1990-1994 Suzuki Swift: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Suzuki Swift and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Handling/roadholding (GT)
- Acceleration (GT)
Cons
- Noise
- Passenger room
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced for 1989, the Swift came in 2-door hatchback and 4-door notchback form. Riding a longer wheelbase than the 2-door, the 4-door model came in GA, GL, and GS trim, with a 70 horsepower, 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. The GA edition came only with 5-speed manual shift, while other Swifts had a choice of the 5-speed or 3-speed automatic transmission. Two-door hatchbacks came three ways, too: entry-level GA, midlevel GL, and sporty GT. Equipped with a dual-overhead-cam 1.3-liter engine, the GT included a close-ratio 5-speed manual gearbox, 4-wheel disc brakes, sport seats, sport suspension, and 175/60R14 tires. Swift was also marketed under the Geo brand as the Metro.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Suzuki Swift GT Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 1 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 27 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Suzuki Swift. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Suzuki Swift.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Suzuki Swift:
The GL 2-door hatchback and GL 4-door notchback sedan were gone. Two hatchbacks carried on: a base GA with the 70 horsepower engine and the sporty GT with its 100-horse dual-cam engine. Four-door models came in GA and GS trim, each with the 70-horsepower engine and a choice of transmissions.
1992 Suzuki Swift:
All models got redesigned front fascias and a fresh dashboard layout.
1993 Suzuki Swift:
Automatic-locking front doors were installed for 1993, but little else was new.
1994 Suzuki Swift:
Base GA models added a passenger-side mirror, and the GA hatchback got a removable cargo cover. Swifts were redesigned for 1995.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Suzuki Swift includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Suzuki Swift and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Suzuki Swift is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Expect considerable engine and road noise from any Swift, due to lack of sufficient sound insulation. Both engines growl and snarl their way through traffic. In addition, the 70-horsepower has trouble keeping up with cement trucks. On the other hand, the 100-horsepower dual-cam engine revs eagerly and produces quick acceleration. Gas mileage is terrific, too. We've averaged close to 36 mpg with a 4-door model and 31.4 mpg with a GT hatchback. With its firmer suspension, the sportier Swift GT maneuvers deftly through traffic and takes tight turns with impressive agility. Unfortunately, the GT's ride gets stiff, so the overall road experience is mixed. A 2-door Swift isn't much fun for tall people. Six-footers have adequate leg room in front, but their heads are likely to hit the ceiling. Rear leg room is minuscule unless the front seats are pushed well-forward.
Value for the Money
For the most part, Swifts have reminded us of Japanese subcompacts from the mid-1980s: noisy, cramped, basic--but stingy with fuel. As economical runabouts, they'll do--but just barely.
For the most part, Swifts have reminded us of Japanese subcompacts from the mid-1980s: noisy, cramped, basic--but stingy with fuel. As economical runabouts, they'll do--but just barely.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Suzuki Swift GT Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 2 | |
| Quietness | 1 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 27 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Suzuki Swift includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Suzuki Swift .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Battery:
The dome light may stay on due to a faulty door-jamb switch. (1990-91)
Engine misfire:
Rough idle may be caused by a problem with the engine-control computer. (1993)
Engine misfire:
A problem with the throttle-body base gasket results in rough idle and throttle stumble. (1990-92)
Hood/trunk:
Because the spot welds for the striker were misaligned, the hood may not latch properly. (1990-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $540 |
| Alternator | $400 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $770 |
| Brakes | $200 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $410 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $700 |
| Exhaust System | $145 |
| Radiator | $335 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $660 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $190 |
Our price chart for this generation Suzuki Swift details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Swift | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Swift | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1992 | |||
| Swift | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1991 | |||
| Swift | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1990 | |||
| Swift | $0 | $0 | $0 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Suzuki Swift include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door hatchback | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 89.2 | 93.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 147.4 | 161.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 62.6 | 62.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.4 | 53.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 1781 | 1894 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 10.3 | 11.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 10.6 | 10.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 37.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 29.8 | 32.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Swifts except the GT held a single-cam 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated at 70 horsepower. A dual-overhead-cam 1.3 liter four, developing 100 horsepower, went into the GT hatchback, which came only with 5-speed manual shift. Other models might have either the 5-speed or an optional 3-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 1.3 / 79 | 70 | 74 | 5-speed manual: 37/43 3-speed automatic: 29/34 |
5-speed manual: 35.8 3-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 1.3 / 97 | 100 | 83 | 5-speed manual: 28/35 | 5-speed manual: 21.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada, Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Suzuki Swift include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 Swift |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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