A Sport sedan joins the lineup of the 2008 Suzuki SX4, which debuted last year in hatchback form. The new Sport sedan features a sport suspension, sport pedals, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an aerodynamic body kit. Unlike the AWD hatchback, however, the sedan comes only in front-wheel drive, which makes it less veratile but also less heavy. The only major change for the hatchback is an updated fifth gear in the manual transmission. Both trims share a 2.0-liter, 143-hp I4 engine with 136 ft-lbs of torque at a relatively low 3500 RPM. A 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic are the transmission choices.
The 2008 Suzuki SX4 hatch continues to bill itself as the most affordable compact AWD. Lacking low-range gearing, it is meant only for slippery and snowy driving conditions, but drivers seem impressed with its performance. The system defaults to front-wheel drive, but then automatically distributes torque to the wheels when it feels slippage. Though the engine power and 10.2-second 0-60 time doesn't compete with more pricey cars such as the Sentra SE-R, owners and critics agree that the 2008 Suzuki SX4 steps up to the plate and delivers in terms of handling and sporty feel on the open road and around curves. For someone wanting a little fun behind the wheel without breaking the wallet, the 2008 SX4 provides a good-looking alternative.
Both sedan and hatchback come with ABS brakes, dual front-side and side curtain airbags, full power features, and a CD/MP3 player. Both can be outfitted with either the Convenience Package (cruise control, leather trim) or the Touring Package (foglights, rear spoiler, CD changer, keyless ignition). While the rear seats in the hatch fold and flip up to expand the 16 cubic foot trunk to 64 cubic feet, the SX4 sedan's seats do not, due to a stabilizing bar behind the seatbacks. Reviews cite the 2008 SX4 as sportier, more nimble, and more fun to drive than the comparably-sized Fit and Versa. The AWD system ranks high, as does the surprising headroom and roomy interior. The major drawback for owners seems to be its small 11-gallon gas tank and its 22/30 mpg, which some feel should be better for a compact. Sluggish acceleration, engine noise, and the lack of folding rear seats in the Sport sedan also earn criticism.
4.6 Overall rating
(23 reviews)Performance: The key issue here for the SX4 is not its lack of present power, but rather how that power is delivered to the wheels. Suzuki fitted an antique, slow- shifting 4-speed automatic gearbox that really restricts this car's acceleration and cruising capabilities. Acceleration to city speeds of 45 miles per hour and under is more than adequate, but the transmission makes hard acceleration to anything faster than that quite sluggish. Sad, really, since it didn't have to be this way. The transmission leaves the engine at an intrusive groan at highway speeds, which becomes very bothersome over time. This issue becomes less prominent, though, when the rest of the car is considered. This is an inexpensive, (relatively) fuel- efficient hatchback with all-wheel drive and Japanese reliability. If you live in a dry, sunny climate, look elsewhere, but northerners should definitely give this little Suzuki a serious look. It's a very good car with only that one major fault. Build Quality: Overall material and build quality throughout is very good for this price range, with no significant issues to speak of. Appearance: Some find the SX4's styling offensive, but I'd wager that they're not used to seeing conservatively-styled cars anymore. There's nothing wrong with its appearance, it simply does not stand out. Interior design is a similar story, with a clear bias toward function rather than form. For a utilitarian compact car like this, I feel that this is a good thing, as those who buy cars to match their clothing wouldn't usually be looking at a Suzuki. Cost of Ownership: Many of this vehicle's mechanical components are very generic, and are easy and inexpensive to fix and replace as a result. While the SX4's fuel economy may seem shockingly low when compared to other vehicles, keep in mind the added weight and fuel consumption of an all-wheel drive system. A transmission from this millennium would help, though, as can be seen in the 2012 Subaru Impreza, which also features all-wheel drive, and is the SX4's only true competitor. Fun Factor: Being a compact hatchback, the little Suzuki is light and nimble. It's a little disconcerting to drive on the highway, due to aforementioned transmission, as well as a jittery ride, but around town it's very fun to toss around.
Pros: Low price, roomy up front, great reliability, handling, lockable 4wd, plenty of cargo space, good safety rating. Cons: Low rpm power is lacking, initial take off is good, but slow from 10-35 mph. Poor quality paint. Bird poo etches thru very easily. Overall we are very happy with our SX4. It is roomy up front for tall guys w/long legs. The car sounds very solid without rattles while on dirt roads.
I really like the way this car is breaking! Well built, and it is a pretty fun car to drive, more than a civic or sentra spec-v... 17 inches wheels are beautiful but I have to change the tires! WELL DONE!
Great car for the value. Basically the best, cheapest small SUV you can get.
least expensive awd available. touring version has tons of standard features. stock bridgestone tires suck. very deep but short truck-great for groceries, but wont hold golf clubs without putting down seats, but with down will hold those or a washing machine or 3 bails of hay.
2008 Suzuki SX4 FAQs
How many 2008 Suzuki SX4 vehicles in Springfield, IL have no reported accidents or damage?
3 out of 4 for sale near Springfield, IL have no reported accidents or damage.
What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Suzuki SX4?
Depending on the engine and options, the 2008 Suzuki SX4 gets between 24 and 25 MPG (or MPGe).
What fuel types are available?
Gasoline engines are available.
-
All Used Cars
-
Manual Transmission Cars
-
Luxury Cars
-
Cars with Red Interior
-
Cheap Manual Cars
-
Hybrid Cars
-
Sports Cars
-
Electric SUVs
-
Cheap Trucks
-
Small Cars
-
Third Row SUVs
-
Three Quarter Ton Trucks
-
Lifted Trucks
-
Manual Transmission Trucks
-
Diesel Trucks
-
Hybrid SUVs
-
Dually Trucks
-
One Ton Trucks
-
Cheap SUVs
-
Lifted Ford Trucks
-
4x4 Trucks
-
Work Trucks
-
AWD SUVs
-
Ford Trucks
-
Chevrolet Trucks
-
Toyota Trucks
-
Trucks Under $10,000
-
Cars Under $15,000
-
Sports Cars Under $20,000
-
Trucks Under $20,000
-
Used Sedans for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used SUVs / Crossovers for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Hatchbacks for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Convertibles for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Vans for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Minivans for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Pickup Trucks for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Coupes for Sale with Low Mileage
-
Used Wagons for Sale with Low Mileage