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1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JLX 4dr 4WD MT

All Suzuki Sidekick trims (1989–1998) → All Suzuki Sidekick generations →
1998 Suzuki Sidekick – front Unverified
Photo: Suzuki Sidekick (front), Denpasar by Sabung.hamster, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the Sidekick (1989–1998); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: Suzuki Sidekick (front), Denpasar by Sabung.hamster, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: '89-'91 Suzuki Sidekick 2-Door by Bull-Doser, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: Suzuki Sidekick (rear), Denpasar by Sabung.hamster, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: 1995 Suzuki Sidekick JX (35551573391) by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport JLX 4dr 4WD MT is a 120-hp 1.8-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and four-wheel drive. It starts at $19,829 MSRP.

It makes 120 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

The Sidekick measures 162.4 inches long on a 97.6-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,954 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$19,829 ($39,536 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.8L DOHC 16-valve I4 (Suzuki J18)
Displacement1.8 L
Horsepower120 hp
Torque114 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Drive Type4WD (part-time, on-demand)
Transmission
Transmission5-Speed Manual
Fuel Economy
City20 MPG
Highway23 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16 in
Wheels Rear16 in
Dimensions & Weight
Length162.4 in
Width66.7 in
Height66.3 in
Wheelbase97.6 in
Curb Weight2,954 lbs
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

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Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

No recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1998 Suzuki SIDEKICK.

27 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1998 Suzuki SIDEKICK

Owner Complaints

27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Suzuki SIDEKICK (9 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 7 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags9
Engine And Engine Cooling6
Fuel System3
Gasoline3
Hydraulic3
Power Train3
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Mar 8, 2019 · Tires
“3 YEARS AGO I BOUGHT A SET OF 4 GOODYEAR WARNGLER DURATRAC TIRES FOR MY SUZUKI VITARA. AFTER APROX 1,5 YEARS I GO TO TIRE SERVICE SHOP TO REPAIR AIR LOSS AROUND THE RIM. WITH TIRE UNMOUNTED WE FOUND…”
Jun 9, 2015 · Air Bags Crash 1 injury
“WAS IN A FRONTAL ACCIDENT. FRONT END OF CAR PRETTY MUCH TOTALED. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CODES OR LIGHT BEFORE THIS.”
Mar 14, 2002 · Air Bags Crash
“WHILE TRAVELING AT NORMAL SPEED AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AS A RESULT OF A VEHICLE CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”
Jun 5, 2001 · Electrical System
“WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. TOWED TO DEALER, WHO FOUND IGNITION COIL WAS TOO CLOSE TO ENGINE BLOCK, AND HAD SHORTED OUT. DEALER REWIRED IGNITION COIL.*AK”
Apr 13, 2001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic Crash
“NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK”

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 1998 SUZUKI SIDEKICK. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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