Vortec V6 Power: 1988 Suzuki Samurai

The 2nd generation Samurai is a compact off-roader from Suzuki, built from 1981-1998.  The Samurai makes a miserable ride on tarmac, but is legendary for its off-road capability, with one beating a Jeep record for highest altitude achieved for a 4-wheeled vehicle at 21,942 ft.  We think the Samurai is a logical choice for someone needing 4WD capabilities as they are cheap, easy to fix and built like small tanks...and the only thing you really need to do is to upgrade the miserable lump they called an engine when it was new.  Find this 1988 Suzuki Samurai offered for $19,500 in Pecos, NM via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

Billy Goat: 1994 Suzuki Samurai

The 2nd generation Samurai is a compact off-roader from Suzuki, built from 1981-1998.  The Samurai makes a miserable ride on tarmac, but is legendary for its off-road capability, with one beating a Jeep record for highest altitude achieved for a 4-wheeled vehicle at 21,942 ft.  We think the Samurai is a logical choice for someone needing 4WD capabilities as they are cheap, easy to fix and built like small tanks...get one while they are cheap...uggg this one isn't cheap. The miles are low, but to get this sorta price, they'd have to detail it and feature it on one of those fancy pants auction sites where suckers people over pay a premium.  Find this 1994 Suzuki Samurai here on eBay with a starting bid of $7500 located in Glenview, IL with 2 days to go.

Ristretto Shot: 1992 Suzuki Cappuccino Turbo RHD

The Suzuki Cappuccino was introduced for the 1987 model year as an attempt to add some sportiness to the Suzuki lineup in native Japan.  In a photograph it looks like a Mazda MX-5 competitor, but with a total length of only 129 inches and a 1598 lb curb weight, the Cappuccino was closer to a go-kart and it conformed to Japan's Kei (Keijidosha light car) regulations that gave buyers a tax break and easier license/insurance requirements.  The Cino was never sold in North America, but a few made it across the pond and into the wilds of the US car market. Find this 1992 Suzuki Cappuccino Turbo offered for $5495 in Portland, OR via craigslist.

Kei Kar: 1993 Suzuki Cappuccino

The Suzuki Cappuccino was a miniature convertible/t-top sports car that was built from 1991-1998 as an attempt to add some sportiness to the Suzuki lineup in the Japanese domestic market.  In a photograph it looks like a Mazda MX-5 competitor, but with a total length of only 129 inches and a 1598 lb curb weight, the Cappuccino was closer to a shopping cart and it conformed to Japan's Kei (Keijidosha light car) regulations that gave buyers a tax break and easier license/insurance requirements.  Today, they are very affordable in Japan and the few that have emigrated stateside are cheap as well. Find this 1993 Suzuki Cappuccino offered for $6000 near Bellingham, WA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Carry On My Wayward Son: 1985 Suzuki Every

It isn't every day that you find a sweet microvan offered for a reasonable price, but we'll feature every one we find because life is too short to driving something lame.  This might not make the best trans-continental road trip car, but it'll certainly make a good city commuter and get smiles everywhere you go. Find this 1985 Suzuki Every offered for $6,400 in Olympia, WA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On.

Alto In The Name of Love: 1987 Suzuki Alto Works RS-R

The Suzuki Alto was a cheap and uninspiring little keconobox, but if you had the scratch, you could upgrade some of the metal bits (and plastic pieces) to the Works version, or better yet, the RS-R.  The Works upgrades unleashed the full potential of the little s-box and turned it into a plastic scoop bedazzled fun box.  Find this 1987 Suzuki Alto Works RS-R offered for $7000 near Cincinnati, OH via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

Jay Dee-ammmmn: 1990 Suzuki Alto Works RS/R

It was going to be hard to beat yesterday's Mitsu Minica Dangan ZZ Minigun Zipzop Frizzle Frazzle Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, but DT tipper Ryan sent in the following tip with comment: I'll see your ZZ and raise you an Alto Works RS/R.  Well played Ryan...well played.  Find this 1990 Suzuki Alto Works RS/R offered for $6000 in Little Rock, AZ via craigslist.

VW Bus Clone: 1992 Suzuki Every

The VW Bus wasn't a huge vehicle, but it certainly wouldn't have qualified for Japan's Kei car laws...but that didn't stop this next customizer from building what should have been a factory thing.  Find this 1992 Suzuki Every offered for $8495 in Atlanta via Seattle Craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

Wings Clipped: Former Red Bull 1997 Suzuki X-90

The title of Oddest & Smallest 90s SUV goes, without question, to the Suzuki X-90. Mechanically the twin of the Sidekick, aka Escudo in JDM-lingo, the little 2-door T-top sport cute X-90 weighed only 2400 pounds and was actually shorter in length than the original NA Mazda Miata. Makes sense then that Austrian beverage media company Red Bull would convert them into drink dispensing, marketing funded, tax writeoff machines. Find this 1997 Suzuki X-90 with built-in cooler for sale in Carson, CA for $1,950 $1,850 via craigslist. Tip from Sean S. who writes "the most macho tailgating truck ever - built in beer cooler."

Fear This: 1989 Geo Metro Van

The Geo Metro was the product of a joint venture between GM and Suzuki from back in the 1990s.  It wasn't the worst car ever built (cough cough L31 Nissan Altima...) but driving one isn't a good experience unless you are an automotive masochist (ahem...cough Kaibeezy...cough) so this next one has been modified to make it worth a second glance.  Find this 1989 Geo Metro Van offered for $5,500 in San Lorenzo, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

Rally Awesome: 1989 Suzuki Swift GT MK2

The Suzuki Swift/Geo Metro/Chevy Metro/Pontiac Firefly (sold from 1988-1999) was a subcompact hatchbox from General Motors with powertrain developed by Suzuki and the build quality of toy from the 99 cent store.  The Swift wasn't swift in the least bit, but it was available with a 5 speed manual transmission, fully independent suspension and a super light 1600 lb curb weight...so it makes a great rally car.  Find this 1989 Suzuki Swift GT MK2 Rally Car offered for $6,000 in Norwalk, CT via hemmings. Tip from BP.

DT 5.0 Best High Five: Lifted Junk

There are places around the world where having a lifted 4X4 is functional, useful, and downright essential for daily driving during monsoon season, winter, or Black Friday.  Los Angeles, California is not one of those places...so, naturally, I'm going to focus my search for lifted junk in the city of Angels.

Auction Watch: 1980 Suzuki Cappuccino

Find this 1980 Suzuki Cappuccino here on eBay bidding for $5,101 reserve-not-met located in Compton, CA with one day to go.

No, I'm Smartacus: 2002 Smart ForTwo

When the automotive press first announced a collaboration between the Mercedes-Benz and Swatch to build a car, it was funny.  When the specs were released and it was advertised as a rear-engine rear-drive, and the smiles got bigger.  But when it arrived and you got a 44 horsepower car for $15k starting price (before options, taxes and dealer markup) the smiles were wiped off.  However, you might find that this next example could tickle a fancy or two.  Find this  2002 Smart ForTwo here on eBay offered for $27,500 buy-it-now or make offer located in Schaumburg, IL. Tip from Adam.

Seller Submission: 2000 Suzuki SV-650

In 1999 Suzuki introduced the SV-650 as a budget entry to the naked bike market with power from a 90-degree V-twin, but it was anything but budget when it came to technology. With dual-overhead cams and 4-valves per cylinder the 645cc V-twin pushed 69 horsepower into a competent suspension for a surprisingly good overall ride...and you could get it with a fairing if the nekkid bike thing wasn't your thing.  Find this 2000 Suzuki SV-650 offered for $2,200 in Bloomington, CA via craigslist.  Seller submission from Andy. 

Pre-Corolla Resto-Mod: 1962 Toyota Publica 700

Everyone in their lifetime has come into contact with a Corolla, whether it was your first car, or the first car you crashed into. For me, a 2000 Corolla was what started my car passion obsession, when my parents bought it brand new. However, as commonplace as the Corolla is, its predecessor is almost completely unknown. This Publica has been retrofitted with a Suzuki three-cylinder and matching 5-speed and diff, so it should be able to almost keep up with modern traffic. Find this 1962 Toyota Publica 700 for sale in Gladstone, QLD for $4,000 AUD ($2,880 USD at the time of writing) via gumtree.

Might Be A Car: 1983 Suzuki Mighty Boy

The Suzuki Mighty Boy is the mini-El Camino that you didn't know existed, but you certainly need in your garage.  The Mighty Boy was built in Japan from 1983 through 1988 on a shared platform with the Suzuki Alto -- and while both used the tiny sub 600 cc engines to qualify for Japan's keijidōsha class of vehicles, only the Mighty Boy offers an exposed pickup bed.  Find this 1983 Suzuki Mighty Boy offered for $4,399 in Hartford, CT via craigslist. Tip from Johnnyhoo.

Samurai Roll: 1989 Suzuki Jimny

The second generation Suzuki Jimny was sold in the USA as the Suzuki Samurai, but today's next feature wasn't sold new in the US, but has made the as an old man.  As such, it comes with a few features that may or may not get you excited.  Find this 1989 Suzuki Jimny offered for $3,995 in Seattle, WA via craigslist.  Tip from JB1025.