The Suzuki SX4 Crossover found in a Colorado Springs car graveyard tells an interesting story about the global car industry from the mid-1980s to the early 2010s. While Suzuki began selling motorcycles in the United States in 1963, it wasn’t until 1985 that they introduced their first four-wheeled vehicle, the Chevrolet Sprint. This was followed by the Suzuki Samurai in 1986 and various Geo-badged Suzukis in the 1990s, such as the Metro and Tracker.
The plotline of Suzuki’s presence in the American market takes some twists and turns in the 2000s due to their involvement with General Motors (GM) and GM’s acquisition of Daewoo’s car-building operations. Some Daewoos were sold with Suzuki badges, while only a few models like the Vitara, Grand Vitara, XL-7, and Aerio remained by 2006 as pure Suzuki products.
The SX4 Crossover was introduced as the successor to the Aerio in 2007. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and based on a platform developed with Fiat, it was available as a “tall hatchback” crossover and later as a sedan. The SX4 name stands for Sport X-over for 4 Seasons, which is a more straightforward acronym compared to others used by Japanese carmakers.
At its launch, the SX4 Crossover was the most affordable all-wheel-drive (AWD) new car in the United States, starting at $14,999 for the 2007 model. However, it received mixed reviews, with one reviewer describing it as garbage due to its limited cargo space, manual gearshift, and simplistic security system.
This particular SX4 Crossover features a base five-speed manual transmission, saving the original owner $1,100 compared to an automatic. It is powered by a 2.0-liter straight-four engine producing 143 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque. Despite its shortcomings, the SX4 Crossover served as an affordable option capable of handling snow and mud for 16 years.
Suzuki tried to revitalize its presence in the American market with the Kizashi in 2010, but it was too late. The company ceased selling cars and trucks in the U.S. after 2013, focusing solely on two-wheeled vehicles. However, Suzuki continues to thrive in other markets, with models like the Hustler consistently ranking among the top-selling cars in Japan.
Interestingly, the SX4 had a European counterpart called the Fiat Sedici. This collaboration between Suzuki and Fiat further highlights the global nature of the automotive industry.
Despite its discontinuation in the American market, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover provides a glimpse into the history of automotive globalization and the challenges faced by automakers in different markets. It serves as a reminder that even during times of gas crises, there is still room for fun and capable vehicles like the SX4, which could handle various terrains with ease.