Yesterday, in a somewhat whimsical endeavor, I embarked on a mission to defend cars unfairly labeled as the “world’s worst,” using a random page selector from the book The World’s Worst Cars. Fate, or rather a vintage Commodore PET computer, has chosen page 309, revealing the Suzuki X-90. Worst car? Absolutely not. This unique and cheerful vehicle is far from deserving such a title. In fact, the Suzuki X-90, with its bold design and unconventional approach, stands as a testament to automotive innovation and deserves a serious re-evaluation.
The Suzuki X-90, launched in the mid-1990s, was undeniably a concept car brought to life. It dared to blend seemingly disparate automotive worlds: the sporty appeal of a two-seater convertible with the rugged capability of a four-wheel-drive SUV. Imagine a Honda Del Sol, known for its open-top fun, fused with a capable 4×4 chassis, elevated ride height, and robust suspension. This is essentially what Suzuki delivered with the X-90. While a rear-wheel-drive version was available, the four-wheel-drive model embodies the true spirit of the X-90, a vehicle ready for adventure, both on and off the paved road.
Despite its innovative nature, the Suzuki X-90 didn’t achieve mainstream success. Sales figures were modest, with approximately 7,205 units sold between 1996 and 1998. However, limited sales figures do not equate to a vehicle being “bad.” Instead, the X-90’s rarity today contributes to its unique charm and increasing desirability among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate vehicles that dare to be different.
The X-90’s Unique Design and Features
The Suzuki X-90’s design is arguably its most defining characteristic. Its proportions are almost cartoonish, lending it a playful and approachable aesthetic. This distinctive look, while polarizing at the time, is now a key part of its appeal. Jeremy Clarkson famously poked fun at the X-90 on Top Gear, but even he couldn’t deny its inherent fun factor. The X-90 possesses a lightheartedness often missing in today’s overly serious automotive landscape.
Beyond its looks, the Suzuki X-90 offered surprising practicality for its size and concept. Interior space in the front is comparable to a Jeep Wrangler of the same era, providing ample room for driver and passenger. Crucially, the X-90 features a proper trunk, a significant advantage over the Wrangler’s exposed and less secure rear storage. This trunk makes the X-90 far more practical for daily use and errands than many might initially assume.
The interior of the Suzuki X-90 is also more refined than many contemporary small off-roaders, including Suzuki’s own Samurai and Sidekick. It’s on par with small sporty cars of the 90s like the Honda Del Sol, Toyota Paseo, and Nissan Pulsar. Adding to its 90s charm, the X-90 offered upholstery options with vibrant, patterned fabrics reminiscent of the era’s bold design trends, extending to the door cards and adding a unique visual flair.
Off-Road Capability and Performance
While not designed for extreme rock crawling, the Suzuki X-90 is genuinely capable off-road, thanks to its robust suspension and available four-wheel-drive system. The suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts and coils at the front and coils, wishbones, and trailing links at the rear, provides a stiffer ride than some sporty coupes, but this firmness is intentional, contributing to its off-road prowess. Compared to dedicated off-road vehicles, the X-90 offers a more civilized on-road driving experience.
With some modifications, including larger tires and a spirit of adventure, Suzuki X-90 owners have demonstrated surprising off-road capabilities. Its lightweight and compact dimensions are advantages in off-road environments, allowing it to navigate trails that might challenge larger vehicles.
Powering the Suzuki X-90 is a 1.6-liter inline-four engine producing around 95 horsepower. While not a powerhouse, this engine provided adequate performance for the vehicle’s intended use, delivering similar horsepower to competitors like the Honda Del Sol of the time (around 106 hp). Fuel economy was also respectable for a 4×4 SUV of the era, achieving mid-20s MPG.
The Strange Case of the Philippe Cousteau Special Edition
Adding to the X-90’s inherent oddity is the European market “Suzuki Vitara X-90 Philippe Cousteau Special Edition.” Named after the son of famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, the connection remains somewhat enigmatic. Philippe Cousteau, a diver and filmmaker in his own right, passed away nearly two decades before the X-90’s release.
This special edition did feature visual enhancements like a front bull bar, fender flares, and running boards, adding to its rugged aesthetic, even if the Cousteau association is perplexing. It further underscores the X-90’s unique and sometimes baffling marketing and branding.
More Than Just a Quirky Car: A Bold Statement
Suzuki’s marketing for the X-90 embraced its unconventional nature, even using Pez dispensers to promote the vehicle. This playful approach highlighted the X-90’s core appeal: it was designed to be different, to cater to those seeking something outside the mainstream.
The Suzuki X-90 was undeniably a niche vehicle, appealing to a specific type of buyer who valued individuality and fun over conventionality. But to label it as one of the “world’s worst cars” is a gross mischaracterization. It succeeded in being exactly what it set out to be: a unique, compact, T-top, two-seater 4×4 with a trunk – arguably the best, and perhaps only, vehicle in this highly specific category.
Even Red Bull, known for its shrewd marketing, recognized the X-90’s eye-catching appeal, utilizing them as promotional vehicles before switching to Minis. This endorsement from a major brand speaks volumes about the X-90’s ability to capture attention and project a sense of fun and adventure.
In conclusion, the Suzuki X-90 is far from a “worst car.” It’s a bold and innovative vehicle that dared to be different. It carved out its own unique niche, offering a blend of sporty styling, open-top fun, and surprising off-road capability in a compact and practical package. The Suzuki X-90 is a testament to thinking outside the box and creating vehicles that bring a smile to your face. When you see a Suzuki X-90 today, it’s hard not to appreciate its quirky charm and recognize it for what it truly is: an automotive icon of individuality. The Suzuki X-90 is redeemed; it’s time to tear up page 309 of The World’s Worst Cars and celebrate this wonderfully weird machine.
