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1997 Suzuki Sidekick JS 2dr Auto

The 1997 Suzuki Sidekick JS 2dr Auto is a 95-hp 1.6-liter inline-4 with a 3-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $13,299 MSRP.

It makes 95 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 21 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

The Sidekick measures 143.7 inches long on a 86.6-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,339 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeConvertible
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$13,299 ($26,929 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.6L DOHC 16-valve I4 (Suzuki G16B)
Displacement1.6 L
Horsepower95 hp
Torque98 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Drive Type2WD (RWD)
Transmission
Transmission3-Speed Automatic
Fuel Economy
City21 MPG
Highway22 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front15 in
Wheels Rear15 in
Dimensions & Weight
Length143.7 in
Width64.2 in
Height64.3 in
Wheelbase86.6 in
Curb Weight2,339 lbs
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 1997 Suzuki Sidekick 2-DR. 4x4

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Suzuki SIDEKICK. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jan 20, 2000 · SUSPENSION

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING BASE ON THE UPPER END OF THE FRONT STRUTS CAN LEAD TO BREAKAGE OF THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE UPPER END OF THE FRONT STRUTS TO THE VEHICLE BODY.

Consequence: IF THE STRUT BROKE LOOSE, A DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A REINFORCEMENT, FOR BOTH FRONT STRUTS, BETWEEN THE FRONT STRUT MOUNTING BASE AND THE VEHICLE BODY. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT STRUT MOUNTING BASES, MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUTS, AND STRUT BAR STAYS WILL BE REPLACED.

NHTSA campaign 00V008000

48 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1997 Suzuki SIDEKICK

Owner Complaints

48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Suzuki SIDEKICK (7 mention a crash, 7 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Power Train12
Suspension10
Engine And Engine Cooling8
Air Bags5
Unknown Or Other4
Electrical System3
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Aug 13, 2003 · Electrical System
“WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE WILL STALL WHICH CAUSES LOSS OF ALL POWER. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN WHICH THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. PROBLEM STILL OCCURS; THE FAILED…”
Jul 10, 2003 · Tires
“WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRES SEPARATED. *CB *NLM”
Nov 8, 2002 · Power Train
“THE CLUTCH PEDAL ATTACHMENT CLIP IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SPOT WELD BROKE ALLOWING THE PEDAL TO DETACH FROM THE LINKAGE. WHEN THE OWNER ENTERED THE TRUCK THE PEDAL WAS ALREADY DETACHED. PLEASE…”
Sep 1, 2002 · Power Train
“CONSUMER STATED THE RING AND PINION GEARS FAILED. NLM”
Jul 10, 2002 · Suspension
“THE VEHICLE STRUTS BROKE WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 00V-008 RELATING TO THE STRUT ROD. NLM”

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 1997 SUZUKI SIDEKICK. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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