The Suzuki Samurai started as the HopeStar ON360 in the late 1960s before Suzuki purchased the design in 1968. From that acquisition came a compact off-roader that would go on to leave a significant mark on the off-roading world—the Suzuki Samurai. Known for being nimble, reliable, and capable, this small 4x4 earned a reputation for punching well above its weight.

If you don't know the Samurai for the unfunny Family Guy cutscene (which, in fairness, is most of them) that spoofed it, you probably know it for being a small, compact, and incredibly fun example of Japanese off-road engineering. Today, we'll take you through the history of the Samurai and its potential for off-roading in the current scene - if you can find one in good shape, it's a real gem, and we'll show you why!

Breaking Onto the U.S. Market

In 1985, the Samurai (known globally as the Jimny) arrived in the U.S. market as a 1986 model. Under the hood was a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 63 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. While it was sluggish with a 0-60 time of nearly 17 seconds, the Samurai came alive off-road. Thanks to its lightweight design and real four-wheel-drive system with solid axles, the Samurai could take on trails with ease, outshining much larger vehicles.

Despite its modest power, the Samurai resonated with off-road enthusiasts. Its compact size made it nimble, less prone to getting stuck, and perfect for technical trails. In fact, it outsold the Jeep Wrangler two to one in 1987. The Samurai’s lever-shift transfer case and four-low gear range further bolstered its off-road capabilities.

A Serious Off-Road Contender

Samurais from all generations in the U.S. featured body-on-frame construction, similar to what you’d find on pickup trucks. This ladder-type frame was more rigid than unibody construction, allowing the suspension to perform better in extreme conditions. The solid axles at both the front and rear provided superior articulation, keeping the tires in contact with the ground on uneven terrain and boosting traction.

In its early years, the Samurai featured leaf springs at all four corners, but later generations saw the introduction of coil spring suspension, improving ride quality. The vehicle also used a recirculating ball steering system—durable and well-suited for off-road use, though not as precise as modern rack-and-pinion setups.

A Rocky Road

The Samurai hit its sales peak in the late 1980s, with Americans buying 8,000 units per month by 1988. However, things took a turn in 1988 when Consumer Reports labeled it as unsafe, claiming it was prone to rollovers. This sparked a media storm and hurt Samurai sales, even though Suzuki later revealed that Consumer Reports manipulated the tests to produce a rollover. After years of legal battles, the case ended with an out-of-court settlement.

Despite these setbacks, the Samurai soldiered on with minor updates. In 1990, Suzuki introduced throttle-body fuel injection, bumping the power to 68 horsepower. Between 1991 and 1993, the company also offered a rare two-wheel-drive version. However, the Samurai was discontinued in the U.S. by 1995, though the Jimny continues to thrive in other markets today.

Collecting the Samurai Today

As you might expect, the Suzuki Samurai has become a sought-after collectible for many enthusiasts, with unmodified examples becoming increasingly rare. If you’re looking to buy one, opting for a stock model ensures fewer surprises from prior off-road abuse.

However, modified Samurais can be a budget-friendly way to get a trail-ready rig, provided the modifications are done properly. But be sure to inspect for signs of poor workmanship if you go this route - there are more than a few DIY projects we've seen that have gone south fast.

Final Thoughts On The Suzuki Samurai

The Suzuki Samurai remains an icon in the off-roading community—a testament to what a compact, well-engineered 4x4 can accomplish. Whether you’re considering purchasing one or simply reminiscing about its glory days, the Samurai’s story proves you don’t need a massive budget to conquer the trails.

If you already own a Samurai, we'd love to see it! Add your build to our gallery on TrailBuilt and share your experiences with us. Or, build your Samurai today by using our brand new buying flow - we have financing, free shipping and quick delivery available on all in-stock parts!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting our journey through off-road history. If you're one of the lucky few, we'll see you and your Samurai out on the trails!