1996 Suzuki Sidekick
The 1996 Suzuki Sidekick is manufactured uniquely. It is a mini SUV, neither a proper truck nor a car. The convertible model of a sidekick is pretty much in-demand in the market, even the people who find it easy to fault small sport-utes have chances of falling for a sidekick. The majority of its targeted customers are teenagers and people in their early twenties but elder people who love adventures may also find it appealing.
Trims of 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
This model of Suzuki sidekick comes in two different body styles and two chains comprising of 4 trims in total. The most basic ones have a 16valve, ninety-five hp engine that comes in the JS model and the JX model. The antilock brakes are optional. It has a new grille, new bumpers, exterior colors, and seat clothes. The driving seat lacks thigh support which makes it uncomfortable for some drivers to find a relaxing position but the meters are prominently large and readable.
- The JS Trim:
This is a two-wheel-drive vehicle. It has a 16 valve engine that can produce up to 95 horsepower energy. It comes with dual airbags, dual cup holders, optional antilock brakes, a security alarm system, power supplied windows and locks, the rear seat can split and fold, remote-controlled fuel door release, power supplied mirrors, map lights, and rear window lights. The base sidekick is better looking and has a new grille and bumpers. The gearbox shifts smoothly and has responsive clutch action. Steering is not heavy and the vehicle is stable on road. some hard start-ups cause the engine to roar. It has good handling both on and off-road. However the customers; suggested that the monochromatic look of the base model will make the best combination with a sports engine. It offers good gas mileage.
- The JX Trim:
The JX trim is a 4 wheel drive vehicle, also known as a mountain goat. It is best for traveling off-road. It has dual airbags, dual cup holders, optional antilock brakes, a security alarm system, power supplied windows and locks, the rear seat can split and fold, remote-controlled fuel door release, power-supplied mirrors, map lights, and rear window lights.
Sports models
Sports models are new for the 1996 Suzuki sidekick. These are convertible, 4 door body styles offered in the following two trims. These consist of powerful and large engines that can produce up to 120 hp of energy. These trims have better stability and are responsive. These trims come with 16 inches wheels, a shiny frame, and a color scheme of two tones. Antilock brakes are standard. All these specifications make the sports model stand different from garden-variety sidekicks. The Sport models have a special alpine stereo system of 100 watts.
- Sport JX Trim
It comes with dual airbags, cruise control system, dual cup holders, standard antilock brakes, security alarm system, power supplied windows and locks, the rear seat can split and fold, remote-controlled fuel door release, power supplied mirrors, map lights, and rear window lights.
- Sport JLX Trim
This trim has all the specifications that other trips have and some additional specifications too. It comes with a unique collection of colors to choose paint from, cruise control system, dual airbags, dual cup holders, standard antilock brakes, security alarm system, power supplied windows and locks, the rear seat can split and fold, remote-controlled fuel door release, power supplied mirrors and map lights. The sport’s model has two shaded paint and a chrome-ringed grille.
Snappy performance and a friendly personality make the open-top Sidekick a joy to drive, while more conservative shoppers might feel more comfortable with a four-door. Either way, the Sidekick is lots of fun so long as interior space for passengers and cargo is not a big priority.
Price of Trims:
The 1996 Suzuki Sidekick has a price range varying from trim to trim, the market prices are as follows:
- The JS trim costs $12,899
- The JX 4WD trim costs almost $14,669
- The Sport JX costs $17,999
- The sport JLX costs almost $18,999
What’s new:
There are a lot of updates in this mini SUV. It comes with a sixteen valve, 95 hp engine that is not available in the sport. It has dual airbags, updated seat covers, colors, and styles are updated in the new sidekick. A big update is the sports variant that comes with a 120 hp motor, broader track, and dual shaded paint options.
Dimentions:
Height: 1685mm
Length: 4125 mm
Width: 1695 mm
The cargo capacity of the 1996 Suzuki sidekick is 1274L and the curb weight is 1335 kg. The fuel tank capacity of this vehicle is 70 liters. The maximum trailer weight is about 680 kgs. It comes with a wheelbase of around 2480 mm

Service Manual
The 1996 Suzuki Sidekick Owners Manual covers the specs, service repair, and maintenance of the vehicle. Manuals for other years, as well as other vehicle types, such as the Suzuki Owners Manual handbooks for motorcycles and ATVs are also available.
Drawbacks:
In 1996 Suzuki sidekick it has been observed that the user faces some of the complaints, out of them some are listed as follows:
1. It has been seen that the clutch pedal suddenly falls to the floor, out of unknown.
2. The leakage of engine oil has always been seen from the front crankshaft seal, which may create unease.
3. Failure of the throttle position sensor has also been seen.
4. On dry roads, the transfer case damage is experienced by using 4WD.
These are some of the issues which have been seen reported by people. Sometimes a situation may develop where the accelerated paddle gets stuck and results in a rough ride, this may occur due to carbon build-up on the throttle shaft. If in any case, this happens, the technicians refer to a full-throttle body replacement.
Safety:
The safety of the sidekick is based on the availability of anti-lock brakes. The brake type used in the manufacture of 1996 models is Front disc/rear drum brakes. It also has the availability of child safety locks. However, the driver or passenger airbags are not present to provide protection in case of an accident.
If you want a 4WD car, has fair fuel economy, ample power, and plenty of headroom this is a perfect fit for you.