2002 Suzuki Esteem: Road Test
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2002 Suzuki Esteem ▼
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- MSRP: $13,299 -$16,599
- Invoice: $12,767 -$15,935
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Our road test for the 2002 Suzuki Esteem includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Suzuki Esteem from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Suzuki Esteem, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Suzuki Esteem help you decide if a 2002 Suzuki Esteem is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GLX sdn, man. | GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Adequate at best. The automatic transmission is prone to jerky full-throttle downshifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GLX sdn, man. | GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6.7 |
Test Esteems averaged 24.2 mpg with automatic transmission, 27 with manual, both in mostly urban driving--good but not great figures for the class.
RIDE QUALITY
| GLX sdn, man. | GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Way below par. Rough pavement often means a rough ride, and there's noticeable bounce on wavy surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GLX sdn, man. | GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
Nimble at low speeds, predictable on twisty roads, but modest grip means modest cornering ability. Brakes deliver stable, relatively short simulated emergency stops even without ABS, but ABS should be available on all models, not just the costliest.
QUIETNESS
| GLX sdn, man. | GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.6 |
One of today's noisier small cars, with lots of tire thump and road roar, plus a loud, coarse engine growl.
CONTROLS
| GLX sdn, man. | GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
A simple dashboard and fairly convenient controls, but design is dated, materials strictly bargain basement.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GLX sdn, man. | GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.4 |
Adequate adult-size room, good basic driving stance, but entry/exit a bit tight for larger persons, rear visibility not the best.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GLX sdn, man. | GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
Medium-sized adults won't complain on short drives, but thinly padded seats aren't for long trips. Entry/exit OK, but much easier in the taller Focus and Corolla.
CARGO ROOM
| GLX sdn, man. | GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 7 | 3.3 |
A little better than average for the class, especially the wagon, but the sedan's trunk opening is on the small side.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GLX sdn, man. | GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4.7 |
Slow, rough-riding, and noisy, the lame-duck 2002 Esteem is a subpar subcompact in most respects and doesn't compare well with most rivals, especially our Also Consider models. If you can't resist, though, a GLX-Plus with its standard ABS is the way to go.
Total Score
| GLX sdn, man. | GLX Plus wgn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 37 | 44.2 |
Total Score: 35
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