Who would buy the Jimny if it was available in the US?

[DeltaBravo]

Me

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[AcesandEights]

I would have a few years ago (or more). I did a little research on the prices and I can't remember exactly, but it seems the price doubled in the last 10 years or so. When they were $10k, I'd have bought two, a red one and a blue one, and burned 'em both. Now, they're too expensive.

 

[JoeSpeed]

Only if the top came off

 

[Hoofnmouth]

They would sell like crack

 

[Runningwaters]

Definitely. Over a Bronco even.

Saw some in person in Japan and absolutely loved them.

Cheap, cool looking, compact, and capable.

 

[harpo]

I'd have to test drive one first but love the concept. I don't necessarily mind underpowered cars, but there is underpowered and unacceptable. I fear it will fall into unacceptable.

Now if I could test drive the Bronco I'd feel much better about buying it but am not concerned about power...

 

[Lowcountry Bronco]

If it was 10K cheaper than jeeps and Broncos it would do just fine. I think its closer to 5K cheaper though.

Actually allot cheaper than that, they start in Japan at ¥ 1,485,000, which is $13,742.12 at this particular moment.

Here's the build and price if you want to play:

https://www.suzuki-oe.jp/estimate/car/index/jimny

 

[Werkedperformance]

id rock a diesel jimny and leave the kids at home. sorry brah.

that said. im not and i cant, and the b!tch better allocate on Thursday or imma gonna be on a roadtrip to dearborn in ye old ranger with plate welded over the windows.

 

[BR0NCO]

This really explains why we no longer have the Jimny (called the Samurai in the US).

You are correct but Consumer Reports did not do a fair test on the Samurai. The director told the crew nobody was going home until someone got it on two wheels. Suzuki spent years suing and eventually got an apology, the only thing they wanted, from Consumer Reports.

 

[timhood]

This really explains why we no longer have the Jimny (called the Samurai in the US).

Is it, though? I mean 60 minutes did a hella number on Audi back in the '80s with the whole "Sudden Unintended Acceleration" scandal, and I'd argue that made far bigger news than the Suzuki rollover news. Yet Audi is here today. Not saying it didn't hurt, but Suzuki wasn't exactly a mainstream dealer or with a broad or quality product line.

 

[Crowza]

Is it, though? I mean 60 minutes did a hella number on Audi back in the '80s with the whole "Sudden Unintended Acceleration" scandal, and I'd argue that made far bigger news than the Suzuki rollover news. Yet Audi is here today. Not saying it didn't hurt, but Suzuki wasn't exactly a mainstream dealer or with a broad or quality product line.

During the time period, this report was everywhere, as I recall it. I personally never read nor followed Consumer Reports, but it made the national nightly news. Everyone from my insurance agent to friends all said, "your 4x4 will roll".. It became "group think" really quickly.

I don't remember the Audi, but I probably didn't notice because I didn't own one.

I did notice my insurance rates skyrocket.

For what it's worth, that is how I remember it.

 

[Crowza]

You are correct but Consumer Reports did not do a fair test on the Samurai. The director told the crew nobody was going home until someone got it on two wheels. Suzuki spent years suing and eventually got an apology, the only thing they wanted, from Consumer Reports.

The video encapsulates the hit job that Consumer Reports did on the Samurai.

 

[Bronco4lyfe85]

I had to go and google what a “jimny” was.

first thought: really dumb name
Second thought: looks like a Jeep Compass with a Suzuki badge.

No, thanks.

 

[Wilbur's son]

Was in Iceland back in '19. While I was driving a Hyundai diesel 4wd rental, I was constantly ogling all the classic Defenders and huge E-350 tour group machines (one company is called Mountain Taxi) for fording rivers. I finally noticed Jimnys everywhere. Perfect, basic 4wd. Oh yeah, I wanted one.

Edit: Even found an original Bronco while walking the streets of Reykjavik.

 

[Crowza]

I had to go and google what a “jimny” was.

first thought: really dumb name
Second thought: looks like a Jeep Compass with a Suzuki badge.

No, thanks.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Jimny

On April 21, 2007, the Chilean duo of Gonzalo Bravo and Eduardo Canales drove their modified Suzuki Samurai (SJ413) up Ojos del Salado to an altitude of 6,688 m (21,942 ft), setting a new record for the highest altitude attained by a four-wheeled vehicle, surpassing the previous record of 6,646 m (21,804 ft) set by a Jeep.

The Samurai in question benefited from wheel, tire, and suspension changes, and a supercharged G16A 4-cylinder engine. It was the third attempt for the two man team, after encountering weather difficulties on the first attempt and an engine fire in the second. The previous record holder's team led by Matthias Jeschke driving a Jeep Wrangler, left a sign reading "Jeep Parking Only: All others don't make it up here anyway". The Chilean team found the sign, blown down by strong winds, and brought it back to civilization as a souvenir.

It's a small 4x4, but extremely capable. I just priced a new one out on Suzuki's Japanese site and added everything I could. The total came to $22k.

Not everybody's cup of tea, but it's worth it to look at some older models (top was removable).

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