Suzuki Sidekick facts for kids

Suzuki Sidekick JX 5-door (US)

The Suzuki Sidekick and Suzuki Grand Vitara are popular small sport utility vehicles, often called SUVs. They were made by a Japanese company named Suzuki. These vehicles are designed to be good for both city driving and light off-road adventures.

Suzuki started selling these vehicles in 1988. They took the place of an even smaller Suzuki SUV called the Suzuki Samurai. For many years, from 1989 to 2004, these vehicles were also sold by General Motors in the United States. They were known as the Geo Tracker during that time. In other parts of the world, this vehicle is often called the Suzuki Escudo. So, it's one car with a few different names!

What is a Sport Utility Vehicle?

A sport utility vehicle, or SUV, is a type of car that combines features from regular passenger cars and off-road vehicles. They usually have more ground clearance, which means they sit higher off the ground. This helps them drive over bumps or rough paths more easily. SUVs also often have four-wheel drive, which helps the wheels get better grip on slippery or uneven surfaces. This makes them good for families who need space and want to explore different kinds of roads.

Different Names Around the World

It's common for cars to have different names in different countries. The Suzuki Sidekick and Grand Vitara are great examples of this.

Why Do Cars Have Different Names?

Car companies sometimes change names for a few reasons. A name might sound better or be easier to say in one language than another. Also, a name might already be used by another company in a certain country. For the Suzuki Sidekick, the name Suzuki Escudo was used in Japan and other places. The name "Escudo" comes from a word meaning "shield," which sounds strong and protective.

Images for kids

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  1989–1991 Suzuki Sidekick 3-door (US)

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  1992–1994 Suzuki Vitara JX softtop (Australia)

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  Suzuki Sidekick Sport 5-door (US)

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  Mazda Proceed Levante (Japan)

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  Suzuki Grand Vitara 3-door (Australia)

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  Suzuki Grande Escudo (XL-7) 5-door (Japan)

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  Mazda Proceed Levante (Japan)

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  Suzuki Grand Nomade facelift (Chile)

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  2015 Suzuki Vitara

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  2015 Suzuki Vitara

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  Suzuki Vitara Boulevard Edition