1997 Suzuki Sidekick JS 4dr Auto
All photo credits
- Photo: Suzuki Sidekick (front), Denpasar by Sabung.hamster, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: '89-'91 Suzuki Sidekick 2-Door by Bull-Doser, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Suzuki Sidekick (rear), Denpasar by Sabung.hamster, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1995 Suzuki Sidekick JX (35551573391) by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1997 Suzuki Sidekick JS 4dr Auto is a 95-hp 1.6-liter inline-4 with a 4-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $14,819 MSRP.
It makes 95 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
The Sidekick measures 158.7 inches long on a 97.6-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,593 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $14,819 ($30,007 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 1.6L DOHC 16-valve I4 (Suzuki G16B) |
| Displacement | 1.6 L |
| Horsepower | 95 hp |
| Torque | 98 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | 2WD (RWD) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Automatic |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 19 MPG |
| Highway | 23 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular Unleaded |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 15 in |
| Wheels Rear | 15 in |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 158.7 in |
| Width | 64.4 in |
| Height | 65.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 97.6 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,593 lbs |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick JS 4dr Auto with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | Not rated |
| Frontal crash | Not rated |
| Frontal – driver | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal – passenger | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | Not rated |
| Rollover | Not rated |
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
| Power Train | 12 |
| Suspension | 10 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 8 |
| Air Bags | 5 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
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.