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Suzuki Sidekick I (ET/TA) gallery (1988–1998)

The North American Suzuki Sidekick body-on-frame SUV (ET/TA) was manufactured from 1988 to 1998.

All photos 0 I (ET/TA) 0 1988–1998

Marketed in North America from 1988 to 1998, the Suzuki Sidekick (ET/TA series) was the US and Canadian regional designation for the original Vitara. Assembled at the CAMI Automotive plant in Ontario, Canada, as well as imported from Japan, it utilized a traditional steel ladder-frame chassis with independent front suspension, a solid rear axle, and part-time four-wheel drive with low-range transfer gears.

Available in 3-door soft-top, hardtop, and 5-door wagon body styles, the Sidekick was powered by 1.6-liter 8-valve (80 hp) and 16-valve (95 hp) engines, expanding to a 2.0-liter J20A engine (120 hp) for the widened Sidekick Sport model in 1996. Transmissions included a 5-speed manual and 3- or 4-speed automatics.