2001 Suzuki Esteem Review
2001 Suzuki Esteem Review





+29
Used Esteem for sale
Appraise This CarSuzuki Esteem types
- Wagon
- Sedan
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong 1.8-liter engine, sporty wheels with performance-oriented tires, attractive -- if not distinctive -- exterior design.
Cons
- Engine gets noisy at high revs, so-so suspension, no cruise control or ABS with manual transmission, doesn't offer the most appealing value package in this segment.
What’s new
In an effort to ply prospective Esteem buyers, Suzuki has equipped every model with an in-dash CD player. Stereo head units also get larger controls. Elsewhere, you will find gentle cosmetic changes: The front grille has been restyled, the seats are wrapped in a new fabric and floor mats are standard. Sky Blue Metallic is no longer available as an exterior color.
Edmunds says
An also-ran at the economy car track meet.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M) 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 $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$141/mo for Esteem GL
Esteem GL
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
There is nothing really objectionable about the Esteem sedan and wagon, but the economy car segment is not what it used to be -- at least not since a Focus and a fresh batch of Sentras, Proteges and Elantras arrived. Now, it seems that customers are looking for value (!), socially acceptable aesthetics and a bit of driving amusement. The Esteem has been around since 1995, and it has never been able to deliver all three, though advertising (that ideally, would get people into the dealerships) has not been especially heavy-handed, either. Slowly, Suzuki has enhanced the Esteem, but we're not sure that the company is moving expediently enough to rescue the car from the cellar of the segment in sales.
One of these improvements came last year when Suzuki made the 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine standard on all models. This engine makes 122 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 117 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm. These numbers are competitive for this class, but we've observed more engine roar in the Esteem from 4,000 to 6,800 rpm than we have in its peers. The noise isn't obnoxious -- there is simply more of it.
We've found ride quality acceptable on highways and city streets, at least until the Esteem encounters a pothole or an expansion joint. We suspect that its inability to soak these up has to do with its low-tech suspension setup -- MacPherson struts at each corner and a single antiroll bar in the front. Wagons get a second antiroll bar in the rear.
You can buy a sedan or a wagon in one of three trim levels. Base-level GL cars are outfitted with air conditioning, power steering, rear window defogger, fold-down rear seat, breakaway mirrors -- and for 2001, floor mats and an in-dash CD player. The addition of this audio essential could help move more Esteems off the lot -- among its peers, only the Focus offers this nicety in base models. In comparison, Mazda offers only stereo pre-wiring in the Protege DX. The only option for base models is an automatic transmission. GLX trim offers the most desirable content package: Besides the GL bits, you get upgraded upholstery; remote keyless entry; power windows, mirrors and locks; split-folding rear seat and cool alloy wheels. You can option the sedan with a Sport package (rear spoiler, foglights, chrome-tipped exhausts and blue or silver body color).
Now, if only Suzuki would revise its option packages or allow buyers to purchase certain features a la carte. You see, you have to splurge on top-line GLX+ trim to get "extras" like ABS and cruise control. Or perhaps you want all the goodies of GLX+ trim, except the mandatory automatic transmission. Given this requirement, a bigger engine should be part of the package, as well. Despite this rather serious packaging flaw, you can build yourself a rather stunning small wagon if you opt for the two-tone paint (available on GLX+ wagons) -- silver under-cladding with a Deep Space Blue or Polar White upper body. GLX+ models also have cassette players along with the in-dash CD.
Esteem interiors are user-friendly and solidly constructed, but they don't make you forget how little you paid. Occupants will find the expected amount of plastic and seats that are reasonably comfortable but lack height adjustment and adequate seatback tilt. Nor does the steering wheel have a tilt or telescoping adjustment.
The Esteem's exterior styling might not gouge the sensibilities (in the way that the Focus does), but the mild-mannered may find it pleasant. Suzuki has retouched the grille slightly for 2001 -- the additional horizontal slats give the hood a slightly flatter appearance, which we like. GLX and GLX+ models come with trendy 15-inch wheels, which have 195/55VR15 Yokohama tires wrapped around them. The tires are an unexpected treat in the economy car class, because they are large for the size and weight of the vehicle, and they are biased toward performance rather than fuel economy. We've observed the payoff in grip when pushing this car around corners.
Our chief concern about the Suzuki Esteem is the lack of value -- pricing is high, the trim packaging makes it difficult to tailor a car to your needs, and the warranty is weak. Still, the Esteem is an attractive car with no serious faults, so if you negotiate an extra nice deal on one, you might enjoy it. We encourage you to compare it with similarly equipped peers, though, before you buy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Suzuki Esteem.
5 star(35%)
4 star(49%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(0%)
49 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Good family car/ great on fuel
Mr.Chris, 09/24/2010
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
Traded my gas guzzling Blazer for this car. This is the second esteem I have owned. the first was a 1999. The CV axles are only good it seems for 100- 130k miles. Comfortable, not a powerhouse by any means but good on gas and the A/C is freezing cold. I have almost 150K on it currently and have had really good luck with Suzuki products as a cheaper alternative to Honda with the same … reliability. Folks, keep up maintenance to make it last. Simple. Regular oil changes, tune ups etc. That simple. Fun to drive, I have a bad back at age 33 so the firm seats are great. The factory CD player isn't working but the radio does. I really have no complaints. GREAT ON GAS.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Best car ever, buy one if you can!
LC, 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.
4 out of 5 stars
little but might!
Carol, 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.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Bulletproof Engines
aaronwolfe, 03/12/2004
2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX Plus 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
What is it about motorcycle companies
that move on to building cars, they
make the best engines. This is the
second suzuki I've owned (the first was
a sidekick 4 dr), I'm pretty abusive to
engines in general, high RPMs &
irregular oil changes, and I can't ask
for a more dependable powerplant. The
rest of the car is only so-so, but I
know that the car will still be … tooling
down the road at well over 200,000
miles.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 Suzuki Esteem, so we've included reviews for other years of the Esteem since its last redesign.
2001 Esteem Highlights
Wagon
GL
Base MSRP | $13,699 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $141/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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