The brand-new Suzuki X-90 was a distinctive addition to the newest segment of the hot and growing sport/utility market -- the mini-sport/utility, or mini-SUV for short. The X-90 took a nontraditional approach by mounting a minicompact-size car body with a 2-seat cockpit onto a sport/utility chassis that benefited from abundant ground clearance and a high driving position. The chassis was no newcomer to the market -- it was borrowed from the Suzuki Sidekick. To top it off, a standard T-top roof design combined the pleasures of open-air motoring with the quietness, comfort and safety of a hardtop.
Positioned at the entry-level end of the market, the X-90 was designed to appeal to younger buyers who had a sense of adventure and prize their individuality. Key competition came from the Kia Sportage and the brand-new Toyota RAV4.
Year-to-year changes[]
1996[]
This cute runabout was available in 2-wheel- and 4-wheel-drive configurations. Both were outfitted with a 1.6-liter 16-valve sohc 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, a 4-speed automatic optional. The X-90 featured standard dual airbags, side-impact door beams and daytime running lights. Four-wheel antilock brakes were also standard.
All X-90s were equipped with standard power windows and door locks, power steering, tinted glass, tachometer, intermittent windshield wipers and dual cup holders. Four-wheel-drive models benefited from such additional standard features as cruise control, an alarm system and a premium sound system with available compact-disc player.
1997[]
For 1997, all X-90s included aluminum 1.6 liter, 16- valve, overhead cam engine with multi-point electronic fuel injection, electronic ignition, 5-speed manual transmission, power steering, MacPherson strut and coil spring front suspension with stabilizer bar, and independent trailing arm/wishbone and coil spring rear suspension.
Available colors were Silver Pearl, Miami Blue, Midnight Black Metallic, Lava Red, and Oregon Green.
The 4-speed automatic transmission became an option to the 4x2.
1998[]
The last model year for Suzuki's smallest SUV due to very low sales.
Retail prices[]
As of September 5, 1995:
- $13,499 (1996 Suzuki X-90)
- $14,999 (1996 Suzuki X-90 with 4-wheel drive)
Shipping prices[]
- $390 (1996 models)
Weblinks[]
http://suzukiauto.com/98_line_up/veh_x90.html
Gallery[]
