2000 Suzuki Esteem Consumer Reviews

Best cheap car ever!

Written by: MotorMom on 04/16/2006

Vehicle

2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GLX Wagon

Review

I'm a car gal. I've owned at least 20, from Porsches to SUVs. We bought this car used with 30,000 miles on it. Our expectations were low, we were just buying a cheap car to drive around town. We love it! We have taken it on road trip vacations for several summers in a row. It is peppy, reliable, gets good mpg and holds a lot of gear. I'm glad these cars weren't "discovered" because it allowed us to pick one up cheap. The GLX package is packed full of features that make it comfortable and pleasant to drive. (AC, CC, moonroof, 6 CD changer, roof racks, etc.) I think this is one of the most under-rated cars I've ever owned.

Favorite Features

Peppy little engine, sleek styling, and good value.

Suggested Improvements

I wish there was a shoulder belt and head rest in the rear center position.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Suzuki 2000 Esteem Wagon

Written by: Rich on 06/07/2005

Vehicle

2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GL Wagon

Review

Only general maintenance since purchased 4 yrs ago. Will look to purchase another Suzuki in the future. Only drawback is the limited room in the front driver side. Seats are a bit low for someone under 6 feet, but some added car seat covers helped to correct this flaw while protecting the front seats. No problems with exterior to this point, no rust visible anywhere.

Favorite Features

Very easy to drive and park just about any spot. Dark blue metalic color makes the car look great especially after a complete wash and wax. Having the wagon option allows for easy transport of large and/or numerous items.

Suggested Improvements

Tilt steering wheel would have helped the problem with the front driver side spacing. Having the ability to raise the seats for someone under 6 ft would be nice as well.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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wow.......what a car

Written by: chaser1972 on 05/30/2005

Vehicle

2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GLX Wagon

Review

here we go......this is the same car as in the review above. Now, it has 140000 miles on it(I commute 100 miles toand from work each day). I cannot say enough about this car. In 130k miles, here are my repairs: 4 front brake jobs (including the de-laminated brake pad), replaced front rotors once, 2 sets of tires, I had a stalling problem at around 105k that was the ONLY repair that was not wear-and-tear related. It was a throttle control valve or something. I am on my ORIGINAL rear brakes. It has only not started for me once, so I changed the plugs.this was at 120k. New plugs also cleared the check engine light. I really beat this car. Simply, the best car I have EVER owned.

Favorite Features

Space galore in a small package, RELIABILITY,RELIABILITY,RELIABILITY!!! big glove box, 27-30 mpg when gas is $2.00/gal.

Suggested Improvements

since they dont make this model anymore, this is a moot point. The Aerio is a cool little wagon, but I think I'm moving up to a grand Vitara next.

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bare basic car..

Written by: Titu Bhowmick on 12/30/2004

Vehicle

2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

I just bought this car a month ago with 31 k miles on it. Now it has 33k. The car was in a good condition when used. There are very few good things about this car .. it is usually average or below average. The car is very simple in design and so it is easy to work on. The build quality is bad, there are noises everywhere. A critical bolt for the engine mount snapped in the first few weeks. I think the wagon is a more practical alernative.

Favorite Features

simple mechanicals

Suggested Improvements

poor interiors, build quality, zero fun factor, very noisy, unstable on the highway.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Not a bad car

Written by: Sohcahtoa on 05/22/2004

Vehicle

2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GLX Sedan

Review

Bought this car in Jan 2003 for $7000, it had only 1,300 miles on it. I've been very pleased with it. Only problem I had was the catalitic converter dying on me, but I think that was self-inflicted by hitting a speed bump really hard, but warranty still covered it. Sticker said 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway, but I actually get 28/35.

Favorite Features

Good gas mileage. Can really get-up-and-go in first/second gear. Seems reliable so far.

Suggested Improvements

Better speakers, especially in the front. ABS should be standard. Remote trunk release. It is LOUD inside the car when travelling at 70 MPH, have to turn to music real loud to cover the sounds of the engine/road.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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disappointed

Written by: francistoronto on 04/27/2004

Vehicle

2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

The car lacks power and very noisy when you step on the gas. Can barely hear the stereo sound working. After 1 month I bought it, windshield suddenly cracked without apparent reason. Susceptible to crosswinds.

Favorite Features

back seats provide ample support

Suggested Improvements

Better design, soundproofing, weatherproofing and more power.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Hats of to Suzuki!

Written by: dalemccarty_17 on 03/17/2004

Vehicle

2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

I had my car for a little under a month now and I still like it. The only problem that I have had with it was a flat tire at the dealership, that has nothing to do with the cars reliability, tires go flat on every vehicle out there. It is a good first time car, my first car, (when I was in 10 grade) was a 1991 GMC Jimmy 4x4 4dr. I DO NOT recomend this truck, it was sopposed to have 4x4, ABS, and electric windows, guess what, the 4x4 never locked in, the ABS didn't work (I had some close calls that would have not be close if i had ABS), and the windows would slowly go down, and not go up.

Favorite Features

Power, O/D button right on the shifter, nice quiet doors, front dual airbags, and the low price.

Suggested Improvements

The ABS should be on all the models and come standard, it still slows down very quickly on ice and snow, but there is room for improvement. But besides that, nothing.

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In High Esteem

Written by: high esteem on 02/18/2004

Vehicle

2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GL Sedan

Review

My car has the 1.8L engine and 14" wheels. Built in Japan. Clutch/shifter is ultra smooth and easy, smooth ride, comfortable, and relatively quiet (compared to even Mazda Protege and Honda Civic). Excellent sight lines, supportive seat (I'm tall). Leg room about the same as other small cars. Fun to drive. Precise steering, mild body lean. Nice stereo sound. No mechanical problems.

Favorite Features

The 1.8L (not sure about the 1.6) engine uses a timing chain instead of belt so no replacement needed. Stainless steel exhaust system. Shifter. Excellent build quality. High fun factor and reliability. AC is effective.

Suggested Improvements

Neither a luxury car or pocket rocket. Manual amenities, analogue dials. Compares well to current 2004 models! Engine a little noisy on hard acceleration. The 2nd gear comes a little too late. Finally, the wheels need to be balanced correctly for optimum ride.

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best car for the buck

Written by: jaeckert on 01/26/2004

Vehicle

2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GL Wagon

Review

Purchased 6/2/2000 and I will not part with it. Power is good as sea level BUT could be better in the mountains. (USE 91 OCTANE IN THE MOUNTAINS) Mileage runs about 24 street and 35 in freeways. Handles very well and is stable at all speeds and rides like a larger car.

Favorite Features

Seats are vary confortable

Suggested Improvements

NONE

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Durable little beast

Written by: Pete s. on 09/20/2003

Vehicle

2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GL Wagon

Review

Well my 85' lincoln died so I walked across rte. 112 to the first dealership i saw and bought this little Esteem. The guys there helped me get financing because my credit sucked at the time. i haven't regretted my impulse buy AT ALL> The esteem's a great little car that I have beat the s^&* out of and took on several long trips <NY to Buffalo>....knock on wood I've had no trouble with it at all. It has some speed too.

Favorite Features

Great mileage, nice looking vehicle, reliable.

Suggested Improvements

Longer warranry

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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