Jeep man here since 1976. I am perfectly happy to watch jeep go out of business. And the name to be given to another manufacturer. They have removed the middle-class from their market. That’s death to any manufacturer. I enjoy seeing the full lots. I enjoy the desperation of the sales people. I am in the market for two vehicles. But, I will never buy from a dealership that marks vehicles up or marked vehicles up during the pandemic and the following years. I want the dealerships to go away. I want the Tesla model for every manufacturer. Do you notice how fast Tesla reacts to the market?
Well, I would personally rather have a smaller 4x4. I think the 2 door Jeep TJs (and LJs) are the closest thing to the "perfect 4x4" ever made by a big company (must be some reason they're so highly sought after) Many SxS's are bigger than our old YJ we used to squeeze through all the tiny local trails, and now even some 4x4 quads are pushing pretty close to that footprint. A big bad rig on 42's is awesome out in its natural habitat, everywhere else is a pain. Even my XJ on "little" 35's is more than I want to deal with, I'm ready to trade it (and a ZX-14R and/ or dirt bike) for any decent TJ, from bone stock up to 33s.
@@Cleaning_Herowell a new four wheeler atv used to cost the price of a used Jeep. Side by side is another word for UTVs like John Deere gators or polaris rzrs. They allow you to physically sit side by side with someone. Instead of behind like an atv.
@@Cleaning_Hero Usually all terrain vehicles the size of motorcycles or snowmobiles have people in tandem one behind the other, but they made 2 seat versions that are wider that seat "side by side" like a car instead of one behind the driver.
I’d be happy with something like the old Jeep commando or Jeepster for entry price. As much as I love the Gladiator and wranglers , they are almost priced out of the middle class of people (of what middle class are left )
Many moons ago, I was a PFC in the Marine Corps, 1985. My wife and I were buying a car, the choices were the 1985 Jeep wrangler, Camaro, and Ford F-150. All three were domo vehicles and all 3 were less than $12,000. Now you can't touch a Ford 4WD pickup for less than $50K. The Wrangler Sport in chasing the $40K mark. It is ridiculous.
@@boomdawg56 How is it that you could have bought a Wrangler in 1985 when they didn't start production until March of 1986 and the rest of the U.S.A. had to wait until the May 13, 1986 launch date in order to buy one?
Small hybrid is the way to go. What do over landers and/ or outdoor enthusiast bring with them, a battery pack (Jackery, etc.) A hybrid (elec drive with ICE backup) is the most logical choice. You have the quiet elec for torque, wildlife observing, and camping battery power (margarita blender) The ICE for backup and emergencies. Add a few portable 100w solar panels and your self sufficient.
If both of these new little vehicles are electric its a pass for me. They would not make it for a week out in the bush without completely losing their charge.
They wouldn't make it for an afternoon. Where's the recharge station in the middle of nowhere? At least, with a gas car, you can grab some Jerry Cans full of fuel.
I had the joy of owning a very clean Samurai and a later Sidekick. Great for bombing around town, AWD when needed. Just good basic cars. They were both silly cheap.
We all just want something capable and affordable. And I don’t mean $30, 40k. I’m talking $15-25k. We don’t need all this extra electronic crap. Just give us a reliable vehicle that doesn’t cost a fortune. I mean $60-90k for a truck is absolutely insane. I would love a stripped down off roader with just heat, air, and Bluetooth. Take all that other crap out and let me save $20k!
Here in Laos we have both the 2 door and 4 door version of the Jimny. These cars hugely popular and there's large aftermarket so you can customize them to your liking. Since Toyota and Suzuki already sell rebadged cars of each other, maybe an idea is to sell the Jimny with a Toyota nameplate in North America.
@@windzerChina for example, has cheap $20k Euro-spec electric cars ready (search BYD Hungary). Passing crash tests is just another requirement manufactors need to meet. A Toyota re-brand should have even less trouble.
No chance. Jimny is Suzuki’s compact off roader legacy. They’ve gone on record to say that it is an essential part of their core DNA and they wont allow a re badge job of this vehicle.
Let’s remember that all of these vehicles that aren’t “mini” are literally 60% higher in cost. A jeep use to be 40k for the top trim 4 years ago. These manufacturers don’t need to build even cheaper garbage than they already make, they need to put the prices back to the original MSRP just like Tesla did.
Yeah but inflation has its hand in it too, money today isn’t worth as much as it did 4 years ago. But the prices have definitely risen higher than inflation alone so I’d agree they need to bring it back down to something close to reasonable
They can't do that. If they start charging us the right prices again, they won't have extra money to fund their EV programs. They're basically making us pay for vehicles we've never claimed to want, because the government is forcing them into a corner.
One of the reasons I loved going to the Virgin Islands (Saint John) back in the 80's was the opportunity to rent a Suzuki Samurai. Great little vehicles to drive around, particularly in a place where the roads were hilly and often unpaved. I would buy a Suzuki Jimny today if I could and it would be great if this class of vehicle offered a few choices here in the US. I'm sure Jeep has been reluctant to consider anything that might cannibalize Wrangler sales....but because the MSRP has become so prohibitive.....perhaps there's a new opportunity for these small vehicles to return. I would like to think there are plenty of willing buyers out there.
Used Cherokee Trailhawk with low miles can now be had for 20 grand. Even my Cherokee Trailhawk with the 2.4 (most have a V6) is still insanely powerful in low range with 56:1 crawl Take the 2.4 renegade and put the same system on it with low range and transfer case and you would REALLY have something amazing. A renegade would be an absolute tank with that setup.
the carb thing is what killing small vehicles cause small vehicles cant get the insane mpg the govt wants them to have thats why everything keeps getting bigger
Nailed it . Eco freaks pushed car mfgs through loophole that made Americans idiots . Lemmings followed trends and SUVs and 4 wd for people with no use of need of massive trucks . Now a fancy pick up is like a caddilac for some people . Dumb . Pay attention to all pick ups on road and how many are ever hauling anything other then one person , often with loud exhaust who Is doing daily driving shit in shiny pimped truck . The trucks being used have a company logo , arent posh and they are towing land shaping gear and some ladders and they are white with basic wheels . Majority of trucks are penis enhancement products .
So instead of lowering the price on their existing products they are building smaller versions of them and charge less for them. However, that less is the the same as the price their original products were. So instead of giving you an affordable wrangler they build a tiny version of it and give you that instead. It's the same with Mavericks and the F-series. They know we want cheaper products, but refuse to lower prices. They'd rather build a brand new vehicle.
Yep. Also, the "cheaper" vehicle they build is so small that it doesn't work for a family on a budget. These are toys for childless urbanites, not for typical Americans. We just need overall less expensive vehicles in normal sizes. Car makers: Just build us a vehicle without all the fancy gadgets that a family can afford! And "Afford" doesn't mean "At the upper limit of their budget for TWO vehicles". It means under 20k, guys. UNDER 20k for the BEST VERSION of that vehicle. You know you can still make good vehicles. Get on it.
We need both cheaper and smaller vehicles. And more efficient while we are at it. Families are ridiculous these days with the giant vehicles. A family *CAN* survive with a Honda Civic sedan...People are just spoiled these days and need heated third row seats to make their kids' friends need to poop on the way to the mall.
I'm shocked Toyota hasn't figured this out by now. Side benefit: a lot of the quality problems that now even Toyota and Honda are seeing, well, they'd probably go away with the simpler versions of their cars. We don't need turbo everything in today's cars.
Look at Rivian tests. Surprisingly, they use very little overall electric range when off-roading. It's because of the instant torque of electric engines.
That Toyo looks awesome . . . if its a hybrid and has off-road chops, that thing could sell, very well. That rig sure seems to be similar to the Jimny in size.
People want an inexpensive, fun, easy to maintain vehicle!!! Suzuki Samaria & Mazda Miata both come to mind. Both did very well here in the States. If done properly, your potential buyers are in a wide range of Classes. -1st-Time Car Buyer -2nd Family Vehicle -Short Commute DD -RVs Towable -Retirees Fun Car -Resort Rental Fleets If its priced right, marketed right, reliable, capable, youthful & fun... Who WOULDN'T want to own one???
Not enough people understand that older cheaper vehicles are often better than new, when you know what to buy. Id rather buy older cheap 2000-2006 Suburban, Tahoe etc. I paid just $2,300 for my road hard and put up wet 350K +mile 2005 Suburban Z71 4x4 back in 2022 and it has never stranded me anywhere plus capable offroad. I trust it to take it anywhere, drive clear across country and back reliably. I will one day swap in a fresh LS engine, because a new long block is only $1700 which is crazy inexpensive for an 1 million mile capable engine. With a truck frame that can tow 8k+lbs and seat up to 9 people while carrying everthing you could possibly need for an extended vacation or relocation. I stand by American vehicles were better overall quality prior to the bail out era.
I've been a die hard Jeep fantic since childhood. When I became a parent though, I switched from a grand cherokee to a subaru crosstrek. It's much smaller but way better on gas and the AWD hasn't let me get stuck yet
I live in San Diego and see the Suzuki jimny all the time since people in Mexico cross regularly for tourism And it always catches my eye and leaves me envious lol
I bet if they repealed the chicken tax and CAFE exceptions for "light duty trucks" manufacturers would cut back on trying to convince everyone to upsize, and we would see much more competition in the compact and midsize truck, off-roader, and with commercial van market segments. There are some great examples from brands that already have an established presence in North America. I could see a ton of interest if a low trim of the upcoming Toyota Rangga has a decent 4WD like the old Japanese kei trucks, can safely do highway speeds, and starts in the mid/low 20s. While safety features can be a good thing, I do think it's a shame we're probably never going to see trucks sized like the old S10/Sonoma and Subaru Baja in the states again without some significant material advancements to achieve rollover ratings with thin pillars, and that only gets worse as more "safety features" become mandatory, like driver monitoring systems.
I drive a 1988 Suzuki Samurai, I am still in love with this thing. 30 mpg around town and I still can work on it. It garners attention anywhere I go. Especially from the tourists from out of country.
I have a 1997 geo tracker 4x4 2 door soft top 4 cylinder 5 speed lifted on 31s with 84000 original mile. It's a hoot and a half I love it. Yup its slow with 97 HP and I'm down to third gear wound out doing 65 pulling the mt passes here in southern oregon. Small adorable off-roader yes Hopefully the manufacturers get back to building something regular people can afford.
I have been waiting for a small, efficient, and affordable 4x4 for so long. I drive a Jeep Compass right now because i can't justify going bigger or less efficient, even if it means not being super capable. But with some electricity in that powertrain and a 4x4 ladder frame, I'd 100% trade it in. Even if it goes smaller, so long as skis still fit in with a seat folded and 4 people can fit otherwise (doesn't have to be roomy just manageable)
In Europe we have the Jeep Avenger - currently fwd but 4XE version to go on sale later this year - its 4metres (13ft 4" long) - not available in the US yet though.
I'd love to see a small, body on frame real 4x4! Other than being $60k, a Wrangler is too damned big for the trails I used to drive in my CJ2 and CJ5. I was a street legal side-by-side, like the old military Jeeps, or Suzuki Samurai
Back in the day I had a 1992 B2000 great little monster truck! lol... All Mazda 2wd 5 spd went everywhere! Bring that back! It was 7995$. am/fm stereo cloth funky seats, decals, and dealer installed a/c...
I live just outside of Houston, TX. I would love something for the work commute, that will actually fit in a freaking city parking spot, has ground clearance for the flooding we get along the coast here during tropical storms and hurricanes, doesn't have extraneous bells and whistles I don't need so that the cost is rational.
Ive always thought jeep should just have an order-able version of older jeeps. I think people would still buy the TJ - just have a base model and rubicon. Id buy a slightly updated CJ/YJ/TJ!
Yeah but those vehicles probably wouldn’t pay today’s crash test ratings. No one wants to think about government mandates automakers want to meet. Yes, there’s greed involved but a lot of tech goes into our cars we don’t even think about
Nathan and Tommy, Of course we want a cheap, 4X4 that could serve as the modern version of a Sidekick, Samurai, Tracker or FJ40. Sadly, recent news suggests the new mini Land Cruiser may be built on a discount platform unsuitable for our standards. We should know by summer . 🤞🤞
I have just bought a 5 door Jimny here in South Africa. Just an awesome vehicle with all the off road specs you could ever need for $18k on the road . Can’t beat that
I love my small cars. Some of us live in dense communities but like to head to the mountains to escape the density sometimes. Even if we could afford a Toyota 4 Runner, I wouldn’t want to parallel park it. Nor would I want to hand the keys to my kid, knowing that she would back it into the column of the parking garage because of the vehicle dimensions.
It’s honestly hard to get excited about any new car these days, at least here in the States. Our dealers will mark these things up so high they will start at $40k minimum. If these cars do ever release, I’ll be waiting to pick up a used one a couple years after launch.
11:29-I have to disagree, US vehicles AREN'T getting bigger cause Americans want them, THEY'RE GETTING BIGGER TO GET AROUND FEDERAL FUEL EFFICIENCY MANDATES.
Just took my brother's Tesla on a road trip and after the first two stops for charging I wish I had my truck as I could have done the whole trip without charging once instead I had to charge four times
I always had a soft spot for the analog samurai and the perfect continuation of that spirit, small efficient and capable proper off-roader, with the Jimmy would be perfect for me, here in US. But having a removable top is important to me, so I am blessed with a 23 2 door Wrangler, which I adore. Not too big, not small, manual transmission, very preppy drive and fun to drive topless
I was in South Africa in January, and there were so many cars that we dont have in the states. And the Suzukis were everywhere and they looked pretty nice! Volkswagen pick up trucks, Ford Everest etc
I'd be all for a Jimny sized 4x4. With modern engineering, you could probably approach 30mpg with one. Offer it in the low $20k range with a manual, and I couldn't get in one fast enough.
@@henryjones6957 EVs are done, maté. None of our opinions matter, the facts do. Every last manufacturer is cutting production to nothing, cities have tried them for their busses & now they're sitting. Hertz CEO just got the boot for buying teslas. Let go of your fantasy. The grid can't support it, there's not enough rare minerals, the batteries are expensive to replace & the tires wear 20% faster....all of this causing more pollution than just perfecting a gas powered, instant refilled vehicle.
Here in Switzerland, smaller vehicles with high ground clearance and good all-wheel drive would be ideal. The distances are short, the amount of snow is high and the alleyways in the small villages are sometimes very narrow. Of course, this also applies to Italy, 40 minutes away, and other European countries with historic mountain villages.
I love Switzerland in the summertime! The winters are fun but I was in Interlaken in 2002 and loved the natural beauty and colors of the countryside! And good beer! 🍺
In 2022 the first car I ever purchased brand new from a dealer was a Nissan Kicks and it was got my GF who needed a college/first job commuter we live the thing it’s a great size super efficient has everything you need and nothing you don’t. I would 100% be interested in something this size that can be off-road capable
I'm not an off roader, but I recently downsized to a Mazda 2 and have been so happy with it. Obviously it's used, but it's cheap to feed, nimble and maneuverable, especially in a city setting. Having a family, I wouldn't want to be without something larger for road trips and Costco runs, but since we need 2 cars anyway I'll take the little one.
These smaller cars make much more sense outside the USA, that´s why they are appealing to automakers. The Tracker is also doing fine here in Brazil. I think a gas powered or hybrid mini Land Cruiser would do very good over here.
I think the reason you probably wont see the Jimny in the US is because they cant make enough of them. As you say they would sell a lot in the US. In Australia they have been a success but because demand has gone way up they are hard to get and the price hit 50K. I went to a Suzuki dealer and they said it was unlikely I'd get my hands on a new one within 12 months (granted this was about a year ago.) Australia's car market is absolutely tiny compared to the US, and they cant keep us supplied even with volumes under 10,000 a year. If they did sell in the US the volumes they could supply would probably only give tiny profit after the costs of certification etc.
2:46 I hope the Toyota makes this vehicle a hybrid. It makes the most sense out on a trail. What happens when you end up running out of electric range when you’re stuck on a trail. I suppose you could bring out a generator and charge the vehicle, but the convenience of being able to pour a little bit more fuel in and get off to where you need to go, pays dividends!
I’ve drove both a Mercury Tracer and Mitsubishi eclipse with four children, lmbo. One sat in back on hump and the other between the gear shift. They’re grown now but I’ve done it.
I want a 4 cylinder true 4wd with a lever shifter. No electronic shift bs. solid rear axle. You could do ifs or solid front axle, in this day and age ifs can be very capable. These auto manufacturers could price current lines ups much cheaper then they do but don't because everything is about squeezing every last drop of profits out. Can't let those investors get angry that you didn't make them the extra for every unit sold.
I bought a chevy spark 4 years ago new for $11,750 Canadian. I’ve owned over 10 new vehicles the past 20 years from jeeps , chargers , civics up to a $85,000 Ram power wagon . The only vehicle I’ve never had any issues with was and still is the spark for a fraction of the cost of anything else I’ve owned. So I’m all for cheap vehicles. I’d buy the Suzuki Jimny in a heartbeat if it came to Canada .
The Jimney is very popular in Puerto Vallarta. Lots of them around and honestly I kinda want one. I know the gf loves them. Good on gas, rugged for the streets and speed bumps. Not to mention being able to park in really really small places. Lots of go fast and offroad / luxury kits available already for them to pimp out too. Some look like mini G wagons. Cheap as hell too!
I checked with my Toyota Dealer (Longo in CA), no more orders allowed for the Land Cruiser. I was going to wait for the 2025, but if Toyota is coming out with a mini-LC or a Jimny style that's a hybrid, oh possibilities! A four door that's snug for the rear passengers is acceptable. You're not riding for comfort, you're riding to conquer the terrain.
First of all The fact that I heard you the guy on the “Right side of the screen” say that you are ok with an all electric daily driver vehicle just pisses me off. Almost anyone watching this channel who cares about an automobile at all like actually cleaning it, knowing about its history and maintaining it properly are going to be true car enthusiasts. There are little to no true automotive enthusiasts with such respect for an automobile who like even can stand hearing anything about an EV.
You'll definitely see the Suzuki Jimny, as well as other newer Suzuki's down in San Diego on a weekly basis, as they're sold in Mexico and are quite popular in Baja California. Such an awesome vehicle!
In a few years, both my kids are off to college. I'm looking at getting rid of my 4 door Jeep wrangler JL and getting a 2 seat smaller off road vehicle. Wish the market would have something ready for me when my kids move out.
The R3 looks like my old AMC Gremlin, but with 4 doors instead of 2 doors... I would buy a $20,000 off road capable 2 seater. Heck sport cars only carry 2 people and they are popular... IF my friends want to go off road, they can buy their own "less expensive" newer vehicle. You guys are right on point with what would sell here in America.
That new Trax is great. I work at an AutoZone and my store traded in the old Sonic delivery car for a brand new Trax. According to the drivers it's been a lot better overall than that tiny Sonic.
I loved the FT-4X concept that Toyota showed like 8 years ago. I have said it multiple times: I will never buy a new car, but if they build the FT-4X, include all the elements from the concept, like the return to big, chunky, manual manipulators; keep the utility, compactness, and general proportions; and price it somewhere in the 30s (now you're laughing, I bet), then I will buy one new. I loved everything that concept embodied, and I have wanted Toyota to produce it ever since.
I think the interest is more about people just wanting vehicles that aren’t insanely priced.
Given the number of people that buy Wranglers and never get them dirty, I agree with your statement.
Maybe we’ll see huge markdowns soon, especially with Jeep. Lots of inventory sitting costing dealers lots of money in floor-plan interest.
When you add in insurance most people are spending $1K month for just one car.
Jeep man here since 1976. I am perfectly happy to watch jeep go out of business. And the name to be given to another manufacturer. They have removed the middle-class from their market. That’s death to any manufacturer. I enjoy seeing the full lots. I enjoy the desperation of the sales people. I am in the market for two vehicles. But, I will never buy from a dealership that marks vehicles up or marked vehicles up during the pandemic and the following years. I want the dealerships to go away. I want the Tesla model for every manufacturer. Do you notice how fast Tesla reacts to the market?
Well, I would personally rather have a smaller 4x4. I think the 2 door Jeep TJs (and LJs) are the closest thing to the "perfect 4x4" ever made by a big company (must be some reason they're so highly sought after)
Many SxS's are bigger than our old YJ we used to squeeze through all the tiny local trails, and now even some 4x4 quads are pushing pretty close to that footprint.
A big bad rig on 42's is awesome out in its natural habitat, everywhere else is a pain. Even my XJ on "little" 35's is more than I want to deal with, I'm ready to trade it (and a ZX-14R and/ or dirt bike) for any decent TJ, from bone stock up to 33s.
A Suzuki Samurai was probably the best little car ever brought to the states
Why can't they sell the new Jimny in the US ? That would be the one for me.
At 6’2” or 190cm and no longer slim, the present Suzuki is too narrow inside for me to drive.
@@flatheadV8 Im 6" 250. Had no issues daily driving one for a decade.
@@bosse641crash tests, emissions, maybe CAFE standards
Yes except they flipped so easy
Who remembers when Toyota made a tiny 2 door Rav 4.
Talk about no room in a vehicle. My Pinto had more room in it.
@@garygeorge9648 Dont need it.
@@dirtycommtroop Don't need what?
@@garygeorge9648 the space
Pepperidge farm remembers
I remember when they used to say that side by side costs as much as a Jeep! Now I want a Jeep that costs less than a side by side!
What is a side by side?
@@Cleaning_Herowell a new four wheeler atv used to cost the price of a used Jeep. Side by side is another word for UTVs like John Deere gators or polaris rzrs. They allow you to physically sit side by side with someone. Instead of behind like an atv.
@@Cleaning_Hero Usually all terrain vehicles the size of motorcycles or snowmobiles have people in tandem one behind the other, but they made 2 seat versions that are wider that seat "side by side" like a car instead of one behind the driver.
You can get a side by side at Lowes for under $12,000. No way we're ever going to see any new vehicle, let alone a Jeep, for that little
I’d be happy with something like the old Jeep commando or Jeepster for entry price. As much as I love the Gladiator and wranglers , they are almost priced out of the middle class of people (of what middle class are left )
I remember when Jeep used to make a small, inexpensive vehicle. It was called a Wrangler.
Many moons ago, I was a PFC in the Marine Corps, 1985. My wife and I were buying a car, the choices were the 1985 Jeep wrangler, Camaro, and Ford F-150. All three were domo vehicles and all 3 were less than $12,000. Now you can't touch a Ford 4WD pickup for less than $50K. The Wrangler Sport in chasing the $40K mark. It is ridiculous.
@@boomdawg56 How is it that you could have bought a Wrangler in 1985 when they didn't start production until March of 1986 and the rest of the U.S.A. had to wait until the May 13, 1986 launch date in order to buy one?
@@jerroldshelton9367 I don't know what to tell you except that there was a Jeep Wrangler on the lot.
Small hybrid is the way to go. What do over landers and/ or outdoor enthusiast bring with them, a battery pack (Jackery, etc.) A hybrid (elec drive with ICE backup) is the most logical choice. You have the quiet elec for torque, wildlife observing, and camping battery power (margarita blender) The ICE for backup and emergencies. Add a few portable 100w solar panels and your self sufficient.
Margarita blender lol
I love my Jimny. Worth waiting for 15 months until delivery.
Still waiting for the official announcement of the 5-door version here in Japan.
If both of these new little vehicles are electric its a pass for me. They would not make it for a week out in the bush without completely losing their charge.
They wouldn't make it for an afternoon. Where's the recharge station in the middle of nowhere? At least, with a gas car, you can grab some Jerry Cans full of fuel.
I had the joy of owning a very clean Samurai and a later Sidekick. Great for bombing around town, AWD when needed. Just good basic cars. They were both silly cheap.
*4WD
When I was in college you could buy one for 5k
Not super cheap any more- limited supply into uk makes it a $35000 toy rather than accessible fun tool
Small is fine, but we want a 2 door option.
I like small, I drive a GTI. I can afford a full size truck, but want a mid sized.
25K? I wouldn't hold your breath.
more like 37k.
Even if they were people would be clamoring for them so hard it would drive the price to neverland
@@portersorensen8814 This is what happened to the Maverick and Bronco Sport Badlands.
We all just want something capable and affordable. And I don’t mean $30, 40k. I’m talking $15-25k. We don’t need all this extra electronic crap. Just give us a reliable vehicle that doesn’t cost a fortune. I mean $60-90k for a truck is absolutely insane. I would love a stripped down off roader with just heat, air, and Bluetooth. Take all that other crap out and let me save $20k!
Dacia duster 4x4 2024 or 2023
Hopefully they launch these in a hybrid or just regular engine, no fully electric. These would be such huge sellers and so fun!!
Bring back a TJ sized Jeep
The last real Jeep, and the best, with upgraded suspension, EFI but no other computers. Real switches and wiring, straight 6 motor.
And TJ price too 🤣
I’ve always loved the Isuzu trooper, Suzuki Jimny, and Suzuki Samurai, Would love to see some modern day versions of these
If the maverick is anything to go by, these will be incredibly low volume, and will have super high dealer markups applied.
Ford sold 94k mavericks last year. Wouldn't call that "incredibly low volume"
@@sumo45069 I think they just dramatically under-estimated demand.
Here in Laos we have both the 2 door and 4 door version of the Jimny. These cars hugely popular and there's large aftermarket so you can customize them to your liking. Since Toyota and Suzuki already sell rebadged cars of each other, maybe an idea is to sell the Jimny with a Toyota nameplate in North America.
would be cool but they couldnt pass crash tests and emissions most likely
@@windzerChina for example, has cheap $20k Euro-spec electric cars ready (search BYD Hungary). Passing crash tests is just another requirement manufactors need to meet. A Toyota re-brand should have even less trouble.
@@windzerthey’d probably meet crash safety standards. They’re sold in Europe and Australia which are a bit more safety oriented generally speaking.
No chance. Jimny is Suzuki’s compact off roader legacy. They’ve gone on record to say that it is an essential part of their core DNA and they wont allow a re badge job of this vehicle.
Let’s remember that all of these vehicles that aren’t “mini” are literally 60% higher in cost. A jeep use to be 40k for the top trim 4 years ago.
These manufacturers don’t need to build even cheaper garbage than they already make, they need to put the prices back to the original MSRP just like Tesla did.
Yeah but inflation has its hand in it too, money today isn’t worth as much as it did 4 years ago. But the prices have definitely risen higher than inflation alone so I’d agree they need to bring it back down to something close to reasonable
They can't do that. If they start charging us the right prices again, they won't have extra money to fund their EV programs. They're basically making us pay for vehicles we've never claimed to want, because the government is forcing them into a corner.
One of the reasons I loved going to the Virgin Islands (Saint John) back in the 80's was the opportunity to rent a Suzuki Samurai. Great little vehicles to drive around, particularly in a place where the roads were hilly and often unpaved. I would buy a Suzuki Jimny today if I could and it would be great if this class of vehicle offered a few choices here in the US. I'm sure Jeep has been reluctant to consider anything that might cannibalize Wrangler sales....but because the MSRP has become so prohibitive.....perhaps there's a new opportunity for these small vehicles to return. I would like to think there are plenty of willing buyers out there.
So you’re saying there’s a chance….?
This needs pinned lol
They're saying the chance isn't 'Zero' LOL
Used Cherokee Trailhawk with low miles can now be had for 20 grand.
Even my Cherokee Trailhawk with the 2.4 (most have a V6) is still insanely powerful in low range with 56:1 crawl
Take the 2.4 renegade and put the same system on it with low range and transfer case and you would REALLY have something amazing.
A renegade would be an absolute tank with that setup.
If they build, we will buy! I’d love a mini 4x4!
It isn’t just “liking” bigger vehicles. CARB requirements are less restrictive on larger vehicles which makes it easier to meet emission targets.
the carb thing is what killing small vehicles cause small vehicles cant get the insane mpg the govt wants them to have thats why everything keeps getting bigger
It's not carb, it's EPA, Biden's people. Carb, Newsom's people, says no fuel at all regardless of size by 2035.
Manufacturers need to ignore carb.
F California. Don't like them, don't buy them.
@@bobm9509 Yup. There are only 14 CARB states. The other 36 , Puerto Rico, and DC don't follow CARB.
Nailed it . Eco freaks pushed car mfgs through loophole that made Americans idiots . Lemmings followed trends and SUVs and 4 wd for people with no use of need of massive trucks . Now a fancy pick up is like a caddilac for some people . Dumb . Pay attention to all pick ups on road and how many are ever hauling anything other then one person , often with loud exhaust who Is doing daily driving shit in shiny pimped truck .
The trucks being used have a company logo , arent posh and they are towing land shaping gear and some ladders and they are white with basic wheels . Majority of trucks are penis enhancement products .
So instead of lowering the price on their existing products they are building smaller versions of them and charge less for them. However, that less is the the same as the price their original products were. So instead of giving you an affordable wrangler they build a tiny version of it and give you that instead. It's the same with Mavericks and the F-series. They know we want cheaper products, but refuse to lower prices. They'd rather build a brand new vehicle.
Yep. Also, the "cheaper" vehicle they build is so small that it doesn't work for a family on a budget. These are toys for childless urbanites, not for typical Americans. We just need overall less expensive vehicles in normal sizes.
Car makers: Just build us a vehicle without all the fancy gadgets that a family can afford! And "Afford" doesn't mean "At the upper limit of their budget for TWO vehicles". It means under 20k, guys. UNDER 20k for the BEST VERSION of that vehicle. You know you can still make good vehicles. Get on it.
We need both cheaper and smaller vehicles. And more efficient while we are at it. Families are ridiculous these days with the giant vehicles. A family *CAN* survive with a Honda Civic sedan...People are just spoiled these days and need heated third row seats to make their kids' friends need to poop on the way to the mall.
It’s called a shrink sizing, and they’re doing it to your favourite vehicle
I'm shocked Toyota hasn't figured this out by now. Side benefit: a lot of the quality problems that now even Toyota and Honda are seeing, well, they'd probably go away with the simpler versions of their cars. We don't need turbo everything in today's cars.
@@ronhoover5516Toyota has been doing turbos for *decades* in reliable vehicles
Was an 80 series Land Cruiser unreliable junk? The freaking Hilux?
I drove the Sukuki Jimny in Tijuana as a rental for 2 weeks. It is quirky, shaky and responsive. It has 124 hps.
I spotted a Jimney near Seattle this week with Washington plates. Such a cool little rig.
Electric 4x4's are worthless. They don't have the range to really go off road in the mountains.
Look at Rivian tests. Surprisingly, they use very little overall electric range when off-roading. It's because of the instant torque of electric engines.
They are built to hop medians and garden gnomes.
@@SaruwatariMasahiro issue is heat temps, water fording, mud, etc
Exactly
@@ConfirmedPatriot Just tow a generator with gas cans. Don't forget the extra long charging cable.
That Toyo looks awesome . . . if its a hybrid and has off-road chops, that thing could sell, very well. That rig sure seems to be similar to the Jimny in size.
People want an inexpensive, fun, easy to maintain vehicle!!!
Suzuki Samaria & Mazda Miata both come to mind. Both did very well here in the States.
If done properly, your potential buyers are in a wide range of Classes.
-1st-Time Car Buyer
-2nd Family Vehicle
-Short Commute DD
-RVs Towable
-Retirees Fun Car
-Resort Rental Fleets
If its priced right, marketed right, reliable, capable, youthful & fun...
Who WOULDN'T want to own one???
I want a Jimny so badly.
Small Toyota off-roader, w lo-range, solid axles, 100hp gas engine (or hybrid)would be 100% awesome!
About time! Make mine manual with roll up windows and cloth top.
I saw a Jimny with Mexican plates on the freeway in Houston. I was surprised how tiny it was in person.
Not enough people understand that older cheaper vehicles are often better than new, when you know what to buy. Id rather buy older cheap 2000-2006 Suburban, Tahoe etc. I paid just $2,300 for my road hard and put up wet 350K +mile 2005 Suburban Z71 4x4 back in 2022 and it has never stranded me anywhere plus capable offroad. I trust it to take it anywhere, drive clear across country and back reliably. I will one day swap in a fresh LS engine, because a new long block is only $1700 which is crazy inexpensive for an 1 million mile capable engine. With a truck frame that can tow 8k+lbs and seat up to 9 people while carrying everthing you could possibly need for an extended vacation or relocation. I stand by American vehicles were better overall quality prior to the bail out era.
I literally was searching how I can get a Jimney in US.
I've been a die hard Jeep fantic since childhood. When I became a parent though, I switched from a grand cherokee to a subaru crosstrek. It's much smaller but way better on gas and the AWD hasn't let me get stuck yet
I live in San Diego and see the Suzuki jimny all the time since people in Mexico cross regularly for tourism
And it always catches my eye and leaves me envious lol
I bet if they repealed the chicken tax and CAFE exceptions for "light duty trucks" manufacturers would cut back on trying to convince everyone to upsize, and we would see much more competition in the compact and midsize truck, off-roader, and with commercial van market segments. There are some great examples from brands that already have an established presence in North America. I could see a ton of interest if a low trim of the upcoming Toyota Rangga has a decent 4WD like the old Japanese kei trucks, can safely do highway speeds, and starts in the mid/low 20s.
While safety features can be a good thing, I do think it's a shame we're probably never going to see trucks sized like the old S10/Sonoma and Subaru Baja in the states again without some significant material advancements to achieve rollover ratings with thin pillars, and that only gets worse as more "safety features" become mandatory, like driver monitoring systems.
The Jimny is very popular here in SA.... and with Suzuki and Toyota cooperating on many models, you might see some 'badge' engineering.
I drive a 1988 Suzuki Samurai, I am still in love with this thing. 30 mpg around town and I still can work on it. It garners attention anywhere I go. Especially from the tourists from out of country.
Yeah you lost me at electric
I have a 1997 geo tracker 4x4 2 door soft top 4 cylinder 5 speed lifted on 31s with 84000 original mile. It's a hoot and a half I love it. Yup its slow with 97 HP and I'm down to third gear wound out doing 65 pulling the mt passes here in southern oregon. Small adorable off-roader yes
Hopefully the manufacturers get back to building something regular people can afford.
I have been waiting for a small, efficient, and affordable 4x4 for so long. I drive a Jeep Compass right now because i can't justify going bigger or less efficient, even if it means not being super capable.
But with some electricity in that powertrain and a 4x4 ladder frame, I'd 100% trade it in. Even if it goes smaller, so long as skis still fit in with a seat folded and 4 people can fit otherwise (doesn't have to be roomy just manageable)
Isn't there a "Trail-rated" Renegade smaller than the Compass?
In Europe we have the Jeep Avenger - currently fwd but 4XE version to go on sale later this year - its 4metres (13ft 4" long) - not available in the US yet though.
I'd love to see a small, body on frame real 4x4! Other than being $60k, a Wrangler is too damned big for the trails I used to drive in my CJ2 and CJ5. I was a street legal side-by-side, like the old military Jeeps, or Suzuki Samurai
Back in the day I had a 1992 B2000 great little monster truck! lol... All Mazda 2wd 5 spd went everywhere! Bring that back! It was 7995$. am/fm stereo cloth funky seats, decals, and dealer installed a/c...
Had a 93 4.0 Ranger 2wd - it sucked azz in snow even with snow tires in the rear and 400 lbs of cinder blocks in the bed
I live just outside of Houston, TX. I would love something for the work commute, that will actually fit in a freaking city parking spot, has ground clearance for the flooding we get along the coast here during tropical storms and hurricanes, doesn't have extraneous bells and whistles I don't need so that the cost is rational.
Get a 90’s jeep cherokee XJ. You put some money into it and bam you have a great 4x4 that’s skinny too.
Ive always thought jeep should just have an order-able version of older jeeps. I think people would still buy the TJ - just have a base model and rubicon. Id buy a slightly updated CJ/YJ/TJ!
Yeah but those vehicles probably wouldn’t pay today’s crash test ratings. No one wants to think about government mandates automakers want to meet. Yes, there’s greed involved but a lot of tech goes into our cars we don’t even think about
Cheap and small is what I want! With so many people not having big families I’m very surprised smaller cars and 4x4s are not the norm.
Nathan and Tommy, Of course we want a cheap, 4X4 that could serve as the modern version of a Sidekick, Samurai, Tracker or FJ40. Sadly, recent news suggests the new mini Land Cruiser may be built on a discount platform unsuitable for our standards. We should know by summer . 🤞🤞
I bought my Suzuki Samurai brand new for $8,050, kept it for 15 years and LOVED IT!
The Toyota should have a "Styled by LEGO" badge on it.
I have just bought a 5 door Jimny here in South Africa. Just an awesome vehicle with all the off road specs you could ever need for $18k on the road . Can’t beat that
Dear Suzuki, bring the Jimny to US
I currently own a Daihatsu Terios Kid. Is a tiny 64hp, four wheel drive, K-Car, right hand drive, and I love it.
The moment I hear electrical car turn off … never ever
Right ! 😂😂😂
lol you’ll own one someday whether you like it or not. Salute to Joe
@@jlaw1901 I will move countries before that happens . We do have a hybrid in the fam. running mainly on fuel so it doesn’t disappoint 😉🤣
No to EVs.
Jimneys are starting to show up at JDM import websites, that has my attention.
needs larger windows like the new land cruiser , bad blind spots, the side view at 2:53 , big blind spot 3:02
Typical Toyota
@@krover01 yes like theFJ cruiser rolling blind spots
I love my small cars. Some of us live in dense communities but like to head to the mountains to escape the density sometimes. Even if we could afford a Toyota 4 Runner, I wouldn’t want to parallel park it. Nor would I want to hand the keys to my kid, knowing that she would back it into the column of the parking garage because of the vehicle dimensions.
It’s honestly hard to get excited about any new car these days, at least here in the States. Our dealers will mark these things up so high they will start at $40k minimum. If these cars do ever release, I’ll be waiting to pick up a used one a couple years after launch.
Great video but I’ll never buy a new or newer rig way to much electrics plastic and other things I like to still work on my own rigs but great video !
11:29-I have to disagree, US vehicles AREN'T getting bigger cause Americans want them, THEY'RE GETTING BIGGER TO GET AROUND FEDERAL FUEL EFFICIENCY MANDATES.
Real gas engine, or don’t bother.
Just took my brother's Tesla on a road trip and after the first two stops for charging I wish I had my truck as I could have done the whole trip without charging once instead I had to charge four times
Exactly
How can a battery last with off reading? It’ll use more charge than just driving on the road. Seriously, what BS
I always had a soft spot for the analog samurai and the perfect continuation of that spirit, small efficient and capable proper off-roader, with the Jimmy would be perfect for me, here in US.
But having a removable top is important to me, so I am blessed with a 23 2 door Wrangler, which I adore. Not too big, not small, manual transmission, very preppy drive and fun to drive topless
The big three and the federal government doesn't want smaller and cheaper vehicles. Especially if it's powered by gas.
Too bad for them, companies are tired of going broke for the "message".
It doesn't help the unions don't want to work and want more money.
I was in South Africa in January, and there were so many cars that we dont have in the states. And the Suzukis were everywhere and they looked pretty nice! Volkswagen pick up trucks, Ford Everest etc
Produce anything with demand and the dealers will be right on top of making it much less expensive $ for consumers
Downsizing IS the way to go....but the manufacturers are not interested in selling us a sub $25K body on frame live axle 4x4
The reason the Trax is popular is because of the price, features and its looks good and NOT an EV. Your average car guy has EV fatigue.
I'd be all for a Jimny sized 4x4. With modern engineering, you could probably approach 30mpg with one. Offer it in the low $20k range with a manual, and I couldn't get in one fast enough.
If demand is huge, it wont be cheap.
I always chuckle when I hear "FJ" it stands for "fake Jeep" lol
You lost me at electric
Then get used to keep losing mate
Ditto
@@henryjones6957EVs are dead, mate.
Yup
@@henryjones6957 EVs are done, maté. None of our opinions matter, the facts do. Every last manufacturer is cutting production to nothing, cities have tried them for their busses & now they're sitting. Hertz CEO just got the boot for buying teslas. Let go of your fantasy. The grid can't support it, there's not enough rare minerals, the batteries are expensive to replace & the tires wear 20% faster....all of this causing more pollution than just perfecting a gas powered, instant refilled vehicle.
Used to drive a purple geo tracker. Girls LOVED that thing. Had 4wd. That’s what people need.
A Wrangler the size of a 1941 Jeep would sell like hotcakes!
I like hotcakes.
With an ICE
Yes
And would be hard to pass safety tests
Here in Switzerland, smaller vehicles with high ground clearance and good all-wheel drive would be ideal. The distances are short, the amount of snow is high and the alleyways in the small villages are sometimes very narrow. Of course, this also applies to Italy, 40 minutes away, and other European countries with historic mountain villages.
I love Switzerland in the summertime! The winters are fun but I was in Interlaken in 2002 and loved the natural beauty and colors of the countryside! And good beer! 🍺
Bare bones jeep starting price will be $39,992.99
Yup, comfortably equipped will be $45-50k.
In 2022 the first car I ever purchased brand new from a dealer was a Nissan Kicks and it was got my GF who needed a college/first job commuter we live the thing it’s a great size super efficient has everything you need and nothing you don’t. I would 100% be interested in something this size that can be off-road capable
Get rid of all the electronic crap. Get back to basic driving. Cars would be really cheap than.
I'm not an off roader, but I recently downsized to a Mazda 2 and have been so happy with it. Obviously it's used, but it's cheap to feed, nimble and maneuverable, especially in a city setting. Having a family, I wouldn't want to be without something larger for road trips and Costco runs, but since we need 2 cars anyway I'll take the little one.
Why would jeep make an electric kia soul?
They already make an Escalade 🤷♂️
These smaller cars make much more sense outside the USA, that´s why they are appealing to automakers. The Tracker is also doing fine here in Brazil. I think a gas powered or hybrid mini Land Cruiser would do very good over here.
Lost me at “electric”
I think the reason you probably wont see the Jimny in the US is because they cant make enough of them. As you say they would sell a lot in the US. In Australia they have been a success but because demand has gone way up they are hard to get and the price hit 50K. I went to a Suzuki dealer and they said it was unlikely I'd get my hands on a new one within 12 months (granted this was about a year ago.) Australia's car market is absolutely tiny compared to the US, and they cant keep us supplied even with volumes under 10,000 a year. If they did sell in the US the volumes they could supply would probably only give tiny profit after the costs of certification etc.
2:46 I hope the Toyota makes this vehicle a hybrid. It makes the most sense out on a trail. What happens when you end up running out of electric range when you’re stuck on a trail. I suppose you could bring out a generator and charge the vehicle, but the convenience of being able to pour a little bit more fuel in and get off to where you need to go, pays dividends!
I’ve drove both a Mercury Tracer and Mitsubishi eclipse with four children, lmbo. One sat in back on hump and the other between the gear shift.
They’re grown now but I’ve done it.
I want a 4 cylinder true 4wd with a lever shifter. No electronic shift bs. solid rear axle. You could do ifs or solid front axle, in this day and age ifs can be very capable.
These auto manufacturers could price current lines ups much cheaper then they do but don't because everything is about squeezing every last drop of profits out. Can't let those investors get angry that you didn't make them the extra for every unit sold.
Thank you, Tommy and Nathan, you had me a Suzuki Samurai, and owned an 89 Sidekick after driving a Samuri - loved it.
Yes! Yes! Yes! The market has been there. What are they waiting for! Great topic. Great show!
I bought a chevy spark 4 years ago new for $11,750 Canadian. I’ve owned over 10 new vehicles the past 20 years from jeeps , chargers , civics up to a $85,000 Ram power wagon . The only vehicle I’ve never had any issues with was and still is the spark for a fraction of the cost of anything else I’ve owned. So I’m all for cheap vehicles. I’d buy the Suzuki Jimny in a heartbeat if it came to Canada .
Toyota's great at slapping their badge on competitors products (Supra, FRS/86, etc). They should rebadge the modern Jimny.
The Jimney is very popular in Puerto Vallarta. Lots of them around and honestly I kinda want one. I know the gf loves them. Good on gas, rugged for the streets and speed bumps. Not to mention being able to park in really really small places. Lots of go fast and offroad / luxury kits available already for them to pimp out too. Some look like mini G wagons. Cheap as hell too!
I checked with my Toyota Dealer (Longo in CA), no more orders allowed for the Land Cruiser. I was going to wait for the 2025, but if Toyota is coming out with a mini-LC or a Jimny style that's a hybrid, oh possibilities! A four door that's snug for the rear passengers is acceptable. You're not riding for comfort, you're riding to conquer the terrain.
Wasn't the Jeep Renegade exactly what you're asking?
First of all The fact that I heard you the guy on the “Right side of the screen” say that you are ok with an all electric daily driver vehicle just pisses me off.
Almost anyone watching this channel who cares about an automobile at all like actually cleaning it, knowing about its history and maintaining it properly are going to be true car enthusiasts.
There are little to no true automotive enthusiasts with such respect for an automobile who like even can stand hearing anything about an EV.
You'll definitely see the Suzuki Jimny, as well as other newer Suzuki's down in San Diego on a weekly basis, as they're sold in Mexico and are quite popular in Baja California. Such an awesome vehicle!
In a few years, both my kids are off to college. I'm looking at getting rid of my 4 door Jeep wrangler JL and getting a 2 seat smaller off road vehicle. Wish the market would have something ready for me when my kids move out.
The R3 looks like my old AMC Gremlin, but with 4 doors instead of 2 doors... I would buy a $20,000 off road capable 2 seater. Heck sport cars only carry 2 people and they are popular... IF my friends want to go off road, they can buy their own "less expensive" newer vehicle. You guys are right on point with what would sell here in America.
That new Trax is great. I work at an AutoZone and my store traded in the old Sonic delivery car for a brand new Trax. According to the drivers it's been a lot better overall than that tiny Sonic.
I loved the FT-4X concept that Toyota showed like 8 years ago. I have said it multiple times: I will never buy a new car, but if they build the FT-4X, include all the elements from the concept, like the return to big, chunky, manual manipulators; keep the utility, compactness, and general proportions; and price it somewhere in the 30s (now you're laughing, I bet), then I will buy one new. I loved everything that concept embodied, and I have wanted Toyota to produce it ever since.