Best 4wd Sidekick Model year

[BCGray]

Wanting to purchase a Sidekick and my research seems to indicate the 1996 2dr 1.8L with Auto.....

Want short wheel base width and length, wheel lockers, auto

Your opinions would be appreciated......Oh and I know they will be varied

[razor02097]

Did you want 2WD or 4WD? Your post says 2 and the title says 4?


What are you wanting ultimately? Do you want a daily driver or a weekend wheeler?

[fordem]

Just be aware that the 1.8 Sidekick Sport was a relatively limited production vehicle and parts can be difficult to locate. It is not, as some people believe, a 1.6 Sidekick with a larger engine, but a larger vehicle, wider chassis, with different suspension, which means that some lift kits meant for the 1.6 Sidekick will not fit.

It's not that it's not a good vehicle, just be aware that you're going to have some difficulty locating parts when needed.

[BCGray]

Sorry for the confusion 4wd and a 2 door

[BCGray]

Thanks did not know that so lets make the specs

1996 1.6l engine, Want short wheel base width and length, wheel lockers, auto

[The Goat]

Um... why 96 over 95?

Why 2dr over 4? Lengths aren't that different.

When I was asking questions 1.5 years ago on what to get... everybody wad screaming 95 kick. Other than obd1 I can't remember why.

[mtbiker]

Starting in 1996 Trackers and Sidekicks have the OBDII system. Its a big difference over the older OBDI. More sensors and better diagnostics.

Are you set on an Automatic transmission? That might be OK in flat areas but if you are off roading or in a hilly area the manual is so much better for control and economy

I picked up a 96 last year and have a good scanner to pull codes and keep an eye on the LTFT.

[fordem]

Originally Posted by mtbiker

Are you set on an Automatic transmission? That might be OK in flat areas but if you are off roading or in a hilly area the manual is so much better for control and economy

The auto/manual debate can sometimes take on epic proportions - yes - the manual is more economical, but better control in a hilly area - that's debatable.

[Peculiar1]

Originally Posted by fordem

The auto/manual debate can sometimes take on epic proportions - yes - the manual is more economical, but better control in a hilly area - that's debatable.

I would agree with fordem... debatable.

[pjf]

I have an early Sidekick that is a 4WD 2-door convertible with manual transmission, manual locking hubs and a 1.6-liter engine. I like my car but if I were to purchase a Sidekick or Tracker again, I would want two additional features:

• Rear anti-lock brakes
• 16-valve engine with OBD-II system