Used 2002 Suzuki Esteem Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2002 Esteem, so we've included reviews for other years of the Esteem since its last redesign.
Good family car/ great on fuel
Mr.Chris, 09/24/2010
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
Most Dependable Car Ever
trnscndr, 12/18/2010
2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have no complaints, used to be Toyota man, but my maintenance costs have been nearly nothing in the first 100K miles
Super Reliable
towncourier, 09/18/2007
2002 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I just traded in my Esteem. Broken-hearted. A fantastic vehicle. I used it for courier deliveries. Back seats fold flat and the cargo space held everything! Handled very heavy (500 lbs) loads without too much complaining. Lots of jackrabbit starts (deadlines you know) and sudden stops. But the reliability was great. Never even changed a headlight until 260,000 km. Several things (rad, control arm, CV boots etc) went this week. But now that its got 365,000 km (228 k miles) I can't really complain.
Great car for the price
sj, 10/16/2007
2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought it used (5 speed, wagon) and never had any issues whatsover. With the rear seats folded down, it had very good usable cargo space. You can fit stuff in there you can never imagine in a sedan. Wonder why people still prefer to buy sedans over wagons.
Bulletproof Engines
aaronwolfe, 03/12/2004
2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX Plus 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
Outstanding, Reliable Transportation
JCRobin, 12/27/2008
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've owned this little car for almost 6 years and drive it to and from work and around town everyday. It runs flawlessly and is actually kinda fun to drive, for a basic economy car. The engine is the best component, typical as with Suzuki motorcycles. Clarion stero is junk but easily replaced. OK it's not a Lexus but I have had absolutely no problems, it's great on gas and I intend and expect to drive it to 200k+ with only normal good maintenance practices. What more could someone expect from any car especially a value-priced underrated bargain. I will surely buy another Suzuki when the time comes.
I miss it already
L.E.C., 03/19/2004
2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Until 3/18/04 I really loved my little Suzuki. I did have to replace the tires and a bumper, which were a little pricey (but this not a ford Focus, so don't expect to be readily able to get parts for cheap). But I love it more now because that car saved my life. I took my eyes off the road for 1 second and ended up rolling the car over four times. Where I was in the driver's seat held up wonderfully. The passenger side, not so hot, but for the impact it took (hitting a culvert in a driveway at 45 mph) it did well. I was able to walk out of the car. The car is totalled, but I owe that I am writing this today to that car.
Good Cute car
ArkMon, 07/16/2002
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
For a subcompact car, this is a great one. We specifically sought a new Suzuki Esteem because it was the end of the model year, the last year of the Esteem. We figured we could strike a deal on one that a dealer wanted to move off the lot. We ended up finding a great deal on a used one, instead. We love this car, and I think of it as a little Subaru. While somewhat conservative, it stands out from others in its class. As a small 4 cylinder, I expect some noise, but once up to cruising speed, its suprisingly smooth and quiet. Extra space of the wagon makes it feel not-so-small. I reccomend it to anyone searching for cars in the category.
What are you doing
richdaddy123, 02/05/2005
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I don't know what the other reviewers are doing to their cars, maybe abusing them, but I have had nothing go wrong with this car whatsoever. My parents had this same car (wagon version) and they had no troubles either. This is not a hot rod car. It's a car to get around town, and it does that very well. By the way, my parents were so impressed with the Esteem, when they traded it in they bought another Suzuki, and have had no trouble with it either.
Great value for the money
tony, 05/06/2008
2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX Sport 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car runs very good and has been very reliable. The car came fully loaded with the aero pkg, kyb sport spsn, yokohama advan's and sportline alloys. This was a limited edition. At 67k this car runs and handles very well, I use castrol syntec 5w30 in engine and royal purple in tranny. I wash the car with meguires and wax with zymol. The color is deep space blue. I turned the front rotors 2x and replaced the pads also. I change engine oil and filter every 4k miles, since tranny does not have a filter I change tranny fluid every 15k miles, mpg highway avg 28 (advan 15" tires) mpg city 24 avg
Outrageous parts and repair
ron, 12/07/2008
2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great gas mileage. Bought car new, but then the interior lights start burning out at 1 year. Interior starts fading, poor material. Air flow modulator went out costing 1000 dollars for just the part. Has 2 catalytic converters, but don't know which one to replace. Can't get it inspected because computer can't tell what is wrong with it. Will not buy another Suzuki after this disaster.
2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX+ Wagon
Ryan Grennan, 10/09/2005
2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX Plus 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I'm glad I did my research before finally deciding on my Suzuki Wagon. This wagon is really a hidden gem in the minefield of Ford wagons and the Subaru . None of them can compare to the relibablity of the Esteem. It has the room I needed without sacrificing fuel economy. Best of all, it's subtle sportiness gets compliments from classmates at college while still being respectable at the workplace. This car has never given me any problems and from what I have heard, I don't expect any down the line either.
Just bought it
Mike, 02/03/2005
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
It was okay when I test drive it. The sales manager accepted my offer and I paid really cheap with very low mileage. The following day "engine check" light came on, but the car is still running. I hope nothing major repair and more to come.
Reliability and Economy
Martyk, 03/10/2009
2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this car with 85000 miles and am now up to 117000 miles with NO problems. I averaged 41 MPG on a trip across the country and have not had to spend money on repairs. I change the oil, filters and belts when needed. Great car. Radio and speakers are cheap and problematic, but overall car is very dependable and economic.
Wonderful Wagon
L.Mendez, 07/27/2002
2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great car, so far so good.
Don't BUY THIS CAR
Pazzion, 04/05/2002
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car was a terrible buy. Suzuki should have stuck with making motorcycles. The cars handling was ATROCIOUS. After 6 months, my brakes went out. After a mere 4 months, there were electrical problems; my interior lights would not come on. The fuses would go out very frequently. The brakes light would come on at any random time; I would NOT have my parking brake on or my foot on the brake pedal. Even after getting the brake pads replaced, it didn't feel like it. The car would still screech and make a terrible grinding noise. Had I done my research, I would surely have bought a better vehicle, even used, for a comparable price and MUCH better quality.
Buyer Beware
Jana Green, 06/04/2002
2002 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is the worst mistake I have ever made. I bought it less than 2 months ago, tried to give it back to the dealer two days later. The only good thing I can say about this car is it has good gas mileage. But I have learned there is more to life than Gas Mileage. I feel my kids and I are very vulnerable in this car, not much to it to keep us safe. We were overcharged so I can't even say it is a good value. We were misled and the car was misrepresented to us. And to boot, the seats are very uncomfortable, and why doesnt it have tilt?. I am counting the days till I can sell it. Wish me luck.
Best car ever !!
western mass fan, 06/09/2009
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased new for $10,700 with sticker reading $14,999 and love the car. It's sporty drive (5 speed) and great economy 35 mpg or more place it next to my suzuki motorcyle in fun. Oil changes every 3000 miles and original spark plugs at 93,000 miles and running like a top. Rust is starting on door bottoms, and had to replace the front sub frame this month (big bucks). Still can't complain and wish I could get it back from my daughter.
I'd like it to last forever
dotteddancer, 08/03/2010
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My daughter bought the 2001 Suzuki Esteem Wagon in 2004 to drive between college and student teaching. It had 60,000 miles on it. When she graduated I bought it from her to drive to work with 90,000 miles. I have driven it now 5 years and it has 212,000 miles. So far there have been no major repairs required. My husband finds it uncomfortable but I don't have any problems driving it. It is low to the ground and tends to catch flying rocks on the windshield that a taller vehicle would have hit the grill. It averages 30-31 MPG highway, which is the majority of my driving. I would like cruise control. The biggest problem has been an oil leak at the head gasket and the CD doesn't work.
Good value
Dawson, 10/12/2002
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought used, 1 year old with high milage. Everything is in good working order and very little wear and tear is visable. AC is cold but may explain my 20 mpg fuel economy. Automatic transmission seems to rev high before switching to next gear. This car is very plain with no power locks, windows, seats, etc.
Esteem rises to the occasion
Sakura Digital, 08/11/2002
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After much redesign from the 2000 model I find that the 2001 Esteem drives and handles much like a Mazda Protoge. In 1.5 years I have had NO mechanical failures and aside from car washes and oil changes this is all I have to do. This little car even has punch on the highway. And, especially when trying to park in Boston or Salem the compact size is a must to allow fitting in tight spaces. When sitting inside you do not even realize the compact size outside. Plenty of room for 5.
Lil Blu Wagon
bluman, 12/21/2003
2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A good basic car. Nothing flashy on the inside. Has a nice exterior.
Great Used Car
Hawkes, 11/20/2005
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Suzuki Esteem used with less than 9,000 miles on it. The engine light went on and it took a while for service to figure out the problem. It ended up being a recall issue. I haven't had a major problem with my car since. I have been getting great mileage, I average 28 around town and 32 on the highway. I am very happy with my purchase.
It's OK!
Tincan, 08/31/2004
2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 1.8L engine is powerful the exterior desing looks great, seats are supportive can't complain about the gas milage.AC and heater work great nice sounding factory 2DIN stereo, big trunk,relaible The ride /road noise in this car is horrible at highway speeds everything in the interior makes noise the auto transmission whines at speeds over 40 mph and is slow to up shift when cold. Dealership installed cheap tires had one blow out the others went flat, do not like the main headlights as daytime running lights.
It's Not Bad!
SelfEsteem, 02/19/2005
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I didn't get the lemon one! Only use it for work. I notice though that the first time I filled up the gas tank full, the needle was on "E." Will not suggest for very long travel time. Only get about 21mpg rather than 26mpg as noted by EPA.
Maintenance
FYJ, 03/19/2007
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our car brand new in March of 2001. We now have 251,986 miles on it. The only major repair we needed to make on it was in 2005 when we replaced the ball bearings and in early 2007 when we replaced the water pump. Our car - we call her Suzy Suzuki - has been a great investment for us. Our next car for sure will a Suzuki.
Not a bad little car
thorpite, 03/31/2008
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Esteem for 5 years and have never had any major mechanical problems with it and it handles like a champ. I like my little car and it's great in city traffic and tight spots. I moved from Florida to Chicago and was curious to see how it would handle in ice and snow since it is very light and can be hard to handle in high winds. In snow/ice, it slides a lot in turns. The engine can be noisy but I always have the radio on, so it's not an issue for me personally. I replaced the factory CD player because mine stopped reading CDs and my intermittent windshield wipers gave out soon after purchase and now I've noticed that my wipers don't reset themselves when they turn off.
My Esteem 15yrs.....
PHL Paul, 05/15/2018
2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Sedan w/Cruise (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Esteem 4 cylinder Manual Transmission w cruise control. Power windows , C.D. player and cold air. In 2003. A dealer left over. Listed at $16,500 I purchased this new car with under 5000 miles gently used demo for 12,000 dollars, "A" title and 100,000 mile warranty which I never used. Brakes, tires, oil changes, wiper blades and gas. We're the norm. Not until about 115,000 did I have a Manual Transmission failure resulting in a total replacement. Not to bad for a car at that time being 12 yrs old and the replacement with labor was less than 1,500 dollars. It's sad to say goodbye but she was recently totalled and I must say withstood a major hit from the rear. SUZUKI should be proud of this defunct make and model. She stood the test of time. If you are able to acquire one check the frame as that was the only recall item I am aware of and mine had no deterioration. Great run. Thanks for reading.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good to drive
varadheesh, 04/26/2002
2002 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got a good deal on the price. Good standard features.
Great Wagon
R Cowan, 05/06/2002
2002 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car 2 months ago and already have 8,000 miles on it. It has been a wonderful so far. The quality of the interior is excellent and the doors close with a very solid sound. It feels like a quality automobile and I have enjoyed owning it so far.
If I could turn back time..
mike05, 07/21/2002
2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Cheap body materials, thin paint, cheap interior. Average exterior styling. Poor interior styling. Handles well, but performs average to below average. My automatic hesitates on acceleration, and jumps between gears as I accelerate or decelerate while driving. Headlights are dim, and poorly aimed.
A Good Looker!
Brian Devo, 08/13/2002
2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle as a starter-car, and I got a nice deal on it. Although I did not know much about the Esteem, I have grown to really like its styling, handling and performance. It took some adjusting, as I was accustomed to driving larger vehicles, I now find this vehicle fun to drive. The vehicle is light, and can get blown around on a windy day on the highway, but I am no longer looking for the speeding tickets associated with faster models, that encourage me to speed. This is a conservative looking vehicle, and just what I wanted...great car, great price!
Owner
G Castanier, 10/13/2003
2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good acceleration and power. Should get bettter gas mileage for small car. Also parts can be very expensive. Example $88.00 for a wheel cover. Hard to exit car due to lowness of seat.
My Esteem
vmartin_12, 04/28/2003
2002 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since I bought my Esteem, I understand what are made for. For the money you paid, and is lookin' for a car 'cause he's last one was crash, like mine... is a best buy. You get a lot of thing for a few bucks.
DON'T MAKE THIS MISTAKE
mo', 06/19/2002
2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
3 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE MY BREAKS WENT OUT. THE WHOLE RIGHT BREAK PAD CAME OFF AND MY CALIPER WAS DESTROYED. THREE MONTHS AFTER THAT MY BREAKS WENT OUT AGAIN. THE CAR CONSTANTLY SHAKE WHEN I DRIVE. IF YOU ARE MORE THAN 5'3 DON'T EXPECT TO GET COMFY IN THIS CAR. I PAID TOO MUCH FOR THIS VEHICLE AND THE TRADE IN VALUE IN A JOKE. I CAN'T WAIT TO GET RID OF IT, I WILL BE SURE TO NEVER MAKE A GRAVE MISTAKE LIKE THIS AGAIN.
Extinct- R.I.P.
Funkhybrid, 01/17/2003
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
I was so happy when I heard Suzuki was discontinuing this model, it was the most intelengent decision made regarding this car, as oppose to mine. This car is a good way to throw out $10,500. ( New) or $16k which is how much it has cost us to maintain. I have nothing positive to say regarding this auto. Except, I am glad we have three years left.
sub frame
724joep, 10/20/2009
2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have an 2001 suzuki esteem wagon bought in 2002 with 4500 miles. as of 10/20/09 it only has 35000 miles on it. Last week we were going to town and the front sub frame just rusted out and broke. Could have been very bad but we were going slow. I called American Suzuki in Ca. and they are looking into it. I hope they man up and help me get it fixed. I have owned Suzuki motorcycles all my life and this is the first car I hope to keep it a long time. So come on American Suzuki and help a guy out.
esteems, not a very good reliable-good
carter, 08/05/2002
2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
not a good car not good if you have to try to outdo someone who is trying to hit you on the road. you feel your car is going to overturn. tires skid in the rain no matter what mph you try to start at. motor problems
need more thinking
skp, 10/26/2002
2002 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
after using this car for one year i don't like the brake because it makes a thump when you push hard on it. tires and suspension are hard going over bumps. the engine is so noisy when trying to push the car. the interior is not well thought of. it has a spot for a digital clock in the dash but nothing is there just a whole.
Can't believe I bought it
Nilka Alamo, 11/22/2002
2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
In the beginning I had virtually no problems but over the past few months it is one thing after another. The car isn't even a year old yet. It has been an inconvenience for me to have to take the car back and forth to the dealership. I just wish I would have never bought it.