1996 Suzuki Swift Review
1996 Suzuki Swift Review
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What’s new
Two new colors and new seat fabrics.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Suzuki Swift 2dr Hatchback and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$123/mo for Swift Base
Swift Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
This is it. This is the car for those of you who need to buy a new vehicle but don't have much more than the lint in your pockets to spend. Suzuki Motor Corporation, more noted for its mini sport-utility wagons and motorcycles, had you in mind when they developed the Swift.
Calling Suzuki's entry-level hatchback Swift borders on false advertising and misrepresentation. Fortunately for Suzuki, the Swift has other attributes that keep consumers from filing a class action lawsuit. The most noticeable is its price; the Swift can be had for under $9,000. Heck, these days most people spend more on used cars without warranties than you'll pay for the Swift with its three year/36,000 mile worry-free coverage. What's more, the Swift offers amazing gas mileage: 39 mpg in the city, 43 on the highway. Yes indeed, the Swift promises to be a cheap set of wheels no matter how you slice it.
The Swift has a more recognized cousin, the Geo Metro, that tends to show up in rental fleets as the $19.00 per day special. The Metro costs slightly less than the Swift and offers a mind-blowing 50 mpg on the freeway. If you opt for the Metro, however, you will have to make do with a car that has a three-cylinder engine that produces a measly 55 horsepower. On that basis alone, we recommend the Swift. Although no drag-racer, the Swift offers 15 more horsepower via its additional cylinder.
The Swift is one of the few choices left for Americans who need inexpensive transportation and a warranty. In this category we feel that the Swift is the best choice. You better have great looks and a sparkling wit though; this car is unlikely to attract many dates.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Suzuki Swift.
5 star(25%)
4 star(75%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
4 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
Cheap, reliable, and fuel efficient
Rock C, 11/25/2010
1995 Suzuki Swift 2dr Hatchback
I own this vehicle for months now and although it's early to say, so far there's no problems with this car whatsoever besides one of the brake pads needed to be changed. At 113k,this car still runs like a champ and I never went below 35 mpg city driving with this car. With my average at over 40 mpg city/highway, this car shows why we don't need expensive hybrids, rather just more small … cars with a simple, fuel sipping engine to take care of our transportation needs on the cheap. I'm going keep this car until there's an inexpensive car out there with comparable mpg to this car or when an affordable electric car is out on sale. For now I love my Swift! =)
5 out of 5 stars
Pocket rocket!
Smudge95, 06/10/2021
1995 Suzuki Swift 2dr Hatchback
I have a 1995 Suzuki Swift HB purple 5 speed 4cly 1.3L sohc 8 valve 70 hp 74 torque. I do not find it under powered for its size. Handles ok but want to tighten it up with a strut brace.
4 out of 5 stars
Good & Reliable & fuel efficient
happydriver, 04/01/2004
1995 Suzuki Swift 2dr Hatchback
This car has been very useful,
reliable, economical and I've never
had a single problem with it, other
than just maintaining it, and changing
the oil every 3K miles.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Economy driver
Gemini, 02/28/2010
1995 Suzuki Swift 2dr Hatchback
I purchased this car as a secound owner with 130,000 on it. Car has been very reliable and never stranded me.These cars unfortunately rust out near the A-arm and under the doors mid way.I now have 225000 on motor and have replaced the usual stuff,brakes bearings,cv-shafts.I have a 5-speed. I`m not sure an automatic would be able to get out of its way! I`ve dropped from 44 to 40 Mph the … last 15000 miles. Shes going but, I`ll drive her until her frame goes.Which will be soon. I changed the oil regularly and used slick 50. I did not race the car drove her for economy.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Suzuki Swift, so we've included reviews for other years of the Swift since its last redesign.
1996 Swift Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 35 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $123/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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