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Suzuki Sidekick Tracker Escudo 4x4 Review

Suzuki Sidekick / Escudo / Tracker
Type: Compact SUV
Years: 1989-2004
Toughness: 9.2/10
Availability: 8.2/10
Capability: 9.8/10
Price: 9.0/10

If you think size, horsepower, price, or ability to intimidate pedestrians are factors that make a capable real world 4x4, you need to get out more. Because when it comes to tough, capable, reliable, and well built 4x4 vehicles, Suzuki is a force to be reckoned with.

Granted, Suzuki 4x4s have traditionally been comparably small in stature and the Suzuki Sidekick / Escudo / Tracker is no exception. But like a badger, wolverine, or Tasmanian Devil, these Suzuki 4x4's pack a walloping 4WD punch that belies their smaller size.

There's no real secret to the Suzuki's off-road success and out-of-the-box capability. It's short, narrow, light, well designed, and simple. It uses a proven part-time, transfer-case lever actuated 4WD system (no push button 4WD until the Grand Vitara), and is powered by a range of very proven engines.

The body and chassis ride on a tough box section frame, and like a 'real' truck it is rear-wheel drive while in two-wheel drive.

While cargo space is limited in the two door model, the four door carries a decent amount of gear with the rear seats folded flat. Combined with a good roof rack or top box, the Suzuki can carry everything one might need for a weekend on the trail--including passengers.

Two things set the Suzuki's apart from many other 4x4 manufacturers: their reliability and fuel economy. The Sidekick / Escudo / Vitara is one of the most reliable vehicles on the market, according to automotive researcher such as JD Power.

And with a light gross vehicle weight and efficient--if somewhat underpowered--four and later six cylinder engines, fuel economy is as impressive as off-road capability.

Also impressive is the after-market, where owners can find everything they need to turn their Suzuki 4x4 into...just about whatever they want. And with the money you save--on fuel and the purchase price--you could buy a couple Suzuki dirt bikes and a trailer to tow them in.

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The mighty Suzuki Sidekick 4x4 SUV was also sold as a Chevy Tracker and Suzuki Escudo. Solidly built, sturdy, and extremely capable off road, the Sidekick was loved by those who actually used it off road, where it truly shined.