2001 Suzuki Esteem/Swift: Road Test
2001 Suzuki Esteem/Swift ▼
- MSRP: $9,299 - $16,499
- Invoice: $8,741 - $15,839
Explore
Features & Specifications
Related to Suzuki Esteem/Swift
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2001 Suzuki Esteem/Swift includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Suzuki Esteem/Swift from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Suzuki Esteem/Swift, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Suzuki Esteem/Swift help you decide if a 2001 Suzuki Esteem/Swift is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Swift GA, man. | Esteem GLX sdn, man. | Esteem GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Esteems have adequate acceleration at best, and their automatic transmission can be a rough. Swifts have too little power to stay with fast-moving traffic, especially with optional automatic, so they're just around-town shopping cars.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Swift GA, man. | Esteem GLX sdn, man. | Esteem GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6 | 6.8 |
We averaged 24.2 mpg with an automatic Esteem in urban driving and 27 mph with a manual model. Swifts can average up to 35 mpg.
RIDE QUALITY
| Swift GA, man. | Esteem GLX sdn, man. | Esteem GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
None of these cars absorbs bumps well, so rough pavement means a rough ride, and there's noticeable bounce on wavy surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Swift GA, man. | Esteem GLX sdn, man. | Esteem GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 4.2 |
Nimble at low speeds, but all run out of grip quickly in fast turns and thus aren't that sporty. Swifts have only adequate brakes. Esteems make shorter, more stable emergency stops even without ABS.
QUIETNESS
| Swift GA, man. | Esteem GLX sdn, man. | Esteem GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 3.6 |
Esteem suffers lots of tire thump and road roar, plus a loud, coarse engine growl. Swift is even noisier, thanks to sparse sound insulation.
CONTROLS
| Swift GA, man. | Esteem GLX sdn, man. | Esteem GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
All models have simple dashboards with fairly convenient controls. Design is dated, materials strictly bargain-basement.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Swift GA, man. | Esteem GLX sdn, man. | Esteem GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 4.3 |
Esteem has adult-size room in front, but entry/exit is a bit tight for larger persons. Swift is tighter in front, but easier to access with its longer doors.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Swift GA, man. | Esteem GLX sdn, man. | Esteem GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 3.1 |
Medium-sized adults won't complain on short drives in the Esteem, but they will in the Swift. Seats in both are thinly padded. Entry/exit is a literal pain in Swifts, much easier in the 4-dr Esteems.
CARGO ROOM
| Swift GA, man. | Esteem GLX sdn, man. | Esteem GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 2 | 7 | 3.3 |
A little better than average for the subcompact class, though the sedan's trunk opening is small.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Swift GA, man. | Esteem GLX sdn, man. | Esteem GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 4.6 |
An Esteem GLX-Plus with its standard ABS is the pick of this group, but costs as much as the more competent Ford Focus and Toyota Echo. A larger late-model used car offers better dollar value than a Swift.
Total Score
| Swift GA, man. | Esteem GLX sdn, man. | Esteem GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 32 | 36 | 42.8 |
Total Score: 30
Scores for all Compact Cars
Next Step: Get a price quote from your local dealer ►
