The Suzuki X-90 was not the sales success that the company had hoped for when it was new, but today the little Japanese off-roader has developed its own dedicated following. This 1996 model is a tidy survivor that needs a new home. Located in Darlington, Maryland, you will find the X-90 listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding currently sits at $2,225 in what is a No Reserve auction.
Just as there are many ways for a manufacturer to create a vehicle that becomes a cult classic that has people falling over each other to own one, there are many ways that these companies can also create a sales failure. The X-90 falls into the latter category because while it was produced to capture the youth market, the youth of the day said “no thanks” in no uncertain terms. People had issues with the styling, which is nothing if not distinctive. From the nose to the windshield, it looked modern and stylish. However, people couldn’t come to terms with the three-box design, and Suzuki managed to sell a mere 7,205 examples in North America between 1996 and when it was withdrawn from the market in 1998. This one is finished in Black, and it presents well. There are no significant issues with the paint or panels, while the plastic is in good order. Standard fare on the X-90 included a glass T-Top. This one appears to be in excellent condition, and the lack of any water damage inside the vehicle suggests that the seals are not leaking. The alloy wheels show no evidence of damage, and the overall impression that the little Suzuki gives is pretty positive.
When you consider the exterior styling, it’s no surprise to open the doors and discover that the X-90 is strictly a 2-seater. The seats are comfortable and supportive, but many taller drivers find the lack of legroom to be an issue. This interior generally looks pretty tidy. There is some wear on the outer bolsters of the seats and some discoloring and wear on the wheel. However, the dash, carpet, plastic, and headliner all appear to be in good condition. Creature comforts include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a rear defogger, and a CD player.
Delving below the skin of the X-90 reveals a drivetrain that was lifted largely intact from the Vitara. It includes a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 95hp. A 4-speed automatic transmission backs the little four. Suzuki offered the vehicle as either a rear-wheel-drive or a four-wheel-drive, and our feature car is the latter. The owner claims that it has 70,000 genuine miles on the odometer, and it appears that he holds evidence to verify this. He says that the X-90 runs and drives exceptionally well, with a transmission that shifts smoothly and brakes that feel strong and reassuring. Suzukis tend to be pretty bulletproof, and one advantage with this one is that parts are readily interchangeable with the Vitara. That means that parts are also readily available and affordable.
Suzuki was not the first company that tried and failed to capture the youth market, and you can guarantee that it won’t be the last. When you look back on the company’s history, the X-90 stands out as an ugly duckling, but I think that’s why I actually like them. For all of their styling shortcomings, they are a vehicle that can’t help but command attention wherever they go. Would you like to bid on this quirky little Japanese 4×4, or aren’t you a fan?
Cool little car in great shape. Though it sort of reminds me of a shorty, a four door that’s now a two door.
I was one of those youths who said “no thanks” and I can see why. Hideous all around.
The problem with the model was that it cost 15% more than a tintop Tracker or Sidekick. For 2 fewer seats and less utility.
The problem with this specific vehicle is the automatic.
The precursor to the Yugo.
And the answer to the question nobody asked.
To compare this Suzuki with the Yugo – THAT is patently unfair as well as untrue. Suzuki cars and bikes are known for their high standards of quality and excellent engineering. This model is quirky and weird and therein lies its attraction, I think. Beauty is after all in the eyes of the beholder and I tend to say: What´s not to like? Where I to reside in the states, I´d be sorely tempted to scoot around in this individualistic anomaly.
The word Precursor means before. The Yugo was out a decade before this one.
No Red Bull?
Bro………
As the owner of a 1994 Honda Del Sol, which is also a small targa top, this car appealed to me when it came out. I went to the Suzuki dealer to check it out, but the sales person knew nothing about it, and showed no interest in the possibility of ordering one for me. Left the dealership without pursuing the matter further. Still have my del Sol, and this car still appeals to me!
I wasn’t a fan until now because I’ve never heard of nor seen one. As Gerard said, Suzuki does NOT skimp on quality both cycles and cars. I’d love to have this in one of my 7 garage stalls but they’re all full of cycles. As long as there’s a little room in the trunk for junk, this car was made for me and my Corgi and ugh, his constantly shedding hair. The naysayers must think Japanese vehicles are junk when those of us who’ve owned them know they rank right at the top with Germany and Sweden.
Had a red X90 for my youngest son, then passed it over to my 5ft 0in wife. Manual trans but 2WD. She had a blast driving it, spun 180 on wet city street and laughed all the way home.