2000 Suzuki Esteem Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
An also-ran at the economy car track meet.
Pros
Attractive styling, responsive steering, lots of standard equipment.
Cons
Low-rent plastic interior, uninspired drivetrain.
What's New for 2000
All Esteems get the 1.8-liter engine, starting with the September 1999 production run. GLX and GLX+ models receive 15-inch wheels and tires as standard equipment. Two new paint colors, Bluish Black Pearl and Cassis Red Pearl, replace Mars Red and Midnight Black.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Amazing little thing!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GLX Sedan
Review
I bought this car in 2001 with 8,000 miles on it. I Still have the car and now have 130,000 on her. Besides normal oil changes, tires and brake work, the only thing that I have needed to change was the valve cover gaskets! It was a snap! When needed, you have plenty of power. Okay, so it's not a Monte, but what do you expect? It's a little 4 banger! Never once has it not started, and has never stalled on me. All in all, for the money, you get a really good running very realiable car.
Favorite Features
Good space in the trunk. Plenty of room in the back. Extremely low maintenance! Most things are easy to reach for the driver.
Suggested Improvements
Great little wagon
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GL Wagon
Review
I have had my 2000 Esteem for over 5 years and have had no problems with it. I had the brakes replaced in 2005 but nothing else other than normal oil and filter changes have had to be done. I do not drive as much as most people but with over 76000 now on it I am still not finding that there is a problem. The back seat has been able to sit three kids on a regular basis even though two of them have been adult sized or nearly so. We do not take it long distances and I am sure that would get old with everyone in it but for distances up to an hour this car does fine even with my sons who are 6' tall sitting in the back seat. Fuel economy has a large range but it gets no less than 25 MPG.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Great car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GLX Sedan
Review
I am the original owner. I bought it in 2000 as a dealer employee car. I paid $9,000.00 for it w/ 45 miles on it. It now has 138,200 and only thing it has had is brakes, battery & tires! Plus regular check-ups! I hate to part with it but the time has come. So will replace with another Suzuki. I am more than happy with the preformance of my Esteem. Great on gas. 36-38 mpg. I certainly got my money's worth! Best car I've ever owned!
Favorite Features
6 disc cd player in the trunk and a cassette player also. Cruise control!
Suggested Improvements
I have no suggestions. I am very happy with my Esteem!
What a good surprise!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GLX Wagon
Review
Car was two years old and had 30,000 miles on it at purchase. I'd read good reviews, but my expectations were low. I was just looking for a cheap little wagon to drive for a while. I tested a 1.6L, but it was underpowered. The 1.8L is way better. I liked that the 1.8L wouldn't need timing belt replacement, since it has a chain. Well, I've been surprised by how much I love this car. It's cute, extremely peppy, and fits a ton of stuff. It's amazingly reliable. In five years, I've put 30,000 miles on it, mostly vacation driving. We've taken it out on the road for weeks at a time without a worry. It's been from sea level to Colorado mountain tops. It's a champ.
Favorite Features
Everything works! No timing belt, A/C is cold, runs strong and smooth. And it was CHEAP! These cars were a well-kept secret. Too bad they stopped making them. I'd get another one for my son.
Suggested Improvements
Seats could offer more support.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Not Horrible
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Suzuki Esteem 4 Dr GLX Sedan
Review
I bought the car new in 2000 and faithfully do tune ups. I had a problem with the catalytic converter at 48,000 miles. The warranty covered PART of it. Then the catalytic converter went out again. I contacted Suzuki and they would not cover it. I now hear a 'rattling' coming from the engine every time its rpms are over 2,000, which is not so good if you need to pass emissions:)
Favorite Features
It gets great gas mileage and is great for running around town. It gets up and goes pretty well. It does not lose power when going over the mountains.
Suggested Improvements
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2002 Suzuki Esteem
- 2001 Suzuki Esteem
- 2000 Suzuki Esteem
- 1999 Suzuki Esteem
- 1998 Suzuki Esteem
- 1997 Suzuki Esteem
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