2021 Suzuki Jimny GJ GLX owner review

My partner wanted a comfortable and quiet daily driver. I wanted a Jimny. We compromised and got a Jimny.

Owner: Jiminy Cricket

My partner and I had got through COVID with one car, but as we both returned to work, that quickly changed.

Being the car person of the two, I knew what I wanted, a Suzuki Jimny. We test-drove one and he complained about the cabin noise and how it wasn’t exactly the most comfortable daily driver. But the Jimny never claimed to be that, and I loved it. So, we compromised and got the Jimny.

We already had a comfortable and quiet car, an Audi Q3, so I don’t feel too bad.

We are just over a year into owning the Jimny and I have only become more attached to it. I haven’t yet come into any mechanical problems. As I tinker away at it, I’ve had fun learning new skills.

The list of easy modifications I’ve made is almost endless and are as ridiculous as the car itself. I have added a rear ladder, window ladder, new rear lights, new indicators, a new sound system, cargo anchors, roof rack and more.

Before I get any hate about how silly it is and looks, I am aware and that’s the entire point! It’s just a whole heap of fun.

Inside, this thing is a TARDIS. I am super short, but several tall friends of mine have had a go in it and say they’re super surprised by how spacious it is. We have been off-roading in it with four adults and two dogs, and while we couldn’t breathe much, we had stacks of fun.

The Jimny is bare bones, though, and not perfect by any means. The safety tech is okay, lane-keep assist is alright, but the collision warning freaks out at shadows sometimes which is… Fun. Its automatic headlight sensor is more sensitive than my gluten intolerance. People constantly think I am flashing my lights at them, but it does get them to move over, so a silver lining I guess.

The infotainment works but isn’t perfect. Android Auto is a nice touch, but if a fly lands on the cable, it’ll claim it’s been disconnected.

Mentioned at the start, the cabin noise is truly an experience in itself. Here’s one that really irked me: two of the worst cupholders ever, and if you want to add an armrest like we did, there are zero cupholders. Problem solved by purchasing screw-in ones and attaching them to the many anchor points in the Jimny.

For its size it can be a thirsty little thing, but that’d be the lack of aerodynamics and awkward shape, much like its driver. It’s basically a toaster on wheels, and a mildly overpriced one at that.

Let’s be honest, though, the Jimny isn’t destined to be a daily driver, and I conned my partner into believing it was. When we take it off-road, his love for it grows, though. It is a tiny beast. We once passed a group of Patrols and LandCruisers while off-roading and they all applauded us.

A word of advice, though, the Jimny’s horn completely ruins any cool aura you may have. It gives the same vibes as the ‘I’m from Saskatchatoon’ guy from Grown Ups.

Another perk is the Jimny community. An enthusiastic wave between drivers and parking next to another one wherever possible. I have a small stash of cool air fresheners to leave under a fellow Jimny driver’s windscreen wiper whenever I am parked next to one. Sort of lame, I know, but just a bit of fun.

If we dance too hard in it, I’m worried it’ll tip, but we love it. And my dogs run to it and not the Audi when told to get in the car, and that’s enough for me! I tell my partner it is a 10 out of 10, but car people know that doesn’t really exist. I just hope he doesn’t read this.

Owner: Jiminy Cricket

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