Samurais are considered one of Japan’s iconic characters. So it’s only fitting that a Japanese brand uses it as a name for one of their vehicle lines. While not as fierce looking as the original samurai, Suzuki’s 4-wheel drive Samurai is just as good in terms of performance.

Released in 1985 and introduced in the United States., Puerto Rico, and Canada, the Suzuki Samurai was equipped with a 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine that allowed it produce 63 horsepower. The 4-wheel drive vehicle was made available in two types: a convertible and a hardtop. When it was released in the U.S., Suzuki added some enhancements to the vehicle.

Part of these revisions included a change in suspension. Suzuki installed a softer suspension system that helped provide more cushion should owners find themselves going through rough roads. A larger anti-sway bar was added to the mix to help minimize body roll. A fifth gear was also incorporated to the vehicle’s gearbox, enabling it to enjoy a boost in rpm and power. Finally, the Samurai was given a better looking dashboards and more comfortable seats. As for its engine, the Suzuki Samurai retained its 1.3-liter size. The only difference now is that it had throttle-body fuel injection, allowing it to produce 66 horsepower.

Despite its initial popularity, just like the samurais of old, the Suzuki Samurai ended up experiencing a decline. This decline was made even worse thanks to the controversial 1988 Consumer Report that the Samurai was prone to rollovers. This caused its sales to drop along with the model being pulled-out from the United States.

But even after its decline, the Suzuki Samurai is still considered one of the most popular 4-wheel drive vehicles thanks to its extreme off-road performance and reliability. Even until this day, it’s still a preferred choice over other 4wds released during its time.

Sources: Wikipedia