1985: Suzuki Samurai

1985: Suzuki Samurai

Until this time, Suzuki had never officially sold any of their 4x4s in the United States, but some 3000 or so SJ410s followed various unofficial paths into the U.S. With the success of the SJ series in over 100 countries around the world, they saw a huge market ready for such a vehicle. Suzuki took the SJ413 as the basic for what was to be called the Samurai and made the few important changes from the SJ413 listed above. Unfortunately it was only offered to the United States in short wheelbase convertible and hardtop versions.

Suzuki Samurai 1986

1985 was the year that the 1986 model year Samurai was released in America, and it was an instant hit. Starting at $6200 and fully loaded at $7500, many people simply could not resist it. Starting with a mere 1200 trucks imported per month, sales increase dexponentially to 8000 vehicles per month and Suzuki quickly found them selves with 47,000 Samurais sold by the end of their first year. Not only was it the top-selling convertiblein the United States, but it also captured the best first-year sales record of any Japanese car company.

Keeping in mind the success of the VW Bug, Suzuki planned to always revise-not change-the vehicle, therefore retaining its style and simplicity. The 1988, 5 model-year brought the first significant changes to the Samurai. In an effort to improve the ride quality, softer springs and shocks were installed, while a larger front anti-sway bar was used to reduce body lean around corners.

The 5th gear ratio was reduced to improve highway performance, and a new aluminum radiator, a redesigned valve cover, and large transfer case U-joint flanges were used. The dash wastotally redesigned from the round air vents to square ones with a better integration ofthe radio, a 4-spoke steering wheel replaced the previous 3-spoke design, more comfortable seats and rubber shifter knobs, new round-hole wheels and a slightly revised radiator grille summed up the visual changes. Back >