1995-2002 Suzuki Esteem: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-2002 Suzuki Esteem and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Cargo room (wagon)
- Maneuverability
Cons
- Rear visibility
- Noise
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
Suzuki introduced its subcompact Esteem 4-door sedan in spring 1995, as a larger companion to the Swift hatchback. Stylists claimed the shape was European-inspired. The front-drive sedan rode a 97.6-inch wheelbase (4.5 inches longer than the Swift) and, at 165.2 inches, measured nearly 16 inches longer overall. Three versions went on sale: base GL, midrange GLX, and top-line GLX with antilock brakes and cruise control. Only the top GLX had standard air conditioning. A 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated at 98 horsepower, drove either a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. Power steering was standard on all models. GLX editions added a cassette stereo, as well as power windows and door locks.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Suzuki Esteem Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 8 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 35 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-2002 Suzuki Esteem. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-2002 Suzuki Esteem.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Suzuki Esteem/Swift:
Air conditioning became standard in all versions, in the Esteem's first full season. Antilock braking remained standard on the top GLX, but unavailable on other models. The GL adopted body-color bumpers instead of black units.
1997 Suzuki Esteem/Swift:
Only the automatic transmission was available this year for the top-line GLX model, with its standard antilock braking. Automatic remained an option for other models.
1998 Suzuki Esteem/Swift:
A station wagon joined the sedan for 1998, with roof rails that could accommodate 100 pounds of cargo. Rear seats in the wagon folded to increase cargo space to 61 cubic feet. Esteem was offered in a choice of trim levels: GL, GLX, and GLX with option package (including ABS), along with a GLX SE version of the station wagon.
1999 Suzuki Esteem/Swift:
Not much was new for the 1999 Esteem sedan and wagon. Suzuki now called its top GLX model the GLX Plus.
2000 Suzuki Esteem/Swift:
For 2000, Suzuki added a new GLX Sport sedan with fog lamps and a rear spoiler. Buyers could now choose either the original 1.6-liter engine or a new dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder, rated at 122 horsepower.
2001 Suzuki Esteem/Swift:
Esteem got a restyled grille, a standard in-dash CD player, floormats, and new seat fabric for 2001.
2002 Suzuki Esteem/Swift:
Suzuki dropped the entry-level Swift hatchback for 2002 and continued its Esteem sedan and wagon with few changes. All got an in-trunk emergency release and revised upholstery. And GLX and GLX-Plus now had 14-inch alloy wheels in place of 15s. Suzuki's Aerio replaced Esteem for the 2003 model year.
Our road test for the 1995-2002 Suzuki Esteem includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-2002 Suzuki Esteem and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-2002 Suzuki Esteem is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Best considered as an around-town runabout, Esteem lacks the power to keep up with fast-moving traffic. Ride quality also leaves a lot to be desired. Its short wheelbase makes the car pitch fore and aft on concrete expressways. The suspension does not absorb bumps well, so rough pavement translates to a harsh experience. There's also noticeable bouncing on wavy surfaces. On the plus side, the sedan feels nimble and maneuverable. Brakes perform adequately, but rear-wheel lockup is evident on non-ABS models. Although the Esteem is more substantial than the smaller Swift hatchback, its body panels feel tinny. Noise levels are lower, but you can still expect plenty of road noise and tire thumping. Also annoying is a loud, coarse growl from the engine. A GLX with automatic accelerates adequately, but the transmission on a new test model vibrated when it changed gears, and downshifted harshly. We averaged 24.2 mpg with that model, in mostly urban rush-hour commuting. Head room is ample up front and adequate for two comparatively short people in back, though the rear-seat padding is hard and the narrow back doors are difficult to enter. A small opening limits trunk utility, but cargo space is surprisingly large, with a flat floor that reaches well forward. Controls are easy to see and reach. Visibility to the rear is impaired by wide roof pillars. A narrow rear window cuts off the driver's view of the trunk.
Value for the Money
Unimpressive in most areas, except for fuel economy, the Esteem does not deliver acceptable value. For not too many extra dollars, several good alternatives can be found, including a Honda Civic, Geo Prizm, Chevrolet Cavalier, or Dodge/Plymouth Neon.
Unimpressive in most areas, except for fuel economy, the Esteem does not deliver acceptable value. For not too many extra dollars, several good alternatives can be found, including a Honda Civic, Geo Prizm, Chevrolet Cavalier, or Dodge/Plymouth Neon.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Suzuki Esteem Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 8 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 35 |
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 Esteem/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 Esteem/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.
Brake wear:
The bushings in the front brake calipers may be too small, allowing the brake pads to wear unevenly. Countermeasure bushings are available to fix this. (1995-96)
Engine noise:
Lifters drain down (collapse) after cold soak causing ticking noise from 2.0L engine briefly after startup and, if running the engine for 20 minutes at 2,000 rpm does not clear up the problem, lifters must be replaced. (1999-02)
Fuel gauge:
The fuel gauge is inaccurate, requiring replacement of the sending unit and fuel breather pipe. (1995)
Keyless entry:
Faulty diode in the keyless entry transmitter (with red and white lettering) could shorten battery life. A replacement transmitter is available. (1998-2001)
Rough idle:
The spark-plug wires on 16-valve, 1.6L engines deteriorate causing poor idle, stumbling, reduced fuel economy, etc. and should be replaced with improved wires. (1995)
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 | $385 |
| Alternator | $420 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $710 |
| Brakes | $350 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $350 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $580 |
| Exhaust System | $275 |
| Radiator | $295 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $650 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $330 |
Our price chart for this generation Suzuki Esteem/Swift details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2002 | |||
| Esteem | $3,100-4,200 | $2,400-3,300 | $700-1,000 |
| 2001 | |||
| Esteem | $2,500-3,500 | $1,800-2,600 | $500-700 |
| 2000 | |||
| Esteem | $2,100-2,800 | $1,500-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1999 | |||
| Esteem | $1,800-2,500 | $1,200-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1998 | |||
| Esteem | $1,500-2,100 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1997 | |||
| Esteem | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1996 | |||
| Esteem | $1,100-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1995 | |||
| Esteem | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
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 Esteem/Swift include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 97.6 | 97.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 165.2 | 171.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 65.7 | 66.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.9 | 55.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2227 | 2359 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.0 | 24.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.5 | 13.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 38.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | 42.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.2 | 38.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.1 | 36.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Suzuki's 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine initially produced 98 horsepower, which dropped to 95 by 1998. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard and 4-speed automatic optional; but starting in 1997, top-line GLX models came only with automatic. By 2000, Esteem could be equipped with a 1.8-liter dual-overhead-cam four, producing 122 horsepower, instead of the original 1.6-liter four.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 109 | 122 | 117 | 5-speed manual: 28/35 4-speed automatic: 26/33 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 24.2 |
| ohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 95-98 | 94-99 | 5-speed manual: 30/37 4-speed automatic: 27/33 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 35 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Suzuki Esteem/Swift include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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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