1995-2002 Suzuki Esteem - Consumer Guide Automotive

Category	Suzuki Esteem Rating (See All Ratings)

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

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model

1995-2002 SUZUKI ESTEEM BUYING RESOURCES

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1995-2002 Suzuki Esteem Review

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.

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.

1995-2002 Suzuki Esteem Road Test >

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