2002 Suzuki Esteem Review
Price Estimate: $707 - $1,178
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong 1.8-liter engine, attractive -- if not distinctive -- exterior design, sedan and wagon body styles.
Cons
- Engine gets noisy at high revs, so-so suspension, ABS not available on sedan, doesn't offer the most appealing value package in this segment.
What’s new
Not much changes for the 2002 Esteem. The seat upholstery is new, and sedans now have an inside trunk release handle. Suzuki has changed with the trim levels, and last year's GLX+ and GLX Sport sedan trims are no longer available. Suzuki now offers a 24-hour roadside assistance program.
Edmunds says
An aging economy sedan that offers little in terms of value or amenities.
For sale near Newark, NJ
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 the Focus and a fresh batch of Sentras, Civics 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.
The Esteem comes with a relatively powerful 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine. 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. For 2002, you can buy two different sedan trims (GL and GLX) or three different wagon trims (GL, GLX and GLX+). Base-level GL cars are outfitted with air conditioning, power steering, a rear window defogger, a fold-down rear seat, and an in-dash CD player. GLX trim offers a desirable content package: Besides the GL bits, you get remote keyless entry; power windows, mirrors and locks; alloy wheels; a tachometer and cruise control. The only options for these models are floor mats and an automatic transmission. The GLX+ wagon comes with a power moonroof, antilock brakes, a combination CD/cassette player and two exclusive exterior colors. 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. The interior is user-friendly and solidly constructed, but it doesn''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.
Given the selection of excellent economy cars available, we see little reason to buy a Esteem. Pricing is high given the lack of content and the trim packages make it difficult to tailor a car to your needs. If you are interested in the Esteem, we encourage you to compare it with similarly equipped peers before you buy.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in New Jersey
$144/mo for Esteem GL
Esteem GL
vs
$165/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Suzuki Esteem Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Good family car/ great on fuel
4.75 out of 5 starsMr.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.
Most Dependable Car Ever
5 out of 5 starstrnscndr, 12/18/2010
2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I have no complaints, used to be Toyota man, but my maintenance costs have been nearly nothing in the first 100K miles
Great car for the price
4.25 out of 5 starssj, 10/16/2007
2002 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
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.
Super Reliable
4.75 out of 5 starstowncourier, 09/18/2007
2002 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2002 Suzuki Esteem, so we've included reviews for other years of the Esteem since its last redesign.
2002 Esteem Highlights
Sedan
GL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $13,299 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $144/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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