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2008 Suzuki SX4

(*est. $14,770 to $17,970)

Pros

All-wheel drive
Many safety and convenience features
Generous headroom and legroom, especially in the rear
Above-average safety ratings
Long powertrain warranty

Cons

Slow acceleration
Fuel economy
Fit and finish
Front seats lack height-adjustment

Our Analysis

Thanks in part to the introduction of a sedan body style, the 2008 Suzuki SX4 garners attention from several credible review sources. At Car and Driver magazine, editors evaluate the new SX4 Sport sedan in an eight-car roundup. The 2008 Suzuki SX4 receives a "Best Buy" designation from ConsumerGuide.com, where experts conduct thorough performance evaluations and then rank vehicles against their respective classes. Consumer Reports also offers an analysis of the Suzuki, with ratings that can be compared with those of many other small cars. An informative single-car review of the SX4 from Edmunds.com isn't formally comparative, but it is well-balanced. Editors of Motorists.org, a division of the National Motorists Association, briefly evaluate the Suzuki SX4 on its family functionality, and About.com's car guide puts the SX4 Crossover on two top-10 lists.

A new sedan variant of the Suzuki SX4 debuts for 2008. The established AWD Crossover, a hatchback, returns as well. The Crossover's standard AWD is its chief enticement, as AWD is rare in this price class. However, reviews note that both SX4 models are well-equipped with standard features. Rear headroom and legroom are better than most competitors'. Most critics agree that the 2008 Suzuki SX4 is a great value in terms of its sticker price, feature content and safety ratings, but some also note subpar gas mileage, a lack of engine refinement and an unimpressive fit and finish. The Suzuki SX4's competition includes the highly rated Honda Civic (*est. $14,800 to $23,250) and Mazda3 (*est. $13,995 to $20,295), but neither of those cars offers AWD.

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2008 Suzuki SX4

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2008 Suzuki SX4

Our Sources

1. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

In this comprehensive head-to-head comparison of eight compact cars, the Suzuki SX4 Sport sedan comes in sixth, primarily because its driver's seat is both restrictive and difficult to adjust.

Review: Little Feet: Eight ways to shrink your carbon footprint, Patrick Bedard, May 2008

2. ConsumerGuide.com

Editors award the 2008 Suzuki SX4 their "Best Buy" label, praising its maneuverability and the availability of AWD, but they also note that road noise can be intrusive and that hefty A-pillars may impede the driver's view.

Review: 2008 Suzuki SX4, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 27, 2008

3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports evaluates the 2008 Suzuki SX4, which it notes is the most inexpensive all-wheel drive vehicle available. Ratings for accident avoidance, ride, fuel economy and other aspects can be compared with those of many other models.

Review: 2008 Suzuki SX4, Editors of Consumer Reports

4. Edmunds.com

Editors conclude that the 2008 Suzuki SX4 is not a standout when it comes to fuel economy or cargo volume, but they say it merits consideration because of the hatchback's available AWD.

Review: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Review, Editors at Edmunds.com

5. Motorists.org

Editors consider the Suzuki SX4 hatchback good but not exceptional. The AWD SX4 scores well on most measures of performance, but a "busy" engine and mediocre gas mileage prevent it from earning a top-tier recommendation.

Review: The Best Cars Under $15,000, Editors of Motorists.org, May 2007

6. About.com

About.com car guide Aaron Gold offers a list of cars that give you more for the money. He commends the Suzuki SX4 for all-wheel drive, a roomy cabin and fun driving. A link connects the reader to a detailed review. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Top 10 Deals on Wheels, Aaron Gold

7. About.com

About.com car guide Aaron Gold, who test-drives the vehicles he recommends, describes the Suzuki SX4 as "quite lavishly equipped for a small, inexpensive car", and he praises the SX4's ample headroom, hospitable rear seat and charming exterior. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation..)

Review: Ten Small Cars You Can Live With, Aaron Gold

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