What's New for 1999
A restyled front end with multireflector headlights and an overall smoother body distinguishes the 1999 Esteem line from its predecessors. Base GL models come with the 14-inch wheels that were standard on GLX models. Interior surfaces have been upgraded and a Clarion AM/FM cassette is available. An all-new 1.8-liter inline four that makes 122 horsepower.
Review
Suzuki has been slowly improving the Esteem line since its introduction in 1995. Last year the company introduced a roomy, but underpowered, wagon to augment the existing sedan model. This year, with its new 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine, the Esteem will finally have a fighting chance against the competition from Ford (Escort) and Hyundai (Elantra). The base 1.6-liter, with its paltry 95-horsepower (which, by the way, is less horsepower than most of Suzuki's motorcycles make these days), will still be available until March of 1999. However, if you're looking to carry more than one person, drive up hills, or merge with freeway traffic in a safe matter, you'll want to opt for the larger mill.
Three trim levels are available with air conditioning standard on even the low-line GL. Opt for the Esteem GLX or GLX+ and you get power steering, a rear window defogger, remote fuel door and trunk releases, dual mirrors, and a fold down rear seat.
We'd like to say that the Esteem is now on equal footing with the rest of the sub-compact market. Unfortunately, this is a crowded segment and it takes more than a redesigned body and 122-horsepower to compete. With the Esteem's lackluster warranty and merely adequate performance (even with the larger engine), entries from Dodge, Honda, and even Kia offer superior value.
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