2000 Suzuki Esteem Review
Price Estimate: $1,069 - $1,781
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Attractive styling, responsive steering, lots of standard equipment.
Cons
- Low-rent plastic interior, uninspired drivetrain.
What’s new
All Esteems get the 1.8-liter engine, starting with the September 1999 production run. GLX and GLX+ models receive 15-inch wheels and tires as standard equipment. Two new paint colors, Bluish Black Pearl and Cassis Red Pearl, replace Mars Red and Midnight Black.
Edmunds says
An also-ran at the economy car track meet.
For sale near Hudson, NH
Vehicle overview
Competing in the subcompact market, the Esteem Sedan and Wagon are available in three equipment levels: GL, GLX and GLX+. The Esteem's styling is better than most of the cars in this class, featuring softly curved lines, a chrome grille, and large, angled multi-reflector headlights.
For 2000, a 1.8-liter, 16-valve, double overhead-cam engine is standard on all models (although GL Sedans will make do with the 95-horsepower, 1.6-liter engine until September 1999). The 1.8-liter generates 122 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 117 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm. Acceleration is acceptable with this engine, though it becomes noisy when pushed.
All three of the trim levels come with a long list of standard equipment. The base model GL features items such as an AM/FM/cassette stereo system, an electric rear-window defogger, a fold-down rear seat, a remote trunk release, and 185/60R14 all-season tires. The GLX and GLX+ add upgraded upholstery, keyless entry, power windows and locks, a split-folding rear seat, a tachometer, and larger, all-season radial tires. Air conditioning and power steering are standard on all three trim levels.
The Esteem Sedan and Wagon will seat five. The Wagon holds 61 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seatbacks folded down. Suzuki also says the integrated roof rails can hold up to 100 pounds of cargo. The interior does suffer from seats that lack height or lumbar adjustment and a steering wheel that doesn't tilt. Hard plastic is the predominant interior material used.
We'd like to say that the Esteem is now on equal footing with the rest of the subcompact market. Unfortunately, this is a crowded segment and it takes more than clean styling and a 1.8-liter engine to compete. With the Esteem's lackluster warranty and merely adequate performance, entries from Dodge, Ford, and even Hyundai offer superior value.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in New Hampshire
$128/mo for Esteem GL
Esteem GL
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Suzuki Esteem Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
little but might!
4 out of 5 starsCarol, 03/03/2018
2000 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Wagon
I would buy this 2000 Esteem wagon again if I could as long as the quality was still there. I bought this car used in 2002 but I am so glad I did. Out side of tune-ups and( tires every 4 years) I have had no problems with this model. Only problem I see is when the AC or Heat is on the gas goes out the window!!! Yet when you take this on the road for a long trip, it gives you good … mileage with your gas. No AC/heat. I have had the maintenance was done when the times were right and the cost has not been outrages. I do wish the seats were a bit thicker and firmer on the back to help brace your self on a long road trip. I have to keep this car because it's the last care I'll ever buy because of my age. She has worked like a tank on many a day, and I'm happy to have her hopes she keeps on keeping on.... Smile.
Best car ever, buy one if you can!
4.5 out of 5 starsLC, 03/08/2010
2000 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Wagon
We had our Esteem wagon for 9 years and 168,000 and never regretted buying it. (It was recently totaled in a bad collision, no fault on the Suzuki and we miss it so much!) In those years we had no break-downs, excellent gas mileage, and awesome ability to bring tons of gear (the rear seats lay completely flat). The only problem we had was the outside door handles snapping some piece when … it was very cold outside - it was an easy and cheap repair, but you can try to avoid it and just be very careful opening the doors when it's cold. There were no engine or any other problems. Highly recommend this car, even though it is 10 years old.
Best cheap car ever!
4.25 out of 5 starsMotorMom, 04/16/2006
2000 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Wagon
I'm a car gal. I've owned at least 20, from Porsches to SUVs. We bought this car used with 30,000 miles on it. Our expectations were low, we were just buying a cheap car to drive around town. We love it! We have taken it on road trip vacations for several summers in a row. It is peppy, reliable, gets good mpg and holds a lot of gear. I'm glad these cars weren't "discovered" because it … allowed us to pick one up cheap. The GLX package is packed full of features that make it comfortable and pleasant to drive. (AC, CC, moonroof, 6 CD changer, roof racks, etc.) I think this is one of the most under-rated cars I've ever owned.
Good little car
4.13 out of 5 starsGreat little, 03/16/2010
2000 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan
It has been a great little car. I know I was not getting a sports car but for what it is I love it. I have taken it on a few long trip and have had no problems. I think the clutch is going out but that is the only thing that has happened. I have driven it like a teenage. I have not been the nicest to it but it still runs great.
2000 Esteem Highlights
Sedan
GL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $128/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 24.0 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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