Suzuki SJ Samurai 1988–2003 car dimensions: 3440 mm long, 1530 mm wide and 1675 mm high. Unladen weight is 950 kg. Braked towing is 1,300 kg.
The cabin is basic and spartan with cloth/vinyl seats, a tachometer, digital clock, and radio pre-equipment plus manual antenna. It has a simple heater/ventilation system with three fan speeds and recirculation. No power windows, power steering, or any electronic driver aids are fitted.
Boot space is 123 litres with the rear seats up. Folding the rear bench expands it to 459 litres up to the window line.
Payload is 390 kg with a gross weight of 1340 kg. Braked towing capacity reaches 1300 kg and unbraked is 500 kg. The part-time 4WD, low-range transfer case, and leaf-spring solid axles suit light off-road and utility work.
The cabin is basic and functional with fabric and vinyl seats that recline manually at the front and fold at the rear. Space is tight for four, better for two adults plus light loads or children in back. Heating offers simple on-off control with three fan speeds and recirculation. The dash is plain plastic with essential gauges. Expect a firm, noisy ride that transmits every bump through the leaf springs.
Runs on normal petrol with combined consumption of 8.5 l/100 km and a 40 l tank.
Front disc brakes and rear drums with brake booster as standard.
Three-point seat belts front and rear plus front headrests.
Factory warranty of 3 years or 100000 km and 6 years against rust.
No airbags or ABS fitted.
Fuel use sits at 8.5 l/100 km overall on normal petrol from the 40-litre tank. City figures reach about 10 l/100 km while steady 90 km/h drops to 7.6 l/100 km. The 1.3-litre engine with catalyst delivers 70 PS and is known for lasting well past 200000 km with basic care.
Servicing stays simple thanks to the straightforward design. Owners report large inspections averaging around 320 euros and many jobs can be done at home. No complex electronics mean parts stay affordable and widely available.
Safety kit is limited to seat belts for all places, front headrests and a roll bar. There are no airbags, ABS or power steering. The wide track helps stability off-road but the short wheelbase and high centre of gravity still call for careful driving on roads.
Keep the car by watching for rust at wheel arches, sills, door edges and floor pans. Regular underbody checks and sealing help longevity. The ladder frame holds up well and the mechanicals reward routine oil and filter changes.
Length 3440 mm, Width 1530 mm, Height 1675 mm, Wheelbase 2030 mm (SJ Samurai 1988–2003)
Sources: manufacturer data, ADAC Autokatalog manufacturer data, ADAC manufacturer data.