Suzuki Samurai History

The Samurai (the US name for the global SJ413) arrived in America for the 1986 model year at a starting price of $6,200 — the cheapest new 4x4 available. It became an instant hit, selling 47,000 units in its first year, a record for a first-year Japanese import at the time.

Its run was derailed in 1988 when Consumer Reports published a controversial rollover test, alleging the Samurai was prone to tipping. Suzuki disputed the findings vigorously and later won a partial legal victory, but the publicity damaged sales irreparably. Only 4WD versions remained after 1993 when the 2WD variant was dropped; US sales ended after 1995. Total US sales reached approximately 206,000 units.