use only off-road or on slick surfaces. It was great, as its small length and narrow wheel-track made it so easy to maneuver in tight spots, both off and on the road. And its lightweight meant it didn't sink as deeply into dirt as larger, heavier off-roaders become, as prone to get bogged even with 4WD. It was a hit with serious off-roaders.

They well knew the Samurai for being an excellent off-roader. Despite having a basic 1.3-liter four-cylinder power plant that produced 63 horsepower. The featherweight of the vehicle contributed to its off-road durability and capacity, allowing it to climb even the steepest inclines with pleasure.

It was quite reliable, especially compared to American Jeep CJs, because it was of Japanese provenance. The world's most reliable, affordable vehicles. Yet, unlike CJ's, this car was not elegant, comfortable, or roomy. Although the iconic two-box appearance did help with the admittedly restricted internal space efficiency. Even yet, the vehicle was so cramped that four medium-sized American adults felt like it crammed them into a tin box.

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Are Suzuki Samurais Still Made?

Via: SUZUKI SAMURAI

In 1985, Suzuki introduced the handy small 4-wheel-drive utility to the United States. It was cute, affordable, and competent, off-road capable enough to compete with the Jeep Wrangler, which was substantially less expensive at that time. However, thanks to Consumer Reports, the Samurai's American dream came to an end.

Consumer Reports released photos and videos of the Suzuki flipping up onto the outriggers. Sales plummeted, and Suzuki discontinued the Samurai in North America in 1995. Suzuki battled Consumer Reports the next year. While the two settled out of court eight years later, Suzuki probably ended up looking much worse.

Despite, Consumer Reports' claim that it rolled over too frequently. Some would argue that the handling of the '88 Samurai is quite excellent, thanks to improved sway bars over prior models. Despite its demise in the United States, it lives under names such as the Sierra, and Jimny continues to spread love around the world. The third-generation Jimny debuted in 1998, and after a 20-year run, the fourth-generation Jimny debuted in 2018; it is still on market around the world.

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How Much Is A Suzuki Samurai Worth?

Suzuki-Samurai-1
crash71100 via Flickr

The Suzuki Samurai was two-thirds the price of the new-for-1987 Jeep Wrangler, with a basic price of $6,550. It set a record for the best first-year sales list of any Japanese car in America, with 47,000 units sold in the first year. Suzuki sold nearly 150,000 Samurais in the United States in the first three years.

When it was new, the Samurai had a poor reputation for rollovers, but enthusiasts have come to appreciate its off-road capability. It was a forerunner of the present Suzuki Jimny, which by many aficionados in the United States revered as forbidden fruit. Because of the scarcity of good conditions, Samurai, in the American market. Samurais, imports from all over the world, are increasing every year.

According to Hagerty, the price range has risen by 5% to $10,000 to $14,500. As a result, it is the most cost-effective collectible in the future. The hardtop is getting difficult to find in good condition. Also, in some areas, a Samurai with a non-stock engine may not be emission-legal, so double-check the rules. Finding one that hasn't changed can be difficult, and many tweaks aren't advised.