1. In the beginning (Suzuki Motor Corp. History)  

The ancestor of the Suzuki 4WD was called Hopestar ON360 and was manufactured from 1965 until 1967 by the Japanese Hope Motor Company. Its basic concept equals the later successful LJ 80 as in bodyline. Of course as all 4wd vehicles it was based on the grand daddy of them all, the Jeep (circa WWII). Foldable windshield, the outrigging front fenders and flat side body panels are some examples, as are the big tires when compared to the body. The tire/wheel combo came straight from the Willys. Those are the typical off-road vehicle trait marks of a classic 4wd vehicle. The power plant was an air cooled, 2 stroke, 2 cylinder, from Mitsubishi Type ME24D. It was 359 cc in size and developed 21 hp at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 31.4 Nm at 3500 rpm. Only one version was available; convertible with a soft top. The wheelbase was 1.95 meters and the overall dimension were 2995 x1295 x1765 mm (length x width x height). It's weight was 625 kilos. In 1967, the Japanese Department of Transportation approved the Hopestar and the sale started in 1968. Only 15 vehicles were hand made in that year before the company decided to stop it's vehicle construction all together.   

In 1968, Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd. acquired the production rights of the Hopestar ON360 from the Hope Motor Company. Suzuki, at that time, already was a renowned motorcycle producer and held several street racing world championship titles. It also had some car production experience but only for the Japanese market. Suzuki started exporting its 4WD trucks in 1974.  

The prerequisites for mass production of a off-road vehicle were in many ways better at Suzuki than at Hope Motor Company. In 1970, the production of the Jimny started and in that same year Suzuki Motor Co. built it's one millionth car.  

Before the first Suzuki 4WD roll of the assembly line, the engineers took a very close look at the Hopestar. All vehicle components were either reworked or newly designed. One has to take in account the engineering department had a difficult job as the Jimny had to be classified in the "mini-car" market segment due to tax issues which also meant that the engine size was limited to 360 ccm, overall length could not exceed 3 meters and it could only be 1.3 meters wide. After 2 years of development the first Jimny 360 (LJ10) rolled of the assembly line. It's body lines were very similar to of it's successors, like the LJ80 which 10 years later influenced the 4WD boom worldwide. The LJ10 was manufactured strictly for the Japanese market and had an air cooled 2 stroke, 2 cylinder 359 ccm engine with 25 hp at 600 rpm and a maximum of torque at 33.4 Nm at 5500 rpm.  

To keep up with the mini-car guidelines, interior space ended up being somewhat scarce as the spare tire had to be installed behind the driver's seat making it a 3 seater. The LJ10 and it's successors were build this way until 1976 when the Japanese government made some changes to the transportation guidelines.  

1972 marked the change over to the LJ20 model. The main difference was the power plant. It was a watercooled, 2 stroke, 2 cylinder 359 ccm engine with 28 hp at 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 37.3Nm at 5000 rpm. This was also the time at which a watercooled engine and a metal hard top version were introduced. Minor body refinements were done in 1973. The combined single indicator parking light and turning signal were separated into two independent lights, one on top of the other, on the front on the fenders.  

The "mini-car" guidelines were changed again in 1976 to a maximum engine size of 550 ccm, overall length was changed to 3.20 meters and the maximum weight was upped from 1300 kilos to 1400 kilos. Finally, the spare could be moved were it should be; on the outside gate, which means that the interior had room for a forth person. This new model, called the LJ50 (Jimny 550/SJ10), had a 539 ccm watercooled, 2 stroke, 3 cylinder engine with 26 hp, less than the smaller 360 ccm engine, but with a higher torque output of 52Nm at 3000 rpm.  

1977 was a big year for Suzuki as it began to export its Jimny series. Parallel to the LJ50 (SJ10) Suzuki started to build the SJ20 with a 4 stroke 4 cylinder engine, later introduced to us as the LJ80. It had 797 ccm with 42 hp at 550 rpm and max torque of 61Nm at 3500 rpm (German specifications). At the same time fuel capacity is increased to 40 liters from 26 liters, the axle housing width was increased by 10 cm to 119 cm up front and to 120 cm at the rear. You can tell the 1977 model apart from the older ones by the raised hood with air inlets up front and the rear lights and bumper are integrated to the body. The LJ50 and LJ80 can only be differentiated by looking at the speedometer, as the LJ50 tops at 90 Km/h and the LJ80 at 110km/h.  

Two years after introduction, the LJ80 received its last facelift. The headlight positioning was widened /lowered and the cooler grill was slightly modified. Also steel doors were offered for the first time. The LJ 50 was offered in Japan until 1983, eleven years after the debut of the Jimny. A complete model change was developed and the SJ410 (SJ30) was introduced.  

OTHER FUN FACTS:  
Did you know that Suzuki offered a 4 door version of the SJ30/40 in Brunei based on the long wheel base model. For the Japanese market (strict mini car guidelines) they offered a turbo version called the Jimny 660 EPI Turbo with a watercooled, 3 cylinder turbocharged, intercooled and fuel injected engine. It was 657 ccm in size and produced 55 hp at 5500 rpm and max torque of 85Nm at 3500 rpm with a compression of 8,1:1. It was offered with a 5 speed manual transmission or a 3 speed automatic. You can tell them from other similar Suzuki's as they have a air scoop a top the hood on the left side.  

Translated by: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it from original German in a book by <?> titled <?>.  

2. Names and pseudonyms of Suzuki vehicles.  

LJ series AKA: Hopestar, LJ10, LJ20, LJ50/55, LJ80/81   
Styles: Hardtop, Convertible, Pickup; 2 Seater, 3 Seater, or 4 Seater; 2 Door   
Manufactured: 1970-   

SJ series AKA: SJ20, SJ30/40, SJ410, SJ413   
Styles: Hardtop, Convertible, Long Wheel Base, Pickup; 4 Seater; 2 Door, 4 Door   
Manufactured: 1977-1984   

Samurai series AKA: Sierra (Europe, Aus, NZ), Jimny (Asia)   
Models: JA, JX, JL, Elk, Stockman, Special, Landadventure   
Styles: Hardtop, Convertible, LWB, Pickup,    
Manufactured: 1985-Current   

Sidekick AKA: Vitara (Europe, Aus, NZ), Escudo (Asia)   
Models: JA, JX, JLX, Sport   
Styles: Hardtop, Convertible  2 Dr, 4 Dr   
Manufactured: 1988-Current   

X-90 Styles: T-Roof; 2 Door; 2 Seater    
Manufactured: 1997-Current   

Vitara Styles: 2 door, 4 door, Grand Vitara   
Manufactured: 1998-Current.  

3. LJ specs  

Hopestar ON 360   
First released: 1968   
Engine: air-cooled, 359cc, 2 cylinder, 2-stroke   
Horse Power: 21 hp @ 5500 rpm   
Max. Torque: 31.4 Nm @ 3500 rpm   
Wheelbase: 1.95m   
Dimensions (mm): 2995 (L) x 1295 (W) x 1765 (H)   
Weight: 625 kg   
Roof: Soft top only.   
Notes: Original Suzuki 4WD truck, manufactured by Japanese Hope Motor Company. Only 15 vehicles ever produced..   

LJ10    
First released: 1970   
Engine: air-cooled 360 cc, 2 cylinder, 2-stroke   
Horse Power: 5 hp @ 600prm   
Max. Torque: 33.4 Nm at 5500rpm   
Fuel Tank: 26L   
Roof: Soft top only.   
Notes: Engine size and length/width were regulated by Japanese Transportation Guideline to keep vehicle classed as "mini-car". Spare tire was stored behind driver's seat to conform to guidelines, making it only a 3 seater. Most distinctive feature is horizontal grill, with Suzuki emblam in middle bar.   

LJ20A/E    
First released: 1972   
Engine: watercooled 360cc, 2 cylinder, 2-stroke   
Horse Power: 268 @ 5500rpm   
Max. Torque: 37.3Nm @ 5000rpm   
Fuel Tank: 26L   
Roof: Soft top and hard top   
Notes: First Suzuki 4x4 to be exported. Minor cosmetic changed from LJ10 body style. LJ20A models included 2 amber lights (parking light and turning signal) on each side of the front, E models on had one combo light.    

LJ50/55 (Jimny 550/SJ10)   
First Released: 1976   
Engine: 539cc, 3 cylinder, 2-stroke   
Horse Power: 35   
Max. Torque: 52Nm @ 3000rpm   
Transmission: 4 speed   
Fuel Tank: 26L   
Dimensions (mm): 3010 (L), 1295 (W)   
Ground clearance: 237mm   
Weight: 670kg (S/T) / 720kg (H/T)   
Roof: Hard top and soft top   
Notes: 2 speed transfer case; motor had a motorcycle type oil pump so no fuel had to be pre-mixed; it had a plastic pipe running from the heater fan motor housing to the distributor and then to the clutch housing - the idea was when crossing deep water you turned the heater blower on and this pressurised the distributor and the clutch housing thus keeping the water out!; on-road cruising speed was about 80km per hour, it could manage 110km per hour with a tail wind; spare tire was finally moved to rear gate; top front singal light was changed from amber to clear; new gril and raised hood.   

LJ80 (SJ20)/LJ81   
First Released: 1977 (series II - 1979)   
Engine: 797cc, 4 cylinder, 4-stroke   
Horse Power: 42 @ 5500rpm   
Max. Torque: 61Nm @ 3500rpm   
Fuel Tank: 40L   
Transmission: 4 speed   
Axle Width (mm): 1190 (F), 1200 (R)   
Roof: H/T & S/T. Note: Series II S/T came with metal doors only.   
Notes: Ute/Pick-up model known as LJ81; first Suzuki truck exported from Japan to North America. The only distinguishable differnce between the LJ80 and the LJ50 is that the LJ50's speedometer goes to 90km/h and the LJ80's goes to 110km/h.  

4. SJ specs  

The first SJ model (SJ10) was the same as the LJ50. The SJ20 was more like the LJ80. The SJ410 (SJ30) had a totally diffent body.    

The SJ was the first 'sammy-like' model. Some of it's original body panel designs are were used in the Samurai/Sierra bodies. In fact some people confuse the SJ410 with the Samurai/Sierra, however the SJ has a distinctive vertical slat grill. They were the first Suzuki vehicles to use a newly developed 1L 4 stroke, 4 cylinder. The SJ410W was the first Long Wheel Base Suzuki truck and incorporated a removable hard fiberglass roof. At over 4 metres in length it was put into service by numerous 3rd world counties as a military jeep. The LWB and Pickup models were not released until 1982.   

SJ20 (SJ10 see LJ50)   
First Released: 1977   
Engine: 797cc, 4 cylinder, 4 stroke   
Horse Power: 42 @ 5500rpm   
Max. Torque: 61Nm @ 3500rpm   
Fuel Tank: 40L   
Roof: Hard top and soft top   
Length: just over 3 metres   
Width: 1.295 m   
Ground clearance: 237 mm   
Weight: 670 kg (S/T) / 720kg (H/T)   
Notes: 2 speed transfer case; motor had a motorcycle type oil pump so no fuel had to be pre-mixed; it had a plastic pipe running from the heater fan motor housing to the distributor and then to the clutch housing - the idea was when crossing deep water you turned the heater blower on and this pressurised the distributor and the clutch housing thus keeping the water out!; on-road cruising speed was about 80km per hour, it could manage 110km per hour with a tail wind (if you could stand the noise!) Jack Chomley   

SJ410 (SJ30/40)   
First Released: 1981 (LWB and Ute models released in late 1982)   
Roof: H/T & S/T.    
Notes: Also came in Long Wheel Base (LWB) S/T and Pickup (Ute) models and in a 4 door version based on the LWB chassis  

5. Samurai specs  

The Samurai was the first Suzuki truck official sold in the United States through proper dealer channels. It's design was very much a carry over from the 1985 SJ410. So much so, that the 1986 Samurai's and 1984-95 SJ410's look exactly the same, except for body tags. In Canada it was introduced in the 1985 1/2 model year, in the US in 1986.    

Depending on where it was sold in the world, the vehicle goes by three different names: Samurai (North and South America), Sierra (Europe, Australia and New Zealand), and Jimny (Asia).   

In North America the Samurai was never totally re-modeled, but various changes have happened over the years. A long wheel base version, a SJ410 carry over never released in the US, was discontinued in other countries in 1987. JA and JX models were offered from 1986-90, JL and 2WD models were offered from 1990-94. The 1994 US models did not have back seats due to new safety regulations.   

In July 1988, Consumer Reports ran an article headlined "The Suzuki rolls over too easily." Suzuki stopped selling the Samurai in the North America in 1994 after a sharp drop in sales in that the company blames on CU's test result. However, the Sierra and Jimny continue to be sold in Europe, Australia and Asia.   

In 1996, Suzuki gave the Sierra and Jimny a face lift which renewed buyer interest. Many other compentents were upgrade and fine tuned, but the most popular Suzuki 4x4 ever still retained its narrow track and boxy look. The 1999 model year will bring a whole new look for the Samurai/Sierra.Jimny.   
  

6. Sidekick specs  

Created as a successor to the popular Samurai, but offering more comforts and modern components, the Sidekick proved very popular among young and old alike. Also marketed as the Vitara, Escudo, Tracker and Sunrunner, the "J Truck" was the first Suzuki manufactured in North America, at CAMI in Ingersoll, Canada, a joint venture between GM and Suzuki.   

Initially only available in a two door model, a four door version was released in 1991 and began competing with Pathfinder 4 Runner, Trooper, Jimmy, and other SUVs.  

In 1996, the JLX model was replaced with a Sport tag. Beige body molding, a new grill, and 1.8L engine was also added to give the four door a sophisticated look and feel. Duel air bags and a curvier dash was also implemented in 1996. The Sidekick/Tracker placed second in the compact sport utility vehicle category in the 1996 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey.   

1999 models will see the first major body restyle since its introduction in 1988. The Sidekick name will be retired and the Vitara moniker will be used in North America. North America will also see the V6 option. Stay tuned for more info as it become available.  

SIDEKICK / VITARA  
First released: 1988  
Engine: 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L V6, and diesel  
Transmission: 5-speed, 4-speed auto  
Roof: Hardtop, Soft Top  
Seats: 4  
Notes: LWB 4 Door model released in 1991, LWB 4 Door Sport model (with 1.8L) released in 1995, diesel model release in Europe only, V6 2.0L release in Sport model in 1997 (Europe only)  

7. X-90 specs  

Is it a mini-truck or a 4x4 car with a t-roof? No one is really sure what the X90 is and it's so new I don't think anyone has had the time to take it about to find out. It's 4 wheel drive mechanism is pure truck, unlike it's competition, the RAV4. Currently the X90 is only available in a two door, two seater model, but there are rumours Suzuki is looking at adding a 4 door, four seater, hatchback model to the line.  

X90  
First released: August 1996  
Engine: 1.59L EFI, 4 cylinder  
Roof: Removable section  
Seats: 2  
Notes: More information as it becomes available.  

8. Vitara specs  

Vitara LWB / Sidekick 4 Door   
First Released: 1991  
Engine: 1590cc, 4 cylinder, 4-stroke, 16 valve, EFI.  
Transmission: 5-speed.  
Roof: H/T only.  

Vitara SWB / Sidekick 2 Door  
First Released: 1988 ( model: 1995)  
Engine: 1590cc 16 valve, EFI, 4 cylinder, 4-stroke.  
Transmission: 5-speed  
Roof: H/T & S/T  

Vitara LWB V6 / Sidekick Sport  
First Released: late 1995  
Engine: 1799cc, 4 cylinder, 16 valve EFI or 2000cc, 6 cylinder, 24 valve, Multi Point EFI, Twin Cam (Europe only) or Diesel (Europe only)   
Horse Power: 100 kW;  
Torque: 172 Nm.  
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed Auto.  

9. General Service tips.  

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