Yesterday, in my quest to defend cars unfairly labeled as the “world’s worst,” I initiated a daily series inspired by the book The World’s Worst Cars. Using a vintage Commodore PET computer and a random number generator, I select a page from this book and champion the car unjustly criticized there. My aim is to prove that many cars deemed “worst” are actually just uniquely interesting. Let’s dive into today’s redemption!
Our random page selector, the trusty Commodore PET, has chosen page 309. Let’s see which automotive underdog we’ll be defending today.
Alt text: Commodore PET computer screen displaying random number generator program results.
The page reveals the Suzuki X-90! A “worst car”? Absolutely not. While undeniably unconventional, the Suzuki X90 is a charming and distinctive vehicle that deserves appreciation, not condemnation. Let’s explore why this little oddball is far from being the “worst.”
Pet 309
The Suzuki X90 was, without a doubt, a bold and peculiar concept. Imagine a sporty two-seater, reminiscent of the Honda Del Sol with its T-top roof for open-air driving, but then place it on a robust four-wheel-drive chassis (rear-wheel drive was also an option, but 4WD is arguably the definitive X-90). This resulted in a vehicle with significant ground clearance and a firm, off-road-ready suspension. This unlikely fusion of a sporty two-seater and a compact off-roader was certainly novel. While sales figures were modest – around 7,205 units between 1996 and 1998 – its originality is undeniable.
X90 Press
The X90 possessed a unique personality, its proportions almost cartoonish, like a child’s imaginative car drawing. This distinctive look, however, became the target of jokes, as famously highlighted in a Top Gear segment by Jeremy Clarkson.
But is “stupid looking” a fair assessment? I’d argue it’s endearingly fun. The Suzuki X90 projects an image of lighthearted enjoyment, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Yes, it’s compact, but in terms of space and practicality, it’s surprisingly comparable to other small sports cars and off-roaders of its era. Front cabin space is on par with a Jeep Wrangler, and cargo capacity actually surpasses that of a Wrangler from the same period. Furthermore, the X90‘s trunk offers a secure and enclosed storage area, a significant advantage over the Wrangler’s exposed rear storage well.
X90ad1
Stepping inside, the Suzuki X90‘s interior was notably more refined and car-like than other small off-road vehicles of the time, including Suzuki’s own Samurai and Sidekick. It held its own against the interiors of small sporty cars like the Honda Del Sol, Toyota Paseo, and Nissan Pulsar. Adding to its 90s charm, the X90 offered upholstery options in bold, patterned fabrics reminiscent of the era’s movie theater carpets – a detail I personally find appealing, extending even to the door card trim.
Trunkcomparo
Adding to its list of unusual features, the Suzuki X90 had a particularly strange special edition in Europe. It was marketed as the Suzuki Vitara (the X90‘s underlying platform) X-90 Philippe Cousteau Special Edition, named after the son of the renowned ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau. Philippe Cousteau, also a diver and filmmaker, passed away in 1979, nearly two decades before the X90‘s debut. The connection remains somewhat perplexing.
Interior
The Philippe Cousteau edition did incorporate some rugged styling elements, including a front bull bar, fender flares, and running boards, adding a touch of off-road flair, albeit in a rather puzzling tribute.
Thanks to its robust suspension system – MacPherson struts and coils at the front, and coils, wishbones, and trailing links at the rear – the X90‘s ride was firmer than some comparable small sports cars. However, this stiffness was purposeful, contributing to its off-road capabilities. And compared to dedicated off-roaders, the Suzuki X90 offered a more civilized driving experience.
Philippe Edition
While not designed for extreme rock crawling, the X90 was capable of tackling basic off-road trails. With larger tires and some modifications, as well as a healthy dose of adventurous spirit, owners have surprisingly pushed the Suzuki X90 to impressive off-road feats.
Redbull
Power came from a 1.6-liter inline-four engine producing around 95 horsepower. While not a powerhouse, it was adequate for the time, especially considering a Honda Del Sol offered only slightly more at 106 hp. Fuel economy was also respectable, achieving mid-20s MPG.
The Suzuki X90 was conceived as an unconventional and enjoyable vehicle, a concept effectively captured in Suzuki’s marketing campaigns featuring Pez dispensers.
X90 Brochure1
In conclusion, the Suzuki X90 was indeed a peculiar car, born from an unusual idea, and appealing to a niche of drivers seeking something different. However, this uniqueness hardly qualifies it as the “worst.” In many respects, its distinctiveness makes it exceptional. The X90 stands out as the best (and perhaps only) compact T-topped two-seater 4×4 with a trunk ever produced.
Even Red Bull, known for its discerning brand image, chose the Suzuki X90 as their promotional vehicle before transitioning to Minis. This endorsement speaks volumes about the X90‘s inherent appeal.
Labeling the Suzuki X90 a “worst” car reflects a narrow perspective. It wasn’t a mainstream success, but it was a daring experiment that sought to establish a new automotive niche. While that niche didn’t explode, the X90 admirably fulfilled its intended purpose. It embraced its identity and, within its unique context, achieved success. Even today, the Suzuki X90 retains its cool factor, and it’s hard not to smile when you spot one – a testament to its enduringly fun and quirky nature, rendered in metal and rubber.
Suzuki X-90, consider yourself officially redeemed. Owners of The World’s Worst Cars, feel free to remove pages 308 and 309.
