Suzuki SX4 AWD opinions?

[biomed_eng_2000]

Suzuki SX4 AWD opinions?

Do any of you own one or have driving one? What is your opinion?

It looks like a great little AWD vehicle in the Versa, Yaris, Fit price range.

 

[DmanWho]

We really like our '07 SX4 Sport, which ='s the '08 SX4 Touring II. Really appreciate the iAWD and ESP. We had no idea that these cars even existed, and accidentally stumbled upon them while car hunting.
Check out the forum... http://sx4club.com/forums/

 

[kd5byb]

My wife has talked about wanting one in a few years. Only think I can say is that I hope it's better than her Mom's AWD Aerio. Think hers is a 2005 or 2006 model year.

She's had two major complaints:

1) Sneeze and it goes out of alignment. She's chewed up two tires in under 25k miles. To their credit, both times Suzuki fixed the alignment and replaced the tire under warranty.

I will admit, she *never* looks at her tires and perhaps if she'd noted it was out earlier, she wouldn't have eaten the two tires.

2) Fuel mileage is pretty bad. This is a small car and I understand that the AWD hurts fuel mileage, but it gets maybe 23 MPG. My Tundra with a 5.7L V-8 gets about 19! But it's not AWD.

Other than that, they seem to make a nice little car. It's comfortable, drives well, and seems well-engineered. Here in Northern Alabama, they are sold by Driving 2000 with a no-haggle, no-commission approach which is nice.

later,
b

 

[DmanWho]

The SX4 iAWD system allows 2-wheel drive mode. This can help with mileage. We have the automatic, and 30mpg hwy., is attainable. We've been driving exclusively in-town the last month, short trips, AWD mode, and averaging close to 25mpg.
The '08 manual has a new fifth gear ratio to improve mileage.

 

[MrCritical]

Suzuki's main problem is a lack of dealer network. Their second problem is a lack of paying their dealers's warranty claims. We've had the franchise twice and dropped it both times for that very reason.

 

[biomed_eng_2000]

Thanks for the insight, I had no idea that I would get such great responses.

 

[DmanWho]

Originally Posted By: biomed_eng_2000
Thanks for the insight, I had no idea that I would get such great responses.


Thank You for asking about the SX4...

Finally. I've been feeling all alone.

 

[kkreit01]

Too bad the new SX4 Sport sedan isn't offered in AWD. That's an attractive little car -- with a lot of std options. I don't know if I could get past the funkiness (ugliness) of the SX4 crossover -- even at the price. BUT -- the new Impreza also starts under $17K.

 

[DmanWho]

Originally Posted By: kkreit01
Too bad the new SX4 Sport sedan isn't offered in AWD. That's an attractive little car -- with a lot of std options. I don't know if I could get past the funkiness (ugliness) of the SX4 crossover -- even at the price. BUT -- the new Impreza also starts under $17K.

Ugly? How dare you! :no-no:
You can drastically change the look of the hatchback by simply removing the roof-rack rails.
I also don't understand why the sedan isn't AWD... I thought offering an AWD with ESP and 4-wheel disc brakes for under $18,000, really set this car apart from the others in its class. (Climate Control, 6-airbags, and the "Smart-Pass" key-less entry are really great, too.)
The SX4 Sedan, by not having AWD, weighs 200lbs less. Making it quicker and more fuel efficient than the hatchback.