The Suzuki Jimny: the World's Best (and Cutest) 4x4 

Another car video! I've been recording bits and pieces of my Jimny for years now so i figured I should put it all into one video! Enjoy!

This car seems like the epidomy of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it, and have fun"

I think what we jimny owners like it so much is that it is a bouncy castle that also happens to be a kick arse, "sleeper" (as in just quietly does the job but without looking like a big fancy machine) 4WD. Also an interior completely untouched by any progress since the 1990s, so a bit of retro/nostalgia hit too.

I had a Suzuki Samurai (American version of the Jimny) back in 1988-2000 and it was a formidable offroader back then! I went places that full size and Toyota 4x4's couldn't go! I wish I'd never sold it!

As an American who hasn't seen some of the newer Jimny's, the unbelievable, rooted to it's core laughter I broke out in looking at the depreciation chart SENT ME. It's so sad that in the US, they have a cult like appreciation, but sadly never came back. Meanwhile, myself, a Toyota offroader, still looks back at the Jimny with a serious, serious love of it's "capability first" mentality. My Tacoma feels huge in comparison to my cousins tiny Kia Sportage, another (relatively by american standards) tiny 4WD, and he bought his for $600 and it still works perfectly. There is always something to be said for cheap and capable.

I'll always admire the Suzuki Jimny for consistently embarrassing annoying Jeep guys.

I know man, Im still partial to my '89 Suzuki Sidekick I've had since high school. Sadly, Suzuki got screwed over in the US by a false consumer reports article & decided to not sell cars anymore in the US.

Old roommate of mine took a first gen Samuri and the diesel motor out of a Jetta, and married them to make a diesel 4x4 monster.

The best review I ever seen,not only about jimny but in general,you are very good at it

Just bought a 2005 Jimny and now discovered your video. It convinces me that I made the right choice! The Jimny seems to be the love child of two of my favorite cars - an old Landrover and the original Mini. 😁

I fell in love with the Jimny (that we don't have in the US) when I first watched this in '21, and just a month ago became an owner of my own little bugger from Japan. Thank you for the brilliant video, Calum!

Kei cars are fascinating and I'm so glad to see such an in depth look at this specific one. I've always found the Jimny especially intriguing! And as always, glad to see another one of your videos pop up in my subscriptions list!

As you also mention it the old Fiat Panda 4x4 is quite a capable veichle too, Steyr-Puch transmission, a lowered first gear and a very good wheight/powert ratio

Among many other things, I love the creaking, hooting sounds the car makes when you drive it. Like at around 32:00. Thanks for the video, I really appreciate it. The car infos and especially your personal take.

My family of 4 piled into one of these to travel across Belize. Years on and just saying the word "Jimny" elicits groans. You could say that it has a special place in our hearts.

No wonder this lad hasn't built his house yet, he's too busy making top tier underrated content on RU-vid. I could listen to you talk all day. I am just like you, a massive fan of Suzuki I own an Alto and that thing has never let me down and will never let me down.

Yes for another Calum video. Always loved the Jimny especially the Kei versions. Quality video

I had the brochure under my pillow as a kid. I am 53. Lovely versatile vehicle. Love the interior too. All my future cars will have manual blue to red heater controls.

Random fact: the US samurai didn’t sell very well because of a fake test that claimed it had horrible tipping issues. So while the jimny sold perfectly well in the rest of the world, including the UK, Australia and Japan, the samurai flopped. For example, I don’t think the USA gets the fourth generation.

I don't like cars, I don't even drive and I don't think I will ever regret my choice to not get a licence either. Driving is not for me. Yet somehow I watched this whole video and enjoyed every minute of it. I've said it before in comments on your videos, and will again; there's something about the way you speak about things you are passionate about that is incredibly captivating. You clearly care a lot about your possessions. Not just making the most of them, but also giving them new life, learning their history and sharing all that with us. Thank you for that!

I love how you have that "checking for rust"-insert and a few shots later you open the hood and the whole radiator-support is just rotting away in plain view.

Great to hear another Scottish voice and see the lovely scenery of the islands. About to buy a series three here in Panama. Your video underscores my reasons for getting one, thanks.

These little things are really underrated, we have a 87 suzuki SJ410 1L which just goes over anything in 4wd, it's lightweight and nimble and unstoppable.

My first 4WD was a 1981 Suzuki Sierra (that is what the Jimny was sold as in Australia). I bought it in 1986. It was the long wheel base version wit an aftermarket fibreglass canopy at the back and a removable top above the driver which was part of the aftermarket canopy set-up. Mine was the first of the 4 stroke engines. it had a 4 speed gearbox and transfer case. We did not have any comfortable nights sleeping in it! It was a great 4wd. very light and unstoppable. Touring was horrible, but once you reached your destination it was great.

Enjoyed watching this Calum ! The Wife & I have just downsized from a Navara and a Mini One to a 2009 Jimny over on Skye and we both love it :)

Oh my goodness my mom and I are obsessed with the Jimny. We've always wanted one, and if the price to maintain one wasn't so high where we live we would've bought one

You're exuding some Top Gear energy! Super informative and entertaining. Well done

I had a Suzuki Samurai, and it truly was the best vehicle I ever had, I am now looking for another one to buy.

Thanks for a good honest video. I had the 1998 Gen3 van version, automatic, in Sweden. It was a great off-roader. Adding the LockRight locker in the rear, from PowerTrax, turned it into a mountain goat. It was a huge improvement. Today I live in Guatemala driving a Gen4. Love it!

God lord two years late for the party but I just wanted to say I remember that film it was good, I clean forgot about for at least 30 until you showed images of it, I'm going to hunt it down.

They sold the Samurai from 1986-1992 in the US. We never got the 3rd generation model. I love these vehicles and currently own a 87 hardtop. It is the 4th one I have owned. I wish they still sold here. I would very likely buy a new 4th generation if I could. To bad Consumer Reports did their assassination of them here. Such fun little vehicles

Great video as usual, looking to purchase one next year as my first car. Really helpful to see that you can sleep in one as that is something I’d definitely be looking to do so I can travel with it. The white estate you passed was a BMW.

Bro I just found this channel out, I absolutely love it. Calum I love your videos my friend keep up the good work I hope we get 100k subs!

Thanks Calum, i have one identical to yours, and yes i love it even after head gasket going, got it repaired at a price, your wheel locks sound a good idea , I am never quiet sure if the 4xdrive is working.Think i might take back seats out as well, loved your video

Rented one on Tortola about 10yrs ago… Loved it.. perfect vehicle for cruising around the Island for 2 people.

I used to have an SJ-410 that I really regret selling. It was a great no frills and very capable little 4x4 that could go places that jeeps couldn't fit. I bought it well used and had to fiberglass the entire rear tub. Fun times were had with that little "Burro". Thanks for the memories.

Liked this. My dad bought an sj413jx in the mid eighty’s, 1.3 5 speed samurai basically. It was nearly new, we kept it for years, I learnt to drive it and used it at university in the ‘90’s. Used farming etc also, great in winter and off road, super capable, Super reliable and was worked hard. Ended up with 160k miles on it but rust got pretty serious….

Great video. I bought my SJ410 soft top new for £5,000 in 1986 while living on the Gower peninsular. It was such a fun vehicle, drove it off road, hill climbs, beach, mud. Used it for work on building sites. Drove my best friends through Mumbles, with the top off, on their wedding day complete with strings of tin cans in tow. It was bright yellow but the colour matched the cheeky little car. Much missed.

I have a 2004 Jimny in Italy. I absolutely love it. I’m glad that it is body on frame as opposed to unibody construction. I’m also a big fan of online engines. I love the “whine” of the transmission & gear train. It is a simple, easy to maintain vehicle. I hope to be driving mine for a very long time!

A cute little part-time 4x4 with an Inline 4 cylinder dual-overhead cam. Nothing fancy, just enough to get the job done. I like it.

My first car was a second gen rebadged in Australia as a Holden Drover, and I loved that thing! Get video, makes me want to buy another one!

Excelent video, i'm from Perú and have Suzuki Jimmy 2014, i love this car, and i feel the same emotion that you show in the vídeo. Thanks. 😃👍

great little video. Cracking car. I have 2006 JLX+ and love it...Quirky, rattles like a bag of spanners but awesome.

Hmm, those rear-view's remind me of the ears on that one prince. 😄 ...Great on an off road vehicle....funny looking on a prince. ...And, I happen to love the clock. What a great truck. Just keep eliminating any rust you find, as you go.

I just imported a 2004 Jimny from Japan with the 660cc 3cyl engine! I am very exited to get my hands on it :)

More vechile vids please. I love your deconstruction commentary!

I like the look of your Jimny, the "Bubble" styling gives it a "Science fiction" feel. (Obviously, an 80s "Science fiction" feel! 😊) ...But, then again, I drive a 2001 Clio!

I have one of these. Same color. I put the front hard top in the back all the time. From the driver's seat, I un-clip the 4 clips. Then, I simply push it up in to the air a bit, and turn it once, clockwise. Then, I angle it such that the right side is angled downward nearly touching the back door. Finally, I make sure left side (which is angled towards my head [yeah, dangerous]), it tucked behind both front seat head rests.

Matt’s Off-road Recovery pulls one out of the Sierra Nevadas and completely upgraded it for the owner. Ed owned it and abandoned it because of a rock slide. It’s a great series involving other Yourubers. It still hasn’t been finished but currently, when I post this, it’s getting body and paint work.

thanks, really good indepth review with applied experience and knowledge about the little jimny

Great video! Tempted to buy one as my first car!

Fantastic video, very informative, looking at buying one of these cars

Lovely video! Even though I am not a big 4x4 fan, I've always been a fan of the Jimney's! I will recommend a friend or two to watch, and check out your channel, for this and the other content you make!

On the 4H locking the hubs, do it in the snow/ice not on tarmac unless its made for it. Also its funny seeing how different 4x4 culture is there. Here in Australia the Jimmy sure can get some places, but you start needing a pretty extreme/dedicated 4x4. I own one of the 'kings' of offroad, the 1HZ 96 Toyota Landcruiser 80 series, they were basically purpose built off roaders from Toyota and still fetch a scary high price. But it is amazing how different it is, like looking at those tracks you took tbh I wouldnt even take it out of normal 'onroad' mode, and tbh all those tracks look very doable even width wise, sure I wouldnt take my Mums Y62 Patrol down there as id bet money id get stuck between some trees (they are huge but capable). But yeah very different ideas of whats the best 4x4 over there compared to Aus. You do see them here but they are more town cars with the ability to go down dirt tracks, but I have pulled a few out that got stuck in sand, no idea why its more sand than mud they get stuck in maybe they arent airing down enough? Will also say I dont stress about potholes or the likes, just hammer the rim back in shape and your golden, and water crossings? Well sadly my car can go deeper than I can, sure my snorkle lets the engine breath but what about me? For your steering issue, you can get a return to center steering dampener, or even upgrade the steering system, when I was a mechanic I had done a couple of retrofits from the GU patrol or 40/60/80/100 series cruiser. Takes work but does it well. If you want a little better fuel economy, power and the likes. Throw a 6 speed in there, once again the patrol or landcruiser runnign gear can go in but it takes alot of space. Also you have the better form of transfer case, the electronic ones are a pain in the arse, your lucky, you might need to put some effort into changing it but not much can go wrong, electronic transfer cases are more prone to corrosion and electrical gremlins. Your always better off, for a offroad car to have as little electronics as possible, water, rust and just aging wiring can cause problems. Its why I love my car, the main electronic thing thats needed is the headlights or the glow plugs, but the later can be worked around if it dies, just put direct power there or just turn the engine over until it finally starts. No spark plugs to worry about, can even run without the battery in (not ideal). The less that can go wrong is ideal for being offroad never know when you break down 500+ km from the nearest town. Edit: If you want a 2nd gen get one from Australia, we do not put salt on our roads, so rust is way less common, the more into the center of aus the better as ofc the sea does put some salt into the air but its minimal. Get one that looks as stock as possible, if it has offroad tires forget it, if it has a winch forget it, same with a lift kit. If it has a bullbar thats fine, we put them on them to avoid skippy the car destroying kangaroo. They are pretty cheap here too btw, if you want I am sure myself or other viewers can help with actually viewing it for you, always make sure it gets an inspection from a RACQ inspector (they go to the car for a small fee).

I believe the monk's hairstyle is referred to as a tapioca. :-)

Good to know my Jimny rattles as much as yours! Cheers from Callum in Oz🤙

I'm guessing that you don't have a dozen production crew behind the camera which makes your videos all the more remarkable. I could mutter about this video and say that I expected to see the Jimny tackling tough obstacles, but your presentation is so good that I didn't miss the obstacle course that much. As a micro production studio you are putting out material of Beeb standard. Keep at it.

Great video mate and high five on restless natives, a proper feel good film, always raises a smile.

Great video. 2as quite enjoyable to hearing your story!

Brilliant video on a fondly missed car I had for a short period of time

Had mine for 3 years, done me proud 😀

What a lovely video! Watched the whole thing, to bad it’s only 37 minutes :D. I’m actually going to test drive one these myself this Saturday, also a cabriolet hard top!

I had a 1985 Suzuki SJ410, it also had the bonnet release in the glove box. And that white “Alfa Romeo” with the gold wheels was actually a BMW 5 series.

I live about 2500 feet up the Massif Central in France and use an X-Trail (with chains!) for when things get bad. The local farmer has a similar vintage Jimny and happily goes into the fields in all weather to move his cows from field to field. His is probably the turbo diesel version (this being France), but I would trust it more than my X-Trail! I had a non-turbo Impreza for a good few years and it was nails hard in all conditions until it finally fell apart.

Bonnet release in the glove box was for security, especially on the soft top models. The glove box can lock with the key!

This channel is awesome👍

I preferred the Daihatsu Feroza II which was my greatest goat track 4WD that I owned, the places we went were amazing

i just got Jimny today! I have put AT tires on it! No regrets!

Uyy mi JIMNY hace todo eso? Y yo lo mantengo solo en pavimento. Buen video 😃 Saludos desde BOGOTÁ 🇨🇴👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

I called my Perodua Kancil (actually daihatsu mira '94) as 'Pajero' because it can move big or long thing compared to sedan when the rear seat were pulled out. Truthfully I 've always wanted a jimny, vitara or feroza some where in the future. Thanks for the video.

I wish we could get new Jimnys/Samurais in the US.

The Suzuki Jimny is about the same size as the old Jeep CJ-7 series. I live in Colorado (USA) which is very mountainous and many of the original off-road 4x4 trails were designed with a Jeep CJ-5 or CJ-7 in mind. The larger 4x4s cannot navigate those roads. Some of these roads were carved out of rock on the side of mountains so space is at a premium.

I agree, very capable. Had a 1982 SJ 410 in South Africa. Great vehicle and could very often keep up with the big boys. Only negative - cross slopes - it is a narrow vehicle indeed.

17:35 ....That's true..... Santana Motors was a Southern Spanish Factory

My first 4x4 was a Suzuki SJ 413 Samurai 1988… best go everywhere and anywhere other wider 4x4’s couldn’t go! 😁👍

The Jimny screeeeams “I’m not trying hard to look cool and even though it’s not cool I therefore look cool” boom

Great vid loved it.

I have the same Jimny but with a full 3 inch lift kit all I need is the holy grail hard top conversion

Superb Video

Thank you. Very useful

Lad I may have a solution for saving your windshield washer reservoir. If you can take the rod off and work a section of rubber tubing onto the rod that can hit the bottle. That should provide some cushioning if you drop the hood prop.

I'd suggest another contender for cutest 4x4: The 2000 suzuki ignis, it's a minivan and 4x4 in one. It might not be the greatest, fastest or best manufactured, but even with it's exhaust loose it still served my family for years and tens (maybe even hundreds) of thousands of kilometers. Both your Jimny and the ignis my family had might be different models, but they're from the same generation, especially when it comes to their looks from the outside

Yay! It's the Geo Tracker! :) I'm not making fun of it, I had a Geo Storm, which was a very unappreciated car as well.

I used to drive an SJ in South Africa years ago. You could take it places that made landrovers soil their pants.

My daily driver is a 1991 Geo Tracker! 97,000 miles, new Sporttop, AT2 Grabber tires. You will have to pry my cold dead hands off of it to get it!

I have a gen 3 here in Japan it's a 660cc auto, it's done 125,000k and so many problems. Auto won't shift when hot, when cold its always hunting for the right gear, electric power steering only works when it wants to, the idle will often jump to 2200rpm, battery lamp is always on, even after new alternator. Dashboard back lighting not working on the fuel and temp side. Saving up for a gen 4

From you description, you could say these cars are hygroscopic.

Calum’s Road!!!!

As someone who uses their 2021 jimny purely as a city car, i love it! Especially in the packed metropolis where i am. Its tall so i can at see better inside and be noticed by other bigger vehicles, and its super nimble and can sneak into a lotta places. Its a shame though that the fuel efficiency is atrocious for a car its size. I kinda wish it had a 1L turbo engine instead, befitting of a kei class car. Or heck, go hybrid/electric.

My offroader is a very built Tacoma as I live in the Rocky Mountains USA, about 3,000 meters above sea level. But I'm excited to have an '89 Suzuki Jimmy, panorama roof on the way. The Jimmy was never available here in the states and Suzuki aren't even sold here anymore😔.

I have a 2005 Suzuki Jimmy 02 version made by Santana and it does have the later dash and 4wD buttons

So i saw your pic on TFL. Cheers!!

100,000km from a set of factory fitted Bridgestone Dueller HT. Never even dropped the tyre pressure for sand driving. Owned the 2015 5spd manual 1.3L for 6 years in a “metallic bluish black pearl” with metallic grey factory alloys. Factory Auto locking hubs. No trouble at all if always Suzuki dealership serviced. Everyday drive car. I upgraded the sound system with head unit and splits with woofers in the doors using slim mounting rings and tweeters on the front pillars beside the windscreen. Stud pattern is 5x139.7 for anyone wanting to change their rims. I bought a 1300kg tow bar kit and fitted it. They can tow a loaded trailer but struggle if you have to pause up a hill when towing a trailer so allow for momentum at all times or be prepared to switch to 4x4 low range for boom gate swipe card - I stalled numerous times until I realised this. I fitted cheap roof racks to the roof rails and then an aluminium roof tray. Loaded heaps of weight onto this roof - 7 sheets of very heavy plywood several times. You would be amazed at what can be skull dragged around behind the mighty Jimny with a drag chain and bow shackles. I once dragged large vehicles and a tractor and machinery around a rural property for someone. I always had loads of tools in the back with the back seats folded down. I had a 2 pad electronic rust protection device fitted to the body when brand new. After beach driving flush the ladder chassis sections out with fresh water with a garden hose. MOST IMPORTANTLY - DRIVE IT OFF ROAD - AMAZINGLY AWESOME FUN 🤩

I got 4 of these. my main car on 2" Tm lift, and 33's 6.5:1

I have a Mk3 Panda 4x4 and believe it is the better car. Viscous coupling centre diff that can be locked with a button near gearstick. Transfer case integral with gearbox. Fake LSD front and rear using ABS system to detect uneven wheel speeds and brake the one spinning. All independent suspension. Four seats, four doors plus hatch to reasonable boot. 95bhp 200torque things from 1250 turbo diesel, makes it faster than expected and can cruise at 130kph all day in Europe. They are used by French and Italian police in Alps in winter. PS great videos, I have subscribed. PPS I used Panda to pull a bigger Peugeot SUV out of a deep icy muddy hole after it got stuck there. The Peugeot driver couldn't believe it and was very grateful.

Need more video like this.👍🏻 Here in India ,Suzuki used to sell Samurai as Gypsy. gypsy was long wheel base version of 2nd gen Samurai. Gypsy are mostly used by Indian army. Indian army has 31,000 gypsy(samurai) and operates at high altitude. Your dream will cost only 3000 USD in India that too 2015 produced car

I used to sleep in my gen2 SJ410 all the time on the Mongol rally. The seats fold flat. The only issue is running down the battery on the brake lights if you put your foot on the brake.

I've got a 2008/9 and no rust problems and live on the coast in Darwin, Australia.

Oh ! Lock dem diffs bro❤️

I had a 1982 SJ410 and it was fun for a few months but I soon got rid of it when the novelty wore off quickly