| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1989 |
| Production Years: | 1988 - 1998 discontinued in 1998 |
The 1989 Suzuki Sidekick marks the early years of the compact SUV, produced from 1988 through 1998. As a versatile and lightweight SUV, the Sidekick was designed to offer a practical solution for drivers seeking a smaller off-road capable vehicle with urban usability. Although exact dimensions can vary slightly depending on trim and market, the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick typically measures around 3.9 meters (approximately 154 inches) in length, about 1.68 meters (66 inches) in width, and 1.6 meters (63 inches) in height. This size places the Sidekick firmly within the subcompact SUV segment of its time, offering a manageable footprint for city driving while maintaining some degree of ruggedness for occasional off-road use. The curb weight typically hovered near 1,200 kilograms (about 2,645 lbs), allowing for nimble handling and reasonable fuel efficiency relative to larger SUVs of the era. The Sidekick's boxy design maximized interior space for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for small families or outdoor enthusiasts. With its rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel-drive layout, the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick provided flexibility between everyday commuting and light off-roading. This generation's balance of small size, modest dimensions, and SUV capability contributed to its popularity in the late 80s and 90s, establishing it as a noteworthy model in Suzuki's SUV lineup. Whether used as a practical urban vehicle or a compact off-road companion, the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick remains a notable example of early compact SUVs' design philosophy and utility.
Discover the standout features that make the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick a leader in its class
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The 1989 Suzuki Sidekick has an overall length of approximately 3,960 mm (156 inches), a width of about 1,695 mm (66.7 inches), and a height near 1,650 mm (64.9 inches). These compact SUV dimensions made it a versatile vehicle, easy to maneuver in urban environments while still providing good headroom and driving visibility.
The 1989 Suzuki Sidekick features a wheelbase of around 2,250 mm (88.6 inches). This length contributes to a relatively tight turning radius, making the SUV agile in tight urban spaces and off-road trails. A shorter wheelbase typically results in a slightly firmer ride but improves maneuverability and allows for better approach and departure angles in off-road conditions.
The curb weight of the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick is approximately 1,160 kg (2,557 lbs). This lightweight structure helps improve fuel efficiency, which is advantageous for an SUV of that era, and also positively impacts acceleration and off-road capabilities. A lower weight tends to reduce wear on suspension components as well.
The 1989 Suzuki Sidekick provides an estimated cargo volume of about 840 liters (29.7 cubic feet) with the rear seats upright. When the rear seats are folded, the cargo space expands significantly, accommodating up to approximately 1,676 liters (59.2 cubic feet). This flexibility allows for efficient hauling of luggage, equipment, or groceries while balancing passenger comfort.
Yes, the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick's compact dimensions (approximately 3.96 meters in length and 1.7 meters in width) allow it to comfortably fit inside a standard residential garage, which typically measures about 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) in width. Its relatively small footprint compared to larger SUVs ensures easy parking and storage without frequent maneuvering challenges.
The 1989 Suzuki Sidekick is essentially the first generation model, introduced in 1988 as a compact SUV successor to the Suzuki Samurai (Jimny). Compared to the Samurai, the Sidekick is larger in all dimensions, offering increased length, width, and passenger space. For example, the Sidekick's length at around 3,960 mm (156 in) exceeds the Samurai's approximately 3,500 mm (138 in), providing better on-road comfort and more cargo room.
The Suzuki Sidekick shares its platform with the Geo Tracker but offers slightly more refined dimensions and optional features. Compared to the Geo Tracker, the Sidekick is similar in length and width but often came with more off-road capability variants. Against competitors like the Ford Bronco II, the Sidekick was smaller and lighter, making it more maneuverable in off-road scenarios while still providing reasonable interior space and fuel economy for a late 1980s compact SUV.
The 1989 Suzuki Sidekick offers a ground clearance of approximately 190 mm (7.5 inches). This clearance is quite competitive for a compact SUV from that era, allowing it to effectively handle rough terrains, rocks, and uneven surfaces. The height helps prevent undercarriage damage during off-road driving, contributing to its reputation as a capable adventure vehicle.
Inside, the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick provides comfortable seating for four passengers with front and rear legroom adequately balanced for a compact SUV. Headroom and shoulder room are reasonable at approximately 1,000 mm (39.4 inches) in height inside the cabin. While it's not as spacious as larger SUVs, the interior ergonomics focus on maximizing space efficiency with fold-flat rear seats to expand cargo area as needed.
The Suzuki Sidekick first generation was produced from 1988 through 1998. Over this decade, the model evolved with incremental improvements in engine options, safety features, and interior upgrades. Initially launched as a basic compact SUV, it gradually incorporated more advanced technologies and trim enhancements to better compete in the growing SUV market, including the introduction of optional four-wheel drive systems and improved comfort features.
Suzuki