2007 Suzuki SX4

iluvmysephia1

the computer sensor that will automatically "sense" when your SX4 needs to go into AWD-Auto mode and out of AWD-Lock mode, which is the 4WD system on the car. I really think this is a smart idea from Suzuki but yes, this car is not a 4WD SUV with lots of clearance for mud-truckin' with Deep Purple on full blast and a Budweiser popped open.

But to be able to switch your SX4 to AWD-Lock and have 4WD capabilities is awesome for a $14,999 car(that's the SX4's price with the manual transmission).

Once you get up to 36 mph it will automatically switch you into AWD-Auto mode.

The computer "differential" nerve-center for the car's drive capabilities is located just north of the rear axle and is said to be about the size of a standard sized tool box, give or take a dust-bunny or two.

plekto

Whis seems to be a good compromise. No nanny-ware if you are in first or second gear, which is really all you need to get out of mud and up that hill.

Yeah - my old 4-Runner is old.. Lol. Buy my friend's new one is astounding off-road. We ran it around hard a few times and it's the only SUV on the market that equals a Land Rover - no easy task by any means. Except it costs less and is way more reliable.

But 35K is a LOT of money. Well, to me it certainly is. $35K seems to be common for cars these days, buy dang if that's not a lot of hours at the job. No thank you.

That you can get 4*4 in a little Suzuki in a pinch is great. And honestly, just lock it into 2wd mode the rest of the time - and ignore the auto/AWD mode entirely.

wwest

But personally I would feel a lot saving driving one if that 2WD mode involved the REAR wheels. Still waiting to drive one with a stick shift but am already a bit put off by the various statements about engine activity if the clutch is not released as soon the gas pedal is.

plekto

That's a possible sticking point for me too. I hate computers trying to out-think you instead of just learning proper technique.

raderator

OK, now I feel like an idiot. I'd didn't even think to put it in L, let alone to apply the brakes, or even the parking brake...doh!

I guess there's a reason 2 and L are there.

BTW, I like the little downshift thingee which lets you easily go into 3rd for passing without flooring it.

Also love the intermittent rear wiper.

I miss the dash shelf you get on Hondas but at least you don't accumulate junk. The map lights are something Honda neglected for many years.

No sunglasses holder (but there is a grab handle for the driver,LOL). But I might find one at an auto store. Also, this thing needs side molding.

iluvmysephia1

top of the dash...the last car of ours that had one of those was our 1986 Mercury Lynx station wagon. I don't think that we had a flat mini-storage area on the top of the '94 Escort wagon's dash not the '97 Escort sedan's.

I know my '99 Kia Sephia didn't have one nor does our current ride, our '01 Kia Sportage 4x4, have one up there. By and large the manufacturer's are getting rid of them.

I also notice that our Sportage 4x4's glove compartment is kind of lacking in glove compartment space. It's always getting ketchup containers and papers globbed into one another and it does this sorta-stuck thing when I open it half the time.

No problem, I'll use it in my argument to trade the Sportage 4x4 in on a '08 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS in 5-speed stick form, optional Sun and Sound Package with the 6-CD, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo and sunroof. BTW-this car should ring up to around $19,500 - $20,000.

I mean, same argument with the light bulb needing to be replaced and...well...we'd better just buy a new house instead of changing the light bulb...makes good sense, huh?

Actually, we're at 126,658 miles and we've been out of the Long-Haul Warranty for longer than I care to remember and I want us to be fully warranted again. Mitsubishi is employing the same ten year, 100,000 mile Warranty that Hyundai and Kia use. That's because Finbarr O'Neill, former HyunKia exec, took the CEO job at Mitsubishi until things got too hairy for him and he left. Anyone know where Finbarr is building automobiles now? It's a question that needs an answer.

Anyway, I like the 2007 Suzuki SX4 as well as the Lancer and if it was up to my better half we'd just run the Sportage 4x4 until it's engine literally just fell off the 4WD's architecture. I'll keep y'all updated as this pursuit of mine moves along.

Meanwhile, back to reading about all of your SX4 exploits.

ava_adore

My 2001 Sportage literally dropped the diff about two months ago... :P

raderator

I went back to the park and tried to duplicate the situation which got me stuck, only worse. I stopped with the left wheels on pavement and the right in 6 inches of crusty snow. I got out every time, tho had to back up once (the park is flat). I stayed in L and kept my foot on the brake.

I also made two loops around the ball field in 5 inches of snow.

iluvmysephia1

the snow, raderator! You didn't use the AWD-Lock to get out?

AWD-Lock is just what you would need in an icy, snowy, wet driving situation. I must say, our '01 Sportage 4x4 has gotten me un-stuck at least a half-dozen times since we bought it.

I wouldn't even let my '08 Mitsubishi Lancer get anywhere near snow or ice. Wait a minute---I don't own a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS with the 5-speed tranny, optional Sun and Sound Package and Electric Blue metallic paint!

I think I've really hit the major obsessive stage with this Mitsu!

Yikes! :surprise:

arkainzeye

hey Iluvmysephia1, i know what you mean about your Kia. i am on my 2nd tracker now. Ihad a 1999 2.0 and i have a 2004 tracker ZR2 v6. and their 4x4 is great! in my 99 i went through a creek so deep water started coming in the bottom of the door! plus i took that thing in places where you would think i was trying to get it stuck,and i Never got stuck, mud,snow,ice etc. it had a old fashion 4x4 system. put the stick into 4hi or 4low. olf fashion but Strong and "Go anywhere traction".

wwest

Auto-lock, or even a SOLID F/R lock, doesn't help much if the left to right traction is radically different. Only "auto" LSD will help and I think that only gives you a "virtual" LSD at the front.

iluvmysephia1

then that traction left-to-right issue is still a problem and a LSD would be helpful.

Hey, SX4 owner/drivers: keep the information about your AWD-Lock, AWD-Auto and FWD drivetrain option/choices coming. How is the system working for you?

raderator

It was pretty easy. Just use a flat screwdriver to pop off the plastic covers.

The seats are much heavier than they seem do the the folding and latching mechanisms, about 100lbs total.

It does leave 4 bolts sticking up about 3/4 inch tho. I plan to use a 1x3 board with holes drilled in it to cover those up. A heavy carpet would also serve.

Not only do I have much more room for my dog, I can also recline the fronts seats as much as I want. In fact, they go flat making something resembling a bed. And I can shove stuff behind the front seats too. My dog can now easily enter and exit via the side doors.

So if you a loser like me and have no friends to put in the back seats, get rid of them!

In fact, I have no one to put in the passenger seat either. So I plan to swap the lower seat fabric at 50K miles to even out the wear.

raderator

Some of my posts have been deleted so let me re-state this. If you do not have the Sport model, you will have NO LATERAL TRACTION CONTROL. If you stop with one side of the car on pavement and the other in snow you MAY get stuck (as I did). What you need to do in this situation is stay in L (1st gear), AWD Lock and keep your foot on the brake petal to prevent wheel spin. So far, this has worked for me.

de4golf

What is the name and location of the dealer that is providing the below invoice invoicing.

tidester

Have a look at Suzuki SX4: Prices Paid & Buying Experience.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

erics6

In the Portland area Premier Suzuki and Royal Moore Suzuki have advertised good deals on both manual and automatic SX4's.

calgarysuzuki

I don't know if anyone out there can answer these but here goes:

1) What is that little black box that is under the drivers side seat? Always wondered what function it had

2) On the stereo where all the functions are i've always noticed that next to CD is the AUX function. Now i have no idea what or where the auxiliary function is and i was wondering if the stereo on the SX4 can be rigged up for an aux jack for mp3 players? :confuse:

debric

Calgarysuzuki

You mentioned that you got terrible fuel economy when it was cold, how was the heat in it though in the vehicle???

Debric

bbthomas

For your second question, yes it can be rigged with an aux jack. Search the web for SX4 Club
A member has created an interface cable.

ava_adore

I'm in Edmonton, north of Calgary, and I don't get great fuel economy either.
The heater works fine, but it cracked my windshield.

debric

I'm in Edmonton also sorry to here about your windshield though

Debric

ava_adore

Did you get yours through Millwoods or Westside?
And all condolences are welcome.

Kirstie_H

A reporter with a large local newspaper is hoping to talk to consumers who just purchased a Suzuki vehicle. Please reply to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Friday, March 23, 2007 with your daytime contact info.

calgarysuzuki

Ok, ok, I know, MORE QUESTIONS, YEEESH! But anyways before I ask. Debric: My heat is fine. I find the SX4 heets up within 5 mins of idiling even in -25 degree weather. But that cold weather takes its toll on fuel efficiancy. I've been reading up on EPA testing procedures and it turns out those big bold numbers we see in the showroom on the sticker for the car can be off by as much as 20 to 30% thats quite significant. I know because when i saw the sticker for the SX4 in the show room it said its cty/hwy was 30/40 i thought that was very acceptable but as we all know thats not the truth in the real world. ANYWAYS! My question (and this is for anyone who thinks they can answer) I want to get a hi-performance K&N air filter plus performance spark plugs for my SX4. I am soon going to order the cold air intake and U/D pulley system fr om Road Race for my SX4. What performance gains do you think i will get from all of this if any? ( Hey I saw 2 SX4's today! Suddenly i don't feel special on the road anymore...)

wwest

0, ZERO, NONE, ZILCH...!

Most of the time, 99%, the throttle plate provides the majority restriction for intake airflow. The only time otherwise unrestricted flow might help is at WOT and maximum intake airflow near top engine RPM.

"COLD" air intake systems are an absolute FARCE!

dudeboy

I agree that the heater on the SX4 warms up quickly and works very well. I don't know much about Canadian mileage ratings, but you must have a FWD model, correct? My US AWD model will return the EPA ratings, so I'm happy with that. I would say that the performance plugs are not necessary unless you increase cylinder pressure a bunch such as with a turbocharger. The K&N should give you less intake restriction and probably a bit more WOT power. Low restriction air cleaners many times do not filter the air as well as stock paper elements, and you should take that into consideration. Oil analysis will often show increased silica (dirt) getting past the filter and into the engine. You will get a psychological boost from an increased intake sound level that a lot of people really like. A lot of well designed cold air intake systems have shown increases on the dyno, but that's not always an accurate measurement because the car is not usually moving, and is often subject to higher than normal ambiient temperatures, etc. Fans can be used to control ambients during these tests, and may or may not simulate any ram air effect that you would have with a moving vehicle. I tried one type cold air intake on my Toyota but the element was not adequately shielded from the high temperatures present in the engine compartment - I wasn't happy with the result. The stock system drawing from cooler air in the inner fender well actually worked better. The U/D pulley will reduce the drag on the engine from the accessories, but a downside is slightly dimmer headlights at idle speed, and slightly reduced power steering assist. About 20% U/D is a good compromise and I have that on my Toyota. If the water pump is driven at a reduced speed, you may invite overheating - on my Toyota the water pump speed was not reduced. It will accelerate faster with that modification. The gains from these items are a pretty small percentage, and the SX4 doesn't have much HP to start with. Exhaust is something you might consider too, if you want to spend some money. It's all fun, but expensive. It will make a small difference. Some say they can feel it in the seat of the pants, but it might be hard to really measure very much of an increase.

iluvmysephia1

might translate into "I've spent all of this money on this stuff so I'm gonna just act like it's all been worth it."

dudeboy

Any money a person spends on a hobby he enjoys is probably "worth it" to some extent. I've tried to share my experiences with the modifications the person was asking about. On my Toyota, I picked up about 20 HP at the rear wheels, and reduced the 0-60 MPH time by over .7 seconds. The fuel economy remains the same, or slightly better than stock.

calgarysuzuki

Thanks dudeboy for the detailed response. It seems if i bought all the aforementioned items i'd more or less be wasting my money. Well it seems you are not totally opposed to the air filter and u/d pulley? I'm not lookin to turn my sx4 into a roadrocket just something to give her a little acceleration boost is all. Even when you give the sx4 the gas shes got a throaty roar in the engine. I got an appointment next week to have the windows tinted, that should make it look niiiice. :shades: Oh yeah, you said in your response that i should consider an aftermarket muffler? Any kind specifically?

dudeboy

Spintech makes a performance muffler that has been documented to give increased power for a Toyota V8. I don't now if they make one for the SX4. I wouldn't run the low restriction air cleaner if you are in an extremely dusty area. You always run the risk of shortening your engine life a bit by their use. I do use one on my Toyota. A "drop-in" type for the stock air box may not give you as much gain as an engineered cold air intake. The company you mentioned for the other items may have recommendations based on their Suzuki experience. I don't have any complaints about the underdrive pulley on my Toyota. It was built by ASP. Good luck with your mods!

debric

Millwoods it's still on the boat though......why condolences??

Debric

debric

What is that going to cost you ???
http://www.roadracemotorsports.com/

If you got the pulley/belt air cleaner and piggy back ECU about 16-20 bhp

Debric

ava_adore

DON'T BUY FROM THEM.
They ripped us off $4500, we waited for weeks, we were called every day with a new delivery date, lied to etc.
Seriously, go to West End. We had to fight to get all our extras, and the manager at Millwoods brought me to tears.

debric

Thanks for the heads up

Debric

debric

Does any one else have dealings with Millwoods Suzuki good or bad ???

Debric

sx4soon

more info on aftermarket parts here!

http://www.sx4club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=492

piggybacks are $399 and saves you 5% on gas mileage.

arkainzeye

I know this i not the point. But i always get a giggle out of something like this. $399 to save 5% on gas. if you spend a average of $1000a yr on fuel you would save $50 a year. So it would take around 8 years to just break even on the cost of the $399 device. lol

roxor

hey guys...does anyone know where i could get a cold air intake for the sx 4

dudeboy

I hate to sound like a smart aleck, but it comes from the factory with one. But, you probably want to go after-market, and I did see an install that a guy just did on one of the other SX4 web sites.

calgarysuzuki

has anyone put an aftermarket sports performance muffler on their sx4 yet?

debric

Plus the performance aspect as well, surely ?

Debric

dubbad

Just have a quick question for you SX4 folk.....I just bought a new red SX4 this week. However, it seems as though it is hard to read the center console display....the on that shows ave. MPG and the like....does anyone else have this problem, or is there a way to make it brighter?

thanks

bat1161

Hey folks,

My sister-in-law is looking at the SX4 - Sport with auto transmission for her next car. Since I never heard of it until she brought the brochure home I figured I would ask the Edmunds crowd. So -for you auto tranny owners - how does the SX4 ride? We live in the NYC area and she would be using it on the highway's in the area. Any feelings - good and bad about it?
The reviews i have read said that getting onto the highway can seem to take forever - true or false? Everything else sounds nice.

TIA.

Mark

zentricity

I've had no problems. It really has some power when you want it to go fast.

erics6

I test drove the SX4 auto and stick. I found the auto VERY SLOW! Stick wasn't bad. I'm not into powerful cars, but the weight and lack of power really doesn't add up well in the Suzuki.

The auto Subaru Forester I bought is much easier to get up to speed on the highway.

[Deleted User]

The stick is fine, but the auto may seem a bit overtaxed for this vehicle.

bat1161

Eric,

Since I am a Subaru "nut" as my friends and family call me i fully understand your going with the Forester.
However I believe in testing all waters, so to speak, and I have to admit that the Suzuki is more affordable than Subaru. Since OTD cost is an issue with her, she may look more closely to the SX4.

As for stick vs auto I tried teaching her stick a few years ago and it did NOT go well.

Mark

erics6

I understand OTD cost. We're lucky in the Portland market. #1 Subaru dealer and a lot of competition drive prices down. You can get a new Forester X automatic OTD for around $18k. (No sales tax in Oregon.) Suzuki dealer network here is spotty and not as much competition. Best deals I've seen on SX4's are about $500-$1000 less than invoice. Puts the base SX4 under the Forester, but the sport is pretty close in price. The other issue for me is the horrible Suzuki depreciation. I'd hate to buy a new car, get hit a year or two later and have the car totalled with the depreciation on a car like Suzuki.

iluvmysephia1

for...cover that gap in coverage after a year or two and an accident happens. I bought it on my '08 Lancer GTS and it only costs $9.60 for 6 months. Talk about it being worth every penny! That way your entire cost of rebuilding your SX4 at the body shop+whatever other parts may ne needed would be covered and you could still have a driveable/usable car.