Suzuki has a reputation for building sturdy little cars and the Jimny is no exception. However, the Suzuki Jimny is very basic and it''s missing the modern benefits you''ll find on its rivals. On the plus side, it is one of the cheapest 4x4s on the market today.

First Generation Suzuki Jimny (1970 - 1981)

The Suzuki Jimny is a compact off-roader and the first global success for the Japanese automobile manufacturer. It enabled Suzuki to make a name for itself around the world and filled a gap in the market.

The original LJ10 is a rebodied Hope Motor Company ON360 with an air-cooled Suzuki two-stroke engine replacing the Mitsubishi unit. It was classed as a kei car in Japan, offering various tax benefits. The LJ10 could reach a top speed of 47 mph.

The LJ20 was launched in 1972 with an updated water-cooled engine. The front grille bars changed from horizontal to vertical and a Hard Top variant was introduced. Kei car rules changed and prompted the release of the SJ10/Jimny 55 in 1976. Its 539 cc three-cylinder engine had a top speed of 60 mph. The SJ10 was known as the LJ50 in most export markets. A LJ51P long wheelbase pickup became available in some export markets in May 1976.

The final iteration of the first generation Jimny was the Jimny 8, or SJ20. Under the bonnet was a 797 cc four-stroke SOHC four-cylinder engine that could produce 41 hp. The SJ20 featured an improved interior, and from 1979 you could have metal doors on your Jimny. The Suzuki Jimny 8 was discontinued in 1981.

Second Generation Suzuki Jimny (1981 - 1998)

Production of the next generation Suzuki Jimny began in 1981 in Japan. The SJ30 was sold as the Suzuki Jimny with 550cc and 660 cc three-cylinder engines. This model was mostly for the Japanese domestic market as it fell within the kei car category. Production ended with the withdrawal of type approval in November 1987.

The SJ40 was introduced to replace the LJ80 range in 1982. It was known as the Jimny 1000, or the Suzuki SJ410 in most export markets. Its F10A engine was a larger 1.0-litre version of the LJ''s 800cc and it could produce 45 hp and manage a top speed of 68 mph.

The next upgrade was the SJ410 that was also produced in Spain by Santana Motors to service the European market and get around limits on Japanese import vehicles. The Suzuki Jimny got another revamp in 1984 with the launch of the SJ413, which has a larger 1.3-litre engine, five-speed manual transmission and power brakes all around. It also had a redesigned interior and body. The Santana Motors-built versions got the same chassis developments in March 1990, which turned the SJ413 into the Samurai.

Third Generation (1998 - Present)

The all-new Suzuki Jimny was presented at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show with a much more modern design. It did retain the dual ratio transfer case, which kept it above many competing compact 4WDs that lacked a low range. Two body styles were available in export markets; a standard hard top and the canvas top. The latter was introduced at Barcelona Motor Show in May 1999 and was only built by Santana in Spain between 1999 and 2009.

The Suzuki Jimny replaced the popular Sierra/Samurai models in most markets. It''s a cheap and cheerful yet extremely capable off-roader that''s still available now. The 1.3-litre petrol engine is small and doesn''t provide the Jimny with much power or speed. The Suzuki Jimny''s main selling point is its four-wheel drive capabilities. It has part-time 4WD and the driver can shift from 2WD to 4WD while driving up to 62 mph, although they have to stop the vehicle to switch to low range.

There are two trim levels available on the third generation Suzuki Jimny; JX and JLX. The JLX is the ''top of the range'' and adds roof rails, power steering, power windows, power adjustable exterior mirrors and several interior comfort improvements. Both are available as a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Cheap Suzuki Jimny Car Parts

If you''re looking for spares for your Suzuki Jimny you''ve come to the right place. Many Jimny parts will be available to buy now from the independent breakers in our network. For other parts, the breakers will get back to you with quotes to offer you a wider choice. It doesn''t matter if you need a Suzuki Jimny engine or gearbox, or simply switches or wing mirrors, all Suzuki car parts are thoroughly checked, fully guaranteed for at least a month, and ready for delivery to your home or garage.