2002 Suzuki Esteem Review

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Editors' Rating

Not Yet Rated | Read the Model Review

Fuel Economy

26 - 27 mpg

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

An aging economy sedan that offers little in terms of value or amenities.

Pros

Strong 1.8-liter engine, attractive -- if not distinctive -- exterior design, sedan and wagon body styles.

Cons

Engine gets noisy at high revs, so-so suspension, ABS not available on sedan, doesn't offer the most appealing value package in this segment.

What's New for 2002

Not much changes for the 2002 Esteem. The seat upholstery is new, and sedans now have an inside trunk release handle. Suzuki has changed with the trim levels, and last year's GLX+ and GLX Sport sedan trims are no longer available. Suzuki now offers a 24-hour roadside assistance program.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Reliability and Economy

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 7 Fun-to-Drive: 7 Build Quality: 8
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 7 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 10 Exterior Design: 8

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought this car with 85000 miles and am now up to 117000 miles with NO problems. I averaged 41 MPG on a trip across the country and have not had to spend money on repairs. I change the oil, filters and belts when needed. Great car. Radio and speakers are cheap and problematic, but overall car is very dependable and economic.

Favorite Features

Exterior styling, fuel economy.

Suggested Improvements

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Outrageous parts and repair

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 7 Fun-to-Drive: 5 Build Quality: 5
Comfort: 5 Interior Design: 4 Reliability: 5
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 8

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Great gas mileage. Bought car new, but then the interior lights start burning out at 1 year. Interior starts fading, poor material. Air flow modulator went out costing 1000 dollars for just the part. Has 2 catalytic converters, but don't know which one to replace. Can't get it inspected because computer can't tell what is wrong with it. Will not buy another Suzuki after this disaster.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage

Suggested Improvements

Everything to do with repairing or replacing parts. Maybe that's why they quit making it.

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Great car for the price

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 7 Fun-to-Drive: 7 Build Quality: 7
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 7 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 8

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought it used (5 speed, wagon) and never had any issues whatsover. With the rear seats folded down, it had very good usable cargo space. You can fit stuff in there you can never imagine in a sedan. Wonder why people still prefer to buy sedans over wagons.

Favorite Features

Reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the interior, tilt steering.

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Super Reliable

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I just traded in my Esteem. Broken-hearted. A fantastic vehicle. I used it for courier deliveries. Back seats fold flat and the cargo space held everything! Handled very heavy (500 lbs) loads without too much complaining. Lots of jackrabbit starts (deadlines you know) and sudden stops. But the reliability was great. Never even changed a headlight until 260,000 km. Several things (rad, control arm, CV boots etc) went this week. But now that its got 365,000 km (228 k miles) I can't really complain.

Favorite Features

Unbelievable reliability. Nice handling, maneuverability, easy to park, etc. Solid at highway speeds.

Suggested Improvements

Weak A/C. Noisy interior.

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I miss it already

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 8 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 9

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Until 3/18/04 I really loved my little Suzuki. I did have to replace the tires and a bumper, which were a little pricey (but this not a ford Focus, so don't expect to be readily able to get parts for cheap). But I love it more now because that car saved my life. I took my eyes off the road for 1 second and ended up rolling the car over four times. Where I was in the driver's seat held up wonderfully. The passenger side, not so hot, but for the impact it took (hitting a culvert in a driveway at 45 mph) it did well. I was able to walk out of the car. The car is totalled, but I owe that I am writing this today to that car.

Favorite Features

I liked the car's enterior design. When you got in, you were ready to drive. I really liked the air bags and other safety features. I can appreciate them now

Suggested Improvements

Impact resistant areas above the bumper and quarter panels would be great

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