I've had a 1987 JX Convertible for about a month. I recently wrote this in another forum:
"These things suck. It's got a zero to sixty time of....well, it does zero to sixty. It rides like a buckboard on washboard and by the time I get to work, my butt feels like it's been slapped by a paddleboard. It's loud, it's cramped, it's held together by what appear to be toy parts. It's about as safe as a moped on the autobahn, and the steering is about as responsive and predictable as the reins on a retarded donkey in heat. Since I've picked it up, the A/C, heater, fuel gauge, and trip meter have pooped the bed, it's peed all over the driveway, the soft top blew a new gaping mouth-hole (just in time for winter!), it runs richer than Bill Gates, and is about as respected by other cars as an ugly Denny's waitress at a truck stop outside of Kabul.
And it's the most fun I've had on four wheels in a long, long time.
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Pros:
--Cheap initial expense
--Cheap to modify
--Lots of available OEM parts
--Great gas mileage (Mine gets an average 27mpg unloaded, but much less loaded with two passengers, headwind, steep inclines, etc.)
--Great offroad, very "billy goat" like.
--Modular--doors or top come on and off with ease.
--Simple construction. Field fixes have never been easier.
--Handles like a cross between a Jeep and a VW Bug. Short gears, stiff suspension, and funny steering will ensure you have the full "Third World" driving experience. You'll never fall asleep while driving a Samurai.
Cons:
--Slow. Reeeeal slow.
--Other cars will not respect you. A lifted Silverado on 47"s will sit five feet off your rear bumper in the slow lane and shine his lights in your eyes as revenge for such inappropriate slowness. People will literally drive by and flip you off, cut you off, throw things at you, or try to run you off the road, even if you're in the slow lane. They do not care that your vehicle has a top speed of 65 mph. They have somewhere to go, and you have delayed them nearly five seconds. For this, they must risk your life and the lives of those around you by making a very dangerous point about your grievous offense towards them.
--There is plenty of room...as long as you're not bringing much along. If you're one of those brave souls who can be comfortable with a bedroll, a socket set, an extra set of undies, and a modest beer cooler, you'll be happy. If you've ever backpacked or camped off a motorbike or a kayak, you'll be elated. If you're used to an 80 series Land Cruiser, you're in for a lesson in paring down and doing without.
--No airbags, crumple zones, or other fancy-schmancy safety features. You want safe? Get a helmet.
--Handles like a cross between a Jeep and a VW Bug. The gears are so short, the suspension so stiff, and the steering so drifty, that you are assured to never have a dull moment. The full "Third World" driving experience. You'll never relax while driving a Samurai.
If this sounds like something you're crazy enough to enjoy, get a Samurai. And then get some psychiatric help.