Why the US Won't Let You Own a New Suzuki Jimny - EXPLAINED

[@dman1848]

In Australia, Jimnys are so popular here they break sales records every year and you'd be lucky to get one without having to wait months for them to be in stock and no, no one is flipping them over here. I was lucky to get one a few months back in Ivory and honestly it's the funnest little 4wd I've ever owned. Mini 4wds are so much fun and I believe they don't want them in America because they would take a huge market share away from the competitors there because they are so cheap and reliable. Something that most 4wd's are not in America.

[@Forged4x4]

Not many things make American jealous when it comes to cars... However, browsing Australian Craigslist will send us into a depression.

[@Jimmyhickey90]

I live in Colombia where the streets are small and half the roads are made of dirt. The new jimny is one of the most popular and loved new cars here, and none of them are flipping.

[@jamesemerick3006]

More Susuki, Less Government!

[@dnck1985]

Suzuki*

[@Forged4x4]

This is poetry

[@nileshjoshi4232]

Here in India I took my Jimny at 19000 ft above sea level in the Himalayas. It's a Toy every kid, boy & man will love equally. It's just super fun to drive.

[@Forged4x4]

WOW. That's pretty wild. Any modifications on it?

[@christophearnold-bq6nz]

Amazing video! I had an 1983 Samurai and a 1995 sidekick, these little toys are tones of fun

[@Forged4x4]

The best (pound for pound) anyway

[@flaviusfake271]

Thr consumer report settled out of court with Suzuki. It was found out they had modified the course and vehicle setup to induce a rollover. Even later reports were false. A jury found the magazine made false claims in 2004 but didn't aware damages. Thank you Ford and Dodge for being sleazy...

[@deserttrailscout]

I wanted one of these the moment they were announced but was heartbroken when it was banned from being sold in the US

[@kakegarcia8056]

Well... The only country without three of the best trucks in the world and in the nearby galaxy, the Toyota Troopy, the Toyota Hilux and the Suzuki Jimny, is the United States. I have one of the ones you showed flipping over and you can see in that video the same thing you can find in every other video - a truck flipping over when the conditions are right (ask the Jeep people, they know A LOT about that LOL), so I've been driving my old JB43 for 4 years now and I've been doing a lot of off-roading in mud, jungle, mountains, etc, and 0 accidents. This car was created in 1969 by Hope Star, then Suzuki bought it from them and it's been an amazing 4x4 vehicle ever since and in the 80's the United States had the amazing idea to ban this fun little machine by making up lies (who know which other car they wanted to sell more, as usual a monopoly thing). I live in Boquete, Panama in the province of Chiriqui and I travel all over the country as a professional photographer. Here, like in Trinidad, it's ridiculous how many Jimnys you can find. It's really RIDICULOUS and it's for a good reason. A lot of people, especially from the US, buy a Jimny immediately when they move to Panama and guess what: no one has died so far. If you can import one, bro, DO IT (it's not sponsored by you know who, lol). A lot of my off-roading friends have huge pickup trucks and I'm the one riding my little Jimny along with all the big pickups like a bunch of sedans on the road. Warm regards from a Venezuelan follower in Panama! (Sorry for my English)

[@christianwolf68]

my parents had two of these when i was a kid. they were so much fun. leave it to the fun police to just ruin a good time. it is simply because as they are currently, it is cheaper than the overpriced pavement prowlers currently being sold to brain dead consumers in the U.S

[@ADanNeedsAName]

In High School a few buddies on the football team and I used to pick up our friend's Samurai and move it to different spots or onto the sidewalk. Fun times.

[@markthomas8766]

In Oz 4 of us carried one (belonging to one of the teachers), up two flights of stairs and put it sideways on a walkway. Great times. I've actually moved one just by myself just by bouncing it on its suspension and shoving it when it pops up. Pretty funny.

[@Forged4x4]

Haha. Epic!!!

[@CamildoOrtiz]

I use a Suzuki for 10 years and never had issues or accident with them. I love my jeep and think it’s a great product for buyers. Quality/ reliability…. It’s incredible

[@derpapito1391]

A Suzuki is NOT a Jeep. Which is good😂

[@CamildoOrtiz]

@@derpapito1391 La Marva Jeep también tiene albinos atributos pero también tiene demasiados problemas mechanic principal enter Los más nuevos

[@Forged4x4]

GREAT even.

[@oczuk32]

I'm in the process of obtaining dual citizenship from Mexico. One of the main reasons is to purchase a Jimny in Mexico and drive it in the States. As a Mexican citizen, I could drive the Jimny in the States. As long as the vehicle crosses the border periodically, it indicates to the government that the vehicle is going back and forth. But to be able to purchase a vehicle in Mexico, here are some steps: 1. You must have a home address in Mexico to registered the Jimny. 2. Have a utility bill registered under the home address for proof 3. Must have a Mexican Bank account to finance the vehicle, or buy it straight out cash if you roll like that. 4. As far as full “legalities”, however, insurance for the USA on a Mexican car can only be obtained with a Mexican driver's license. Immigration doesn’t ask for proof of insurance or a license, nor do they care because it isn’t their problem. It could be a problem if pulled over or in the event of an accident. So it is at the vehicle owner's risk. Or you could purchase travel car insurance, but that will get pricey. But then, this probably falls under the 1% of enthusiasts who can do this. But it’s possible. I hope to make this happen soon.

[@R3DDWOLF]

we had a "smart car" rolling on the streets, soooooo that's not a good excuse.

[@Cornholio619]

Have a friend in Mexico buy it. Have them cross it over for you. Done deal

[@skipperclinton1087]

@Cornholio: Great idea, except you'll never be able to register it because it'll be on a DOT list for an off-road use only list. On top of that, it won't be on an approved import list either. I would imagine if you were to drive it on the highway and got stopped by the police it would be impounded, and you'd never get it back either.

[@DaveAsher]

Cool video, now do the Toyota Hilux Diesel!

[@ruivascomonteiro1776]

I am lucky to have one of these (JB74, 2 door) in Mexico. Best offroad rig I’ve ever owned! I hooked it up with some airlocks and 4” lift. My fav sport now is to put those heavy overlanders to shame 😂

[@SirSwindled]

chicken tax and café laws are the fucking worst and do not serve the American people, but rather protect US based automotive giants from competition. In no other time in our history have Americans chosen to keep buying and owning used/older vehicles in such great numbers. If KEI vehicles or vehicles like the Jimny were sold in the US, they would absolutely dominate the market, at least in the demographic of people looking for capable, yet affordable vehicles. The more you research the automotive industry, and how its molded and changed the US, the more it will drive you nuts. We would have long since had highspeed rail by now if it was not for auto lobbyist of old. Each year cars get bigger, shittier, and more expensive.

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Hi Carter, I enjoyed the video. Thank you for sharing.

[@cqretsqurl]

How is this not just a jeep liberty?

[@Forged4x4]

Because it's a Jimny!

[@ebx2323]

I agree with everything you said and was pissed when I found out the Jimny wasnt going to be sold in the US. The part about the F150 vs. Jimny co2 numbers is accurate. Im sure Jimny sales would have been amazing, doubling or tripiling F150 sales, making their combined numbers a real concern. Love the content - instantly subscribed to the channel.

[@Forged4x4]

Glad you're on board!

[@howardp6682]

When the latest model Jimny that has a front solid axle came out in New Zealand, demand was so great that preowned Jimny's were selling for more than new ones. The big brother to the Jimny is the lightweight emissions compliant 1.4 Turbocharged Vitara awd that is awesome on slippery surfaces but it can only do 130mph and is often engine limited to 112mph .

[@Forged4x4]

I wouldn't go over 70 in one of these things. Lol

[@steveogilvie5203]

Suzuki left the US and Canadian market about 10 ? years ago. They chose not to be in this market and that is why you cannot buy new suzuki 4 wheeled road legal cars and trucks here any more. If they wanted to sell here, they would certify them and sell them here.

[@Forged4x4]

It's a bit of a bummer, eh?

[@steveogilvie5203]

@@Forged4x4 It really is. I was sad when they left.

[@RandiG63]

Loved my Suzuki samurai’s ❤ never let me down once

[@clintwaters8278]

My friend and I rolled his Suzuki Samurai on its side hitting some trails in high school! 😂 Also known as the good ole days.

[@johnblessant6928]

They have to be putting out less emissions than all the damn side by sides everyone drives as normal cars. I wonder if you could get one and register it as a side by side?

[@Forged4x4]

I thought bout that. not sure.

[@johnrossi6212]

I want one so badly

[@Forged4x4]

Same! One day

[@joeysantos56]

I had a 88 samurai. Was the funnest little truck I've ever had. I did a sketchy spring over avle lift, add a leafs and on 33's. Never managed to roll it.

[@2007surly]

Awesome video. If you can find the right import broker there are some really cool vehicles that can be imported.

[@Forged4x4]

Oh, Definitely!

[@cdmarsh1]

Yall are channeling your inner Donut Media... Or at least how they were before cooperations took over like 5 years ago... Maybe hit those guys up for some colab?

[@wyattmerrill2588]

You're missing the extremely important element that consumer reports falsify their report and that Suzuki sued them in one. But at that point in time, the damage was too far gone and Suki's reputation was too tarnished. They sold him the United States until 1995. I personally own a 1994 Suzuki samurai

[@cepetty]

I have seen one of these driving around San Antonio, last time I saw it, it was clearly registered (sticker in the window) so if it’s illegally I wonder how he’s driving it around and registered?

[@SakuraBassandMusic]

Hi I own one in San Antonio. It’s considered an antique vehicle so I was able to get it registered under the 25 year and older regulation

[@cjyoung7372]

Rocket launchers ✅️ Kinder surprises ❌️ 50cal pistols ✅️ Suzuki Jiminy ❌️ America

[@dynamicexcavating6611]

There are so many great little 4x4s available outside the United States. Between the little Samurai and compact diesel ute/pickups we here in the states are getting hosed.

[@AliasHSW]

Who here remembers the separated from birth twin: Geo Tracker?

[@mvubu6823]

As someone who has flipped the old Samurai many times at fairly low speeds, the government isnt wrong. Jimny is fun but bloody uncomfortable to drive.... Romance wears off

[@Mae11183]

Great video. I agree with you. I drive a 1998 2 Door rav 4 I been driving it for 20 years, and my only vehicle 😂

[@Forged4x4]

20 years! That's dedication!

[@Mae11183]

Well, I live in South florida, and it's perfect. Plus no car payment

[@Raul93si]

I live in El Paso TX and see them everywhere because of Mexico. They look better in person. I want one some day

[@photomaker4502]

Actually, it’s not because the government thinks it’s too dangerous, it’s because it’s damn safe and they will outsell Jeeps, and that’s not what American brand automakers want.

[@Forged4x4]

100%

[@saviom8166]

I have two of their latest 5-door variants here in India.

[@Forged4x4]

BALIWOOD BALLING!!!!

[@FumblingArborist]

Hilux and the chicken tax is even worse. Well Hilux would make quite a dent in the local makers’ earnings over there 😆

[@Forged4x4]

That may be my next video.

[@gertstolk]

The Jimny isn't the problem, it's those stupid monster trucks and suv's clogging your roads. 😮

[@edisontrent5244]

Ford bronco 2 and explorer were just as bad if not worse in those tests, yet we still had those with all the associated accidents. Big problem with the Jimny now would be its low power and compatibility with our dumb highway entrance ramps that are generally too short.

[@Forged4x4]

Just slap a Turbo on it and we're good! Lol

[@leefoulds2569]

Dude, we all know the game is rigged!!! Just waiting for everyone else to catch up!!!

[@jornada.inesperada2403]

Yeah its the World vs Jimny, i have my precious 2019 jimny here in europe, and i live on a farm in midle of the mountains and its runs everywhere like a goat 😂. But here its forbiden To buy a new one because of emissions too 😢 2 years ago i have a front crash with a drunken guy in a corolla and i just have a plastic bumper damage and a suspension arm bended, the corolla loses all his front.

[@skiptheroad]

CAFE regulations for the light duty trucks class (which includes SUV's) are based on the area of the vehicles footprint. The larger the area of the tires on the ground, the less fuel efficient it is required to be. A vehicle the size of the Samurai would need to achieve nearly 50 mpg.'s to meet CAFE. This is the reason why vehicles in the U.S. are much larger than they where 20 years ago. Passenger vehicles such as sedans and station wagons don't benefit from the footprint rule and is the reason why manufacturers phased them out in favor of larger SUV's and pickups trucks, although they will tell you it because of customer demand. Small pickup trucks from the 80's, 90's and 2000's such as the Ranger, S10, and Tacoma also met their demise as a result of the footprint rule. Now midsized pickup trucks are the size of full size trucks of the 90's. The footprint rule is the sole reason why the Samurai is not sold in the U.S. Small vehicles can be designed to meet U.S. safety standards. I'd love own a Samurai.

[@RB-tz8kj]

Mine gives me 40 mpg, with at tyres. With stick tyres it gave me 43 mpg max. 2020 Jimny

[@Bajaborn]

Our 2024 jimny gets well over 40 mpg if u keep it at 55 mph. Cruises fine up to 70....it will do more but mpgs go drastically down...to about 25

[@BartSimpson-bt6hd]

Some good points on the Jimny however once rebranded as the sidekick and sold by Chevy as the Tracker it survived a couple of generations. Then Chevy stopped their partnership with Suzuki and Suzuki left the US market. Without having released the last version in North America and being left with no partner or network to bring the current Jimny in. The tracker strangely was marketed to urban young folks yet had some off-roading chops.

[@Forged4x4]

Great info. Thank you for the update!

[@thanossstewart3800]

Funny what is being said now but what is not so well known back in the day when Suzuki got the bad rap for rolling over so easy is you never heard about the same year GM S-10 or S-15 2door version rolled over just as easily as the Samauri, I owned a 1991 Suzuki Sidekick 4Door and loved it such a wonderful vehicle did all I ever asked of it and more wven went through Tin Cup pass in late september and did not get stuck in the snow drifts, all this and still got 35mpg with it having seen there is a five door now to the Jimny I would love to have one

[@rockyp544]

My first high school car was a samurai. Loved it

[@Forged4x4]

I learned how to drive stick on one at 13 years old. Loved every second of it.

[@paulstanley3265]

And that’s when I lost all faith in cr and they did get busted for fraud in that study.

[@Forged4x4]

They were on the US Auto Workers Payroll....

[@ronpalacios8432]

In El Salvador the Suzuki Jimny is so sought after, that currently there is a 6 to 8 month wait if you want a 2025 Jimny either the 3 or the 5-door. We ordered the 3-door manual transmission Jimny at the only Suzuki dealership in San Salvador in August this year (2024) and the earliest it may arrive at the dealer is February 2025. 😑

[@Forged4x4]

WOW. Worth the wait at least!

[@antonroux6737]

How is ANY car more dangerous that a motorcycle? If the Suzuki Jimny is not safe enough then neither is any motorcycle? Ban both or neither. That said, I'm not living in the US and I won't buy one because of its EURONCAP crash test results.

[@Forged4x4]

We can change this together... Let's create a petition.

[@skipperclinton1087]

​@Forged4x4: A good start would be going back to the original US government. Rebuild from the bottom up, not the top down. I live in a country that the only laws that are passed are passed by the legislators. No unelected bureaucrats making laws, city council, county, HOAs, ordinances, etc. Also no OSHAs, DOT, FDA, etc. In addition, the whole system would have to be changed.

[@Laotzu819]

Well. Simple. Ford is an American company. Suzuki is Japany. I believe all countries protect their native car manufacturers, no?

[@Forged4x4]

Japany

[@412fk]

Who’s Susie Jimmy?

[@saintarmstrong8790]

I live in the Colombian mountains, I see old Samurais daily. I have two neighbors with one. And also the new Jimnys. Ive drove one, pretty decent off road. It's a toy compared to my 96' FZJ73 4.5L Land Cruiser tho

[@Forged4x4]

You can't beat the 96 FJ!!!!! V8?

[@hornet224]

Suzuki is not interested in selling cheap trucks in the USA, only expensive ones.

[@Forged4x4]

I don't blame them... However.... I'm not happy about it.

[@MrApolo007]

I have one in Mexico, it is one of the best cars I have ever had.

[@tonysambar]

We get it here in Australia, including the new 4 door lwb version. I live out in the bush, so my postman drives one to deliver our mail. Interestingly it has the same Australian crash test safety rating as the Jeep Wrangler.🤔

[@Forged4x4]

You guys have all the good TRUCKS! @tonysambar we're jealous. Might need to play a Auzzie bush trip in the future.

[@HiPlains1]

Most of the imports are coming from Japan some have very little miles but remember it will have right hand drive.

[@ednarasay9841]

In my country its selling like hot cakes they now have it in 5 doors with longer wheel base ,there is also a jimny club called jb7force

[@JamesMcNamara-j1g]

I just saw one like 2 weeks ago in Fillmore Ca

[@RobertWilliams-ox4hz]

Our emission laws incentivise auto makers to make larger vehicles to get around the rules

[@adrianw3985]

Cool story... If I'm going to go through all that trouble to import something, I would rather have a Land Crusier or a Supra.

[@adalsteinnloftsson1783]

Serious lack of freedom in USA

[@paulstanley3265]

Free lol we are very little free

[@CHYZ5]

Does this have anything to do with the chicken tax?

[@Forged4x4]

I don't think so, as that has more to do with pickup trucks vs SUVs. I could be wrong though.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

same with the lc 70 series troopy or Toyota diesels

[@Forged4x4]

100%. The Fat Electrician actually has a insane breakdown on the Toyota Hilux. That story is even wilder. Has to do with Chicken Farms... Seriously.

[@skipperclinton1087]

Just like the new Land Cruiser that looks like the original model. I keep seeing comments saying "fake" but they're real but just like with children's toys that are not sold because they could be a choking hazard the same applies to the US child adults that big brother (DOT/OSHA) needs to protect from themselves. The land of the free my ass!

[@HolisticPatriots]

Suzuki Jimny would give Jeep too much competition.

[@JavierBonillaC]

A huge truck that can kill a dozen people in an instant is legal, and guns too. But a Suzuki Jimmy?

[@hmmmm9327]

Suzuki launched 4 door Jimny in Asean Countries.

[@MrBLikens1619]

Hypocrisy at its best!

[@MSchumacherfan]

Google search … At least 213 people have died and 8,200 have been injured in rollover accidents involving the Suzuki Samurai. The compact off-roader gained a reputation in the United States for being unsafe and prone to rollovers.

[@ShawnBox]

Because it is CO2 emissions per pound of vehicle weight. Why American vehicles are getting more bloated. Instead of lowering emissions, they just increase the weight of the vehicle.

[@Forged4x4]

Hmmm... I think Suzuki needs to strap some lead to the frame.

[@janmabaquiao2708]

Yeah now kei cars that are 25yrs old are now legal for import and are running in the US than bringing in a brand new Jimny.....

[@Forged4x4]

Totally common sense... RIGHT? 😅

[@rickysiebert9618]

I remember when we almost had the no-frills Cross Lander 244X here in the US. The Jimny is just another disappointing teaser here.

[@Forged4x4]

Imagine if they made a diesel version too....

[@Projectblackkjack]

We can't get them also in Canada its complete bs

[@TRONA-CA]

I rented one in Iceland recently- lots of fun-its a shame we don't get them here in the states... JEEP has their hand in this!

[@Forged4x4]

I think Ford/Jeep for sure Lobby against any 4x4 outside competitors coming in.

[@bobw9297]

Include Canada , same BS,,,

[@FJUH]

Coming from Australia it’s disappointing to see the lack of variety in the Canadian car market. I wish I’d had the opportunity to get a Jimny when I was back in Australia!

[@Buzzkill3-ak47]

Insurance companies. Accountant's , lawyer's

[@Forged4x4]

The Merchants of Lame

[@tylerhill1438]

I wish we didn't have to wait 25 years to import :(

[@Forged4x4]

For real

[@patbrooks626]

I live in EL Paso. I see them all the time. They are really cool. I’m super jealous of the Mexicans driving them to and from Juarez.

[@Forged4x4]

Another point I didn't think about... American's can't buy one... But it's totally ok to have a baja plate and drive it around.

[@windlinewatersports]

Huge bummer

[@Bikini_ST]

I rented one in Mexico. I thought it was soo cool.

[@Forged4x4]

2 doors or 4?

[@Bikini_ST]

@Forged4x4 2 paper thin doors haha

[@victorriceroni8455]

I for one am sick and tired of being the ward of the Nanny State.

[@Forged4x4]

You think the founding fathers followed all the rules!? I'm going to buy one in Mexico in protest.

[@victorriceroni8455]

@Forged4x4 That's the spirit Beowulf. Their only power comes from our consent.

[@douglasmcdowall2980]

I saw these on a trip to South Africa earlier this year and immediately decided to get one to replace my 2001 Nissan Xterra, as it would be perfect for my needs. Found out they’re no longer sold in the USA. Let’s hope the new Trump administration may be able to grease the skids and bring them back!

[@fairwind8222]

Just don’t give it a stupid jeep wave!

[@fairwind8222]

Response to the stupid jeep wave =🖕🏻

[@Forged4x4]

Lol.

[@edisontrent5244]

CO2 isnt the problem its particulates.

[@Forged4x4]

Even so, I don't understand why a F450 is fine, but letting a much smaller vehicle on the road is a no go.

[@johnhannonHanno]

How many people died in the US at the same time from gunshot?

[@jimkelly1613]

Or phentynal this year due to open borders?

[@derpapito1391]

4:20 and all those coal rolling, lifted mall crawlers are okay ?

[@Forged4x4]

100%... Make Suzuki's Legal Again!!!!!

[@ronpalacios8432]

$26,000.00 USD by the way

[@Forged4x4]

Sign me up

[@lesklower7281]

In Australia obviously we get Suzuki's and our son has a Jimny and somebody owns a Jimny in the dead end street we live in and we have a Suzuki Baleno it's a hatchback and we like it and l own another vehicle nor available in the USA a 1997 Toyota Hilux just a 2X4 ute you can buy them in Mexico and when the more recent generation came Suzuki were not prepared by the popularity of the Suzuki Jimny and second hand prices went through and there were dealers registering putting 50 kilometres and selling them second hand and aud $10000 over the list price and Australia's emission laws aren't that strict because my 1997 Hilux has a carburator and no cat converter and l can drive it to any were in Australia and in N.S.W we have a yearly rego check and if your light vehicle is over 5 years old you need an inspection at a authorised inspection station which is at certain mechanical workshops and with the inspection no emissions testing at all but if you modify your car and your modified car may fail its inspection and will fail so you can't register your modified car for the inspection many owners put there car back to standard and then they pass but the fact in the USA you can't buy a Jimny and in Australia you can buy a Jimny which country is really free

[@Forged4x4]

Can you send us one!? 😂

[@laceyjane4854]

But Kia souls are fine.

[@wallace245ful]

Show what you eat You look like a phenomenal weight I admire that

[@ellwoodwolf]

Safety..... I can ride a motorcycle with no helmet... Legally.... Safety.... No

[@Forged4x4]

It's a conspiracy.

[@ausguy4385]

Buy a 2000 one instead 😂 American "freedom" the home if the HOA oh .... the free 😂