What's New for 1998

Review

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 Corp., 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. 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 comes in at just over $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 Chevrolet Metro, that tends to show up in rental fleets as the $19.00 per day special. The base Metro costs slightly less than the Swift and offers a mind-blowing 50 mpg on the freeway. The base Metro, however, only has a three-cylinder engine that produces a measly 55 horsepower. Step up to the LSi, and you're paying more than a comparable Swift with the same engine. On that basis alone, we recommend the Swift.

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.