Page 2: Suzuki 4x4 & Off Road

Suzuki Motor Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer, has been around since 1909, but in a much different capacity. Originally it started as a loom manufacturer, but moved into motorized cycles in the 1950s. Today it is still known primarily as a motorcycle manufacturer; however, Suzuki has also released some cars, trucks, and midsize SUVs in the United States.

Suzuki is known for many things, but a well-known producer of trucks it is not. Suzuki is mostly known as a motorcycle manufacturer and it has done quite well in this vain. However, over the years Suzuki has dabbled in the U.S. auto market, mainly with compacts and jeeps, but in 2009 it released its first and only truck, the Suzuki Equator.

In the auto market, Suzuki is known for off-beat offerings, long warranties, and a limited dealer network. Unfortunately they are not known for quality, but that doesn't mean that some of their cars and trucks aren't worth taking a look at.

While Suzuki has produced some compacts, jeeps, and midsize sports utility vehicles (SUVs) over the years, it has only produced one truck, the Suzuki Equator. Actually, the Equator is just a retooled Nissan Frontier, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The Frontier is a solid, well-built truck. The Equator it has slightly different stylings and features, but the body is unchanged. The crew cab doesn't provide much room in the rear seats, but the front cabin features an attractive design, instinctual controls, and relatively comfy front seats.

The Suzuki trucks do not boast many above and beyond features. The Equator has basic equipment that gets the job done, but it isn't anything to write home about. The newer model does include a removable Garmin navigation, Bluetooth, a satellite-radio-ready audio system, and a sunroof. Suzuki also offers a wide array of safety features including side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control on all Equators.

Suzuki's only pickup, the Equator is a midsize truck that was introduced in 2009. Currently Suzuki offers the Equator and Equator Crew Cab with four doors. It's available in extended and crew cab body styles, in five different trims: base, Comfort, Premium, Sport, and RMZ-4. The Equator comes with either a five-foot bed, six-foot bed, or a short bed. There are two engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque and a 4.0-liter V-6 that produces 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. The Equator can tow up to 6300 lbs.

The 2012 Suzuki Equator offers an excellent seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the warranty service must be performed at Suzuki dealerships, which are few and far between. Before settling on a Suzuki for the warranty, make sure a dealership is close by.