12 Women Across the World Share Stories of their Suzuki Jimny. What they Love and what they’d Change.

From everyday drives to off-road escapes, discover what makes this little Suzuki Jimny 4×4 so loved by women worldwide.

This little 4×4 seems to attract people from every walk of life, and it’s amazing to see how many of us are out there using our Jimny’s as more than just a way of getting from A to B.

For some, it’s the perfect companion for school runs, work commutes, and daily life. For many others, like me, it’s the gateway to bigger adventures. Overlanding, camping, and exploring trails that few cars could ever reach. Along the way, they’re meeting new friends, finding confidence behind the wheel, and proving that the Jimny isn’t just a car, it’s a lifestyle. This is something I can wholeheartedly relate to after getting behind the wheel of more than just a car.

Let’s dive in and discover what drives them to get out there.

…Don’t miss the bonus Jimny at the end. 13 didn’t sit nicely in a grid but I couldn’t resist this retro beauty!

@l_overlander – Poland

What do you love most about owning a Jimny?

I love that it’s not just a car it’s a lifestyle, a companion, and in my case, even a comeback story.

My current Jimny is actually my second one. I lost the first in a serious accident, and as dramatic as that sounds, it only deepened my bond with this tiny, stubborn 4×4.

Getting another one wasn’t just a practical decision. It was a declaration of love. Because once you experience the freedom a Jimny gives, the mountain roads, the wild camps, the way it makes you believe that “less” truly means more… there’s no going back. 

It holds all the freedom I ever needed. It’s the kind of vehicle that doesn’t pretend to be anything else. No fake luxuries, no high-speed ego. Just raw, honest capability wrapped in a tiny, quirky box. It reminds me that adventure isn’t about horsepower, but about heart. And with a rooftop tent on top and two dogs in the back, it’s basically my rolling cabin in the woods.

What is the one thing you would change about your Jimny?

Maybe a bit more engine power, just enough to make highway overtakes slightly less… existential. But honestly, if I wanted fast and fancy, I wouldn’t have chosen a Jimny. 

The Jimny teaches you patience, humility, and how to embrace the scenic detour, both on the map and in life. So sure, a little extra torque would be nice, but I wouldn’t change the soul of it for anything.

Do you have a funny or inspiring story to tell about owning a Jimny?

After losing my first Jimny in a crash, I seriously considered getting something else.
Something bigger, stronger, faster. Maybe more “practical.” I browsed, I test-drove, I thought I was ready to move on. But nothing felt right. Because it wasn’t just about the car, it was about everything it stood for.

So I started from scratch and got another one. I named it J02, like a second chapter.
And this time, I let go of the dream of chasing faraway horizons and just… started driving.

I stopped waiting for the “perfect” trip and embraced what Jimny was truly made for, the wild, narrow trails, forgotten forest roads, muddy meadows and mountains hiding just a few hours from home.
No hype, no drama – just the raw beauty of the world as it is. Most of my favorite spots? Discovered within 300 kilometers.

And the best part? Jimny gets me places no other vehicle could, but more importantly, it gets me out again. Unlike bulky 4x4s or overloaded camper vans, it dances through the rough and the tight, then turns around with ease.

That’s how I rediscovered travel. By going small, I went deeper. By staying close, I found clarity. It reminded me that you don’t have to go far to find beauty, stillness, or even… yourself.

Sometimes, the real adventure is just down that tiny road you always passed by – and Jimny? Jimny will take you there.

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@lilging.jb74 – Philippines

What do you love most about owning a Jimny?

It’s being able to take it anywhere even when it’s all stock. For the past 3 years I’ve owned one it has taken me to places I’ve never thought I can go to, like beach caves, muddy campsites, highest peaks mountains of the north and even volcanic trail sites. 

What is the one thing you would change about your Jimny?

I have changed almost 85% of what’s installed in my Jimny. I would really love it if a Jimny came with a small sunroof – This girl just loves looking at the sky and trees 😂.

Do you have a funny or inspiring story to tell about owning a Jimny?

Before owning a Jimny, I never had the chance to travel or even move around since I was sick for a year (cancer lol). After getting a Jimny and joining a community of campers, I was able to toughen up and explore on my own, from group camps and road trips, to transitioning into Solo camping and @JimnyGirlsPh trails. It helped me overcome the anxiety of being outside and gave me the confidence to strengthen myself 😊.

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@orcutesy – New Zealand

What do you love most about owning a Jimny?

Well firstly, I mean the colour of Cutesy is absolutely fantastic. I love how much of a conversation starter she is. The amount of times we’ve seen people mouth “Omg look at that pink Jimny!” The smile on wee kids faces when they see her driving is super cool.

What is the one thing you would change about your Jimny?

We’ve changed plenty to suit us! But nothing as a necessity. We’ve Upgraded the wheels, added a snorkel, UHF, roof racks, awning and Cutesy’s first owners fitted her with a throttle controller, reversing camera and some storage solutions. Up next is probably a drawer configuration for the back to allow for a camp kitchen set up. There is nothing wrong with the Jimny as a stock vehicle it’s very capable, yes you may have to be a bit more tactical when it comes to manoeuvring out in the wild, but that’s just part of the fun.

Do you have a funny or inspiring story to tell about owning a Jimny?

As a Wāhine Māori, we hold a special place for Te Taiao “The Natural World” in our hearts. Having Cutesy affords us a way to get out and enjoy Papatūānuku “Mother Nature” and this is such a privilege to have.

My mahi “work” in social services is intense so having a way to get out and reconnect is important to me. Cutesy gives us this in spades! I want to show other wāhine toa that we are strong, capable and that we can get out there and enjoy the adventure too.

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@foxleyjimny – Australia

What do you love most about owning a Jimny?

For me personally, I love the perfect duality for a daily driver while also being a super capable 4WD. I used to own a Ute which became super impractical when needing to do my daily runaround. I also love the availability and affordability of modifications; every Jim looks so different depending how you build them! 

What is the one thing you would change about your Jimny?

Personally, I would like to see a more powerful/bigger motor available as a “top of the range model.” Still keeps it affordable for those who are suited to the 1.5L, but have the option for people who are seeking more ‘go’ for their rig!

Do you have a funny or inspiring story to tell about owning a Jimny?

I have to say, the first time I went wheeling with a Jimny crew it was so different to when I have gone wheeling with others before. I have never met a more supportive community, people who don’t mind if you want to send it or stay reserved everyone is very understanding compared to the standard 4WD car scene. 

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@AlieshasAdventures – Australia

What do you love most about owning a Jimny?

The community & nostalgia. 

You simply can’t not smile when you pass another Jimny who waves back at you with mutual love & appreciation for the car. I especially love how many friends I’ve made simply by owning the same car as someone. But I’d be remiss to not include the nostalgia factor. It’s a thing of nostalgia for me & many others. For me, it’s nostalgic because I grew up driving an old yellow, beat up sierra as my grandparents farm car – not only did I learn to drive in this car, we had many an adventure, including but not limited to shooting & feeding the animals. 

What is the one thing you would change about your Jimny?

This is likely the most common answer, but power! A Turbo would go a long way to make my bad boy unstoppable. Having said that, It’s still a great car & not a necessity, but would be fun!

Do you have a funny or inspiring story to tell about owning a Jimny?

I have so many stories, from the above nostalgia stories & 4wd trips. My favourite story is probably just an ode to the community. I built a thriving business supported by the wonderful people in this space who have bought my sticker’s, tee’s, hats & patches. 

It actually only started when my rescued ex-racing greyhound broke his toe (we assume an old racing stress injury), he had to get the toe amputated & I decided to sell stickers to fundraise for his surgery. 

At that point I wasn’t a business & I had many-a person accuse me of being a scam (fair enough). But I was desperate so I started selling stickers saying “it’s the law” & “you’ve been passed by a toaster” which inspired me to keep going & expand into tee’s and most recently hats & caps. 

I couldn’t have predicted how much support I’d receive & I’m forever grateful. 

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@georgiagodfrey1 – United Kingdom

What do you love most about owning a Jimny?

I love how cool I feel driving it, seeing everyone’s face enjoy it and everyone always wants to stop and talk about it. Some guy even stopped and started talking to me through the window at a traffic light. I also love how adaptable it is and how you can essentially pimp your own ride and customise it.

What is the one thing you would change about your Jimny?

I would love to raise it and put a suspension kit in, hoping it would stabilise it somewhat. I do alot of long drives and the girls bouncy! Oh and the dash not being in Japanese would be fab! 

Do you have a funny or inspiring story to tell about owning a Jimny?

My Jimny was essentially my inheritance from my grandad would you believe. He’s been obsessed with them for years and years. I wasn’t the biggest fan of his early models, but I did love that I always knew it was him when I spotted him out driving his bright blue Jimny. Then more recently, after a few other colours and models they got the green imported Sierra version and I thought, okay one day I NEED this car and then to my absolute surprise they offered it to me after a year. My grandad wanted to see me enjoying it as much as he had.

I’m now fully invested in the Jimny crew and keep spotting more and more. I always want to leave a little note to say hi, but that would be odd. Soon I hope to take it on a trip across France to his favourite spot Port Grimaud. 

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@dietjimny – Australia

What do you love most about owning a Jimny?

What I love most about owning a Jimny is the lifestyle it has helped me create and the community it has connected me to. Through the Jimny community I’ve met incredible people, many of whom have become some of my closest friends, and together we’ve explored places I never would have discovered otherwise.

For me, the Jimny represents freedom; it’s the key to a weekend escape, whether that’s winding through bush tracks, cruising along the beach, or simply enjoying the convenience of a city run-around. Small but mighty, it has opened doors to experiences and friendships that have been truly priceless.

What is the one thing you would change about your Jimny?

If I could change one thing, it would be to give the Jimny a touch more power. Like many owners, I’ve added a fair amount of gear, underbody protection, awning, recently a rooftop tent, and a handful of other accessories, which means those steep inclines can become a little more of a challenge. I’m usually the one holding up all the traffic trying to get up a hill.

It’s all part of the charm and character of owning a Jimny though, you learn to laugh about it and embrace the quirks. Still, a little extra power wouldn’t go astray.

Do you have a funny or inspiring story to tell about owning a Jimny?

One of my favourite stories goes back to my very first off-road trip, not long after I bought the Jimny. With zero off-road experience, I tagged along with the JB74 crew for a day in the Glasshouse Mountains in Queensland, Australia. It was rainy, the tracks were muddy, and to say I was nervous would be an understatement, I could barely keep my leg steady on the clutch.

The day was a wild mix of being winched out, narrowly avoiding panel damage, and a few full-blown moments of panic. Yet by the end of it, I felt a big sense of achievement and was completely in awe of how capable the Jimny really was.

More than that, it was a turning point for me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me discover resilience I didn’t know I had, and showed me that both the car and I were capable of more than I imagined.

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@xcervantesba – Spain

What do you love most about owning a Jimny?

It’s a small super power off road car, that fits everywhere and never left me stranded. 

What is the one thing you would change about your Jimny?

Engine power! In Spain we are not allowed to increase the power.

Do you have a funny or inspiring story to tell about owning a Jimny?

I was with some friends driving in a 4×4 excursion in my country and at one point I was the first in the line, heading the track with the other cars (Land Cruiser, Nissan patrol, wranglers.. etc) behind me. I was the only Suzuki. Then suddenly I realised that I was the only one driving! The other cars were not able to pass through the narrow streets of the small village we just drove through, and I was driving completely alone.

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@ab_runs – United Kingdom

What do you love most about owning a Jimny?

I’ve dreamt about owning a Jimny for years and had to work really, really hard to be able to afford and import mine, so what I love about it the most is what it stands for – independence, individuality and my own personal freedom. It’s the only car I wanted and I still pinch myself it’s mine.

What is the one thing you would change about your Jimny?

The one thing I’d change is probably the wheels – I want to get bigger wheels so he doesn’t look as skinny and if I was buying him again I’d probably sack off the four seats and go full commercial. I’d also love the roof to be able to take bigger loads – currently there’s 60kg on there with bars and a tentbox but I still feel nervous on corners and it really had slowed him down.

Do you have a funny or inspiring story to tell about owning a Jimny?

For years I was a functioning alcoholic and the addiction got so bad I almost lost my life to it. When I finally stopped drinking I made a list of things I wanted to do – to be able to afford to buy and modify a new Jimny to be able to have big adventures with the dog was one of them and I’ve done it.

I think that being able to go wherever you want for a night, get away from your own head is key to recovery and he allows me to do it so he’s got a lot to do with my continued sobriety. You can do anything you want to do if you put your mind to it.

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@teeshiwaaaa – Australia

What do you love most about owning a Jimny?

Honestly, my favourite part is the community – I know everyone says how great the community is but I have genuinely created some life long friends simply because we have the same car. Having that common interest of having a Jimny makes the friendships that little bit stronger. That shared passion not only bought me closer to people, but also led me to start Jimny Outfitters. Where I hope to give back to the community as much as it’s given to me.

What is the one thing you would change about your Jimny?

Boring one – The door cards!!!! I need a cup holder in there 

Do you have a funny or inspiring story to tell about owning a Jimny?

When I got my car I honestly never thought I would take it off-road at all, I promised my dad would stay stock and I’d only go to the beach. To his shock one day I brought it home lifted on 32”s and told him “I’m going wheeling this weekend”.  What started as a car just to take me on fire trails and beach to go camping turned into a car that has built the most amazing friendships and an unreal support group. The guys in our little Jimny group have always been there to give me a pep talk telling me not to “be a pussy” and just “send it”. 

There was this one time, we went to the beach worth pretty decent group, I had let one of the guys take my car to go find a quiet spot to go take a leak, next minute I hear over the 2-way “Teesh is bogged!” I look at the girl I’m sitting with and I’m like “uhhh I’m right here?”. 

We all took our cars over in the direction Frankie had gone, and my car was bogged to the door sills. It took around 2 hours to get out but we had the whole group on hands and knees digging, driving back and forwards. Eventually we got out but it is an experience I’ll never forget. 

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@zennasharif – Jordan

What do you love most about owning a Jimny?

It’s still quite new, I bought it a couple of months ago after spending a long time looking at other cars, I saw the Jimny and immediately knew this is a car fit for Jordan, perfect for the tiny pot hole (🙄) filled streets and even better on the rocky mountains and even Wadi Rum! 

What is the one thing you would change about your Jimny?

Essentially nothing… but god when I am on a busy road where no one follows speed limits I do wish the engine was stronger 😣 how do I explain to the extremely impatient driver that my foot hit the floor and I’m still at 60km/h on these uphill roads.

Do you have a funny or inspiring story to tell about owning a Jimny?

I always drove around with the vibe of “I’ve got a 4×4 so its so big and powerful” (heavy on the big) until I gave it to the Valet at the gym and when I went to get it it was parked next to a Hummer 😅, in my head they’re the same size tho.

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@jazzhikes – United Kingdom

What do you love most about owning a Jimny?

Honestly? My Jimny is like my pocket-sized adventure buddy with serious main character energy. It makes me feel unstoppable like, “sure, let’s just see where that sketchy little dirt track goes, what’s the worst that could happen?” And the best bit? It’s an instant head-turner. I swear I could just drive past someone picking up their bins and they’d still shout, “cool car!” Even the big 4×4 guys give me the nod of respect when I rock up in my tiny-but-mighty beast. It’s like the underdog story on four wheels and I love that it’s mine.

What is the one thing you would change about your Jimny?

Okay, so if we’re talking pure show-off factor, I’d slap on a beefy exhaust to match my forge air intake – let the little guy sing! Otherwise though, I wouldn’t change a thing. Well… maybe the fuel tank, because right now I feel like I spend more time making friends with petrol station attendants than actually driving. But hey, every hero has a flaw, right?

Do you have a funny or inspiring story to tell about owning a Jimny?

Picture this: Birmingham toll road. I roll up to the payment gates, they fly open, and in my head I hear the F1 guy: “And it’s lights out and away we go!” Next thing you know, it’s me vs a Porsche. Did I win? Oh, you bet I did. Did the Porsche driver cry a little? Probably. I was grinning like a kid on Christmas morning the whole way. So yeah, I’ll happily keep paying tolls just for the thrill of turning my wee Jimny into a racetrack hero. Sorry, not sorry.

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Bonus one for the road.

That’s all 12! However, I can’t resist adding a bonus one from @retrozook – just look at that beauty. I’ve a soft spot for Japanese styled Jimnys!

@retrozook – Australia

What do you love most about owning a Jimny?

What I love most isn’t just the car itself, but the community it comes with. No matter where you are in the world, Jimny owners are united by a shared love for these mighty little rigs. The Jimny community is second to none, and it still blows my mind that what started as a car purchase has introduced me to some of my favourite people in life.

What is the one thing you would change about your Jimny?

My to-do list is long (as any Jimny owner will understand), but if I could change something right now, it would definitely be the bumpers. They’ve taken a fair beating off-road, so upgrading them wouldn’t just give me extra clearance, it would also push Sandy one step closer to the Japanese-inspired look I adore. As for performance, she’s still mostly stock, so the options are endless, but a little extra power would definitely make adventures even sweeter.

Do you have a funny or inspiring story to tell about owning a Jimny?

Owning a Jimny definitely comes with its share of head-turning moments. Sandy is a bit of a stand-out, with colour-matched bumpers and flares, a unique grille and mirrors, and decals that make her instantly recognisable. Folks will regularly approach to have a chat (an introvert’s nightmare), but what makes me laugh the most are the wild guesses from people who don’t know Jimnys. I’ve been told she looks like a cross between a Jeep and a G-Wagon, but my all-time favourite came from the kids (and a couple of parents) at my daughter’s childcare centre. Pulling into the car park and hearing little voices yell out, “It’s the Bluey car!” – and honestly, I’ll happily take that.

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There’s more community spotlights like this coming to the blog, please contact me here or on Instagram if you want to share your Jimny story.