2004 Suzuki XL-7 Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
By offering a third-row seat in a compact SUV, Suzuki answers a question not many people are asking.
Pros
Affordable base price, competent on- and off-road handling, available seven-passenger seating.
Cons
Cramped second- and third-row seating, dated cabin design, low-grade interior plastics, side airbags not available.
What's New for 2004
The XL-7 receives minor updates to the exterior and equipment list. The Touring and Limited models have been renamed EX III and LX III. The front grille and bumper have been reworked, and the foglights, taillights and headlights all have a new look. The front-passenger airbags are now multistage, and there's a new panic button on the keyless remote. Lastly, the V6 engine gets two additional horsepower for a total of 185, and the automatic transmission is now a five-speed unit.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Good Little Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Suzuki XL-7 EX Rwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I test drove almost every SUV made including the Navigator, Escalade, and Lexus. The XL-7 doesn't have the luxury of these SUVs but for the money, it surpassed all the others that we tried. It handles well and rides fairly comfortably, although the gas mileage could be better. Blind spots where the backseat headrests and the spare tire cover are can cause problems at times. All in all I've no problems with performance AND I've gotten quite a few compliments on the body style also. This would be a great business vehicle!
Favorite Features
Clarion 6-CD changer with steering wheel controls, leather seats, cruise control.
Suggested Improvements
Move the spare tire to the back floorboard. Widen the wheelbase to add stability and add more comfortable armrests on each door and in the middle of the front seats and back seats, power seats with lumbar support to increase comfort on long trips. Increase gas mileage to 30 mph highway
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
LOVE IT!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Suzuki XL-7 EX III 4WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
The Suzuki XL-7 is the perfect mid size SUV for moms who don't want a BIG SUV or the expensive gas bill! It is kid friendly and easy to maintain! It's comfortable on long trips! I suggest the third seat option, just in case you need it! :) This truck has great storage and gets great gas mileage!
Favorite Features
All of it.
Suggested Improvements
I don't like the spare tire cover options, it needs more than the hard cover option. I don't like where the oil filter is located, I wish they would move it to a more convenient place for changing oil.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Check It Out
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Suzuki XL-7 LX III 4WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
The Suzuki XL-7 is a great SUV. It would be much better though if they offered more power and towing capacity. the 2.7 liter engine is too weak.
Favorite Features
I like the wood trim.
Suggested Improvements
Increase the size of the engine.
Durable but Needs to have a Better Ride
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Suzuki XL-7 LX Rwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I enjoy driving my XL-7 around town but do not like taking it on long trips due to the rough ride. The ride is very bumpy and uncomfortable. I read that the '07 model will have a smoother ride. If that's the case I wouldn't hesitate to consider purchasing one. The price and warranty are good. Its reliability is good. I have not had any problems.
Favorite Features
The interior is nice with the wood grain. I have the cosmic blue color which gets a lot of attention.
Suggested Improvements
Improve the choppy ride, rocking, and add cupholders in the back.
Great Compact SUV with a third seat
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Suzuki XL-7 LX Rwd 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5M)
Review
This is a great SUV if you need room for 5. It has a very competitive price for a small budget. It is a strong compact SUV on a truck base. It has many built in features at no additional cost (anti-lock brakes, CD player with in steering wheel remote, climate control A/C).
Favorite Features
The in steering wheel CD player remote control, climate control A/C system, third row seat, competitive price, and reliability.
Suggested Improvements
More leg room for the third seat.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2006 Suzuki XL-7
- 2005 Suzuki XL-7
- 2004 Suzuki XL-7
- 2003 Suzuki XL-7
- 2002 Suzuki XL-7
- 2001 Suzuki XL-7
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