1988 Suzuki Samurai Base Hardtop
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 1988 Suzuki Samurai JX Soft Top in Sahara Tan, front left by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Suzuki Samurai, Front Left, 10-23-2021 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Suzuki Samurai 1.9 TD 4x4 LWB by Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1987 Suzuki Samurai JX hardtop in Gray Metallic, rear left by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Suzuki Samurai In Türkiye – POV Test Drive No. 1313 Joe Black 02 by JoeBlack9, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1988 Suzuki Samurai Base Hardtop is a 63-hp 1.3-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual. It starts at $8,295 MSRP and is rated at 25 mpg combined.
It makes 63 horsepower. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 24 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (25 mpg combined).
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Convertible |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $8,295 ($22,788 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1.3 L |
| Horsepower | 63 hp |
| Injection Type | Carburetor |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | 4-Wheel Drive (part-time, 2-speed transfer case) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 24 MPG |
| Highway | 27 MPG |
| Combined | 25 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Live axle, leaf springs |
| Rear Suspension | Live axle, leaf springs |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Tires Front | 205/70-15 |
| Tires Rear | 205/70-15 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Wheelbase | 79.9 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1988 Suzuki Samurai Base Hardtop with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1988 Suzuki SAMURAI. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
May 24, 1995 · SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
NHTSA campaign 95V103008
20 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1988 Suzuki SAMURAI
Owner Complaints
20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1988 Suzuki SAMURAI (6 mention a crash, 5 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Seat Belts | 11 |
| Suspension | 2 |
| Tires | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Seats | 1 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1988 SUZUKI SAMURAI. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.