The 1990s were a wild time for automotive design. Amidst the rise of SUVs and the continued popularity of sports cars, there existed a vehicle that dared to blend these seemingly disparate worlds: the Suzuki X-90. Often misunderstood and sometimes ridiculed, the X-90 has been relegated to lists of “worst cars.” But is this quirky two-seater truly deserving of such harsh criticism? Let’s delve into why the Suzuki X-90 is not just an oddity, but a genuinely interesting and even admirable vehicle that’s ripe for re-evaluation.
The Suzuki X-90 emerged onto the scene in the mid-90s, a time when car manufacturers were experimenting with niche markets and unconventional designs. At its heart, the X-90 was a unique concoction: a two-door, two-seat convertible with a T-top roof, underpinned by a robust four-wheel-drive system (rear-wheel drive was also an option). Imagine a Honda Del Sol, known for its sporty open-air appeal, but lifted and placed on a capable 4×4 chassis. This unusual combination resulted in a vehicle with a high stance, generous ground clearance, and a sturdy suspension system – features more commonly associated with off-road vehicles than sporty coupes.
This bold and unconventional approach didn’t immediately win over the masses. Between 1996 and 1998, sales figures for the Suzuki X-90 hovered around 7,205 units. However, low sales figures don’t automatically equate to a “bad” car. Instead, they often point to a vehicle ahead of its time, or one that simply didn’t fit neatly into existing automotive categories. The Suzuki X-90 was undoubtedly in the latter camp.
One of the most immediately striking aspects of the Suzuki X-90 was its distinctive design. Its proportions were undeniably cartoonish, almost whimsical. This playful aesthetic, while polarizing, gave the X-90 a personality that few cars could match. While some critics, like Jeremy Clarkson in a vintage Top Gear segment, poked fun at its looks, many others found its quirky charm endearing. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and in a world of increasingly homogenous automotive design, that’s a refreshing quality.
Beyond its looks, the Suzuki X-90 offered a surprising level of practicality, especially when compared to other vehicles of its type. Despite its compact size, the X-90 provided comparable front cabin space to a Jeep Wrangler of the same era. Furthermore, its trunk offered a more secure and weather-protected cargo area than the open storage well found in Wranglers. This usable trunk space made the X-90 surprisingly practical for everyday errands and weekend getaways, defying the limitations often associated with small sports cars or off-roaders.
Stepping inside the Suzuki X-90, the interior presented a more refined and car-like environment than other compact off-road vehicles of the time, including Suzuki’s own Samurai and Sidekick. It held its own against small sporty cars like the Honda Del Sol, Toyota Paseo, and Nissan Pulsar in terms of interior appointments and comfort. Adding to the 90s charm, some X-90 models featured boldly patterned upholstery reminiscent of the era’s distinctive design trends, extending even to the door card trim.
Adding to the X-90’s list of unusual features was a particularly strange special edition: the Suzuki Vitara X-90 Philippe Cousteau Special Edition, sold in Europe. Named after the son of the renowned ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, the connection to the X-90 remains somewhat enigmatic, especially considering Philippe Cousteau’s passing nearly two decades before the car’s release.
Despite the puzzling name association, the Philippe Cousteau edition did add some rugged visual enhancements, including a front bull bar, fender flares, and running boards. These additions hinted at the X-90’s underlying off-road capability, which was more than just cosmetic.
Underneath its quirky exterior, the Suzuki X-90 possessed a robust suspension system, featuring MacPherson struts and coils at the front and coils, wishbones, and trailing links at the rear. This setup, while contributing to a firmer ride than some comparable sporty cars, provided the necessary durability for off-road excursions. While not designed for extreme rock crawling, the X-90 was certainly capable of handling basic off-road trails and uneven terrain. Enthusiasts have even demonstrated the X-90’s surprising off-road prowess with modifications like larger tires and suspension enhancements, showcasing its hidden potential.
Powering the Suzuki X-90 was a 1.6-liter inline-four engine producing around 95 horsepower. While not a powerhouse, this engine provided adequate performance for its intended purpose, especially considering the era’s standards. Fuel economy was also respectable, achieving mid-20s MPG figures. The focus of the X-90 was not outright speed, but rather a unique blend of fun, open-air driving, and surprising versatility.
Suzuki’s marketing for the X-90 leaned into its unconventional nature, even using Pez dispensers in promotional materials. This self-aware approach acknowledged the X-90’s inherent weirdness while highlighting its playful and fun-loving character. The X-90 was designed for those who dared to be different, those who sought a vehicle that broke the mold and offered something truly unique.
Perhaps one of the most significant endorsements of the Suzuki X-90’s appeal came from Red Bull. Before their association with Minis, Red Bull famously used Suzuki X-90s as promotional vehicles. This choice speaks volumes about the X-90’s eye-catching design and its ability to stand out in a crowd – exactly what a brand like Red Bull seeks.
Labeling the Suzuki X-90 as one of the “world’s worst cars” is a narrow and unimaginative assessment. It was a bold experiment, an attempt to create a new niche, and in many ways, it succeeded in being exactly what it set out to be: a unique, fun, and surprisingly capable vehicle. The Suzuki X-90 may not have been a mainstream success, but it carved out its own distinct identity and has aged into a genuine cult classic. Today, spotting a Suzuki X-90 is a rare treat, and it’s hard not to crack a smile when you see one – a testament to its enduringly quirky charm and its rightful place as more than just a footnote in automotive history. The Suzuki X-90 is a reminder that sometimes, the most interesting cars are the ones that dare to be different.
