1999 Suzuki Swift Review

With the exception of some color changes, the Suzuki Swift remains unchanged for '99.

This is it. This the car for those of you who need to buy a new vehicle but don't have much more than the lint in your pockets to spend. Suzuki Motor Corp., noted for its mini sport-utility wagons and motorcycles, had you in mind when they developed the Swift.

Calling Suzuki's entry-level hatchback Swift borders on false advertising. Fortunately for Suzuki, the Swift has other attributes that keep consumers from filing a class-action lawsuit. The most notable is its price; the Swift comes in at under $10,000. Heck, these days most people spend more on used cars without warranties than you'll pay for the Swift with its three year/36,000 mile worry-free coverage. What's more, the Swift offers amazing gas mileage: 39 mpg in the city, 43 mpg on the highway. Yes indeed, the Swift promises to be a cheap set of wheels no matter how you slice it.

The Swift has a more recognized cousin, the Chevrolet Metro, which tends to show up in rental fleets as the $19.00 per day special. The base Metro costs slightly less than the Swift and offers a mind-blowing 50 mpg on the freeway. The base Metro, however, has only a three-cylinder engine that produces a measly 55 horsepower. Step up to the Metro LSi, and you're paying more than a comparable Swift with the same engine. On that basis alone, we recommend the Swift.

The Swift is one of the few choices left for Americans who need inexpensive transportation and a warranty. In the category, we feel that the Swift is the best choice.