The 1988½

Mid-way through 1988, Suzuki re-tuned the Samurai for American roads: softer springs with a thicker anti-sway bar, a lower fifth gear (.865 instead of .795) so it could actually hold highway speed, larger driveshaft flanges, and a new dash with square vents, a new grille and a four-spoke wheel. Everything after carried these changes, so the 88½ is less an oddball than the first of the later trucks. Owners still tell them apart, and parts counters still get it wrong. Forum rule of thumb (unofficial): a 1988 soft top with VIN serial above 235000, or a hardtop above 150000, is an 88½. Early-88s and 88½s also mixed parts, so check the truck, not just the paperwork.