2002 Suzuki Esteem 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
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
Outrageous parts and repair
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.
Great car for the price
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.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Super Reliable
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.
I miss it already
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
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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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