2008 Suzuki SX4
Based on analysis of 23 SX4 reviews and test drives.
Suzuki SX4 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Suzuki SX4 ranks 12 out of 35 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 23 published reviews and test drives of the Suzuki SX4, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The SX4's comfortable seating, sporty suspension and can't-be-beat price make it a pleasant vehicle to drive. But with merely adequate gas mileage and no folding rear seats, it can't match the overall appeal of the highest ranked small cars and hatchbacks.
Last year, Suzuki introduced a SX4 crossover with a pleasing driving experience, abundant standard features and a cute exterior at an affordable price. For 2008, Suzuki expanded on this theme with the SX4 Sport, a sedan version that transfers these qualities to a four-door format. Still a new model, most say the SX4 isn't yet up to the standards of Honda compacts, but it is a great alternative. Popular Mechanics writes the SX4 "holds its own with a long list of standard features and likable road manners," despite stiff competition. Car and Driver specifically calls the SX4 Sport "the cure for the common Corolla."
Others report the SX4 Sport is worth considering due to its bargain-basement pricing. Road and Track writes "for what it offers for the money, it's bordering on one of the best buys in entry-level automobiles." Popular Mechanics says its MSRP is as low as a Suzuki motorcycle. But "while not as sexy as its cousin, the Suzuki Hayabusa superbike," the reviewer notes, "this entry-level sedan proves that being budget conscious doesn't have to mean going without amenities."
The 2008 Suzuki SX4 comes as a front-wheel drive sedan, called the "Sport," or all-wheel drive with five-doors, what Suzuki refers to as their "Crossover." Convenience or Touring Packages add additional features for both trims. It replaces the Suzuki Aerio in the manufacturer's lineup. If you're in the market for an affordable small car, also consider the Honda Fit or the Honda Civic.
- "The cure for the common Corolla." -- Car and Driver
- "Suffice it to say, Suzuki is hot, and with its all-new SX4 Sport, it has no plans of cooling down." -- Motor Trend
- "This 5-seat, 5-door hatch comes in at a base price of about $15,000. Not bad for something that has the interior volume of a station Crossover and all-wheel drive." -- Road and Track
- "The 2008 SX4 Sport sedan showcases the carmaker's low pricing and vastly improved design and quality, but it's still no Honda Civic" -- BusinessWeek
- "Designed to ease the day-in, day-out urban grind for its drivers, the SX4 Sport sedan seamlessly blends into varied driving conditions and environments." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune
- "This is a pretty handsome, distinctive design. And for what it offers for the money, it's bordering on one of the best buys in entry-level automobiles." -- Orlando Sentinel
SX4 Performance - 7.5 (Good)
Sluggish acceleration and merely adequate fuel economy don't dampen the SX4 Sport's fun-to-drive personality. Motor Trend finds the Sport "easy and enjoyable to drive quick, especially when equipped with the standard five-speed manual that features short throws and a nice mechanical feel." But some reviewers note the hatchback model's pleasant drive is mitigated by a heavy curb weight. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn more about the SX4's well-liked four-cylinder engine or responsive handling. continue
SX4 Exterior - 7.3 (Good)
The 2008 SX4 Sport has a pleasant design that stands up well with other small sedans. Popular Mechanics calls the SX4 "the sort of urban compact you might expect to see roaming the streets of Tokyo." And although the five-door hatch doesn't have the sex appeal of the Volvo C30 or the quirky nature of the Scion xB, reviewers say its cute. Check out the Suzuki SX4's Photo Gallery to see the sedan or hatch, or continue with our full Exterior Review for descriptions of the car's design. continue
SX4 Interior - 7.7 (Good)
One of the SX4's strongest plusses is a comfortable and classy cabin. The Chicago Sun-Times says it's "a small car that I'd be comfortable in on long trips." Car and Driver writes it's "notably refined inside, the low-gloss plastics and metal-like trim giving a deluxe feel." Check out the Suzuki SX4 Photo Gallery to view the sedan's 15 cubic feet of trunk space, or continue with our full Interior Review to learn more about the car's entertainment features. continue
SX4 Safety - 8.4 (Very Good)
The SX4 has numerous standard safety features that its competitors offer only as options. In addition, the car does well in federal government crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review for specifics on the 2008 Suzuki SX4's safety features. continue
SX4 Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Suzuki SX4 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). All Suzukis receive a three-year or 36,000-mile new vehicle warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about the SX4 Sport's warranty. continue
