Faults:

There are two minor things that have gone wrong with the car.

The dome light stopped working; the clamps which hold the heat shields onto the exhaust system rotted and broke causing them to rattle annoyingly.

General Comments:

This was my first Suzuki. I purchased it because of it's low mileage and low price.

I was also attracted to the car because it was a wagon and did not have a lot of "options" that you are forced to get on today's automobiles.

It does not have power windows; automatic transmission; alloy wheels; cruise control; leather seats; alarm; remote start; etc.

The car does have everything you really need: A/C; air bag; AM/FM/CD Stereo.

The 1.8 L four mated to the five speed transmission move the car along fairly well.

I have taken the car up to around 110 (according to the speedo) and still had plenty of pedal left.

The Esteem had an option for 15" wheels that weren't on my car when I purchased it; they should've been standard.

The vents in the center dash are flimsey and do not stay adjusted.

The gas gauge tends to vary greatly from the amount of fuel in the tank.

The dome light recently ceased to function properly.

The first two comments from friends upon seeing the car were that, "I owned a Suzuki in the Eighties and it was the biggest piece of junk"; and that, I "had just purchased a 'generic car', that was going to have little-to-no resale or trade-in value.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong, and I have had no reason to contact the dealer about anything.

General Comments:

The fuel economy is commendable, being consistently over 33 mpg and usually 35+

It handles very well and is a pleasure to drive.

Visibility is a real plus and a reason to purchase this car.

It has clean, sporty, lines and is pleasant to look at.

It is quick to get into traffic and up to speed.

Faults:

-Until now, here's what's gone wrong:

-The car leaks fluid from the cooling system.

-The compact disc changer got jammed two weeks after purchase.

-The speedometer began malfunctioning at 6,200 miles.

-The brakes tend to squeal shrilly under hard braking.

General Comments:

-This car has one of the worst rides of any vehicle I have ever owned.

-There is constant tire drumming and wheel patter even on the smoothest roads.

-On the plus side, the seats are rather comfortable. The exterior styling is suberb!

-Overall, this is another mediocre subcompact in a large and competitive market. Even if you want an Esteem, you'll have trouble getting one since Suzuki stopped producing them shortly after I purchased mine. It was replaced by the more refined Aerio.

-Bottom line: get a Civic, Corolla, Aerio, or a Focus instead. You'll thank me!

Faults:

Came with a scratch on the roof, and dealer is repairing soon.

General Comments:

This vehicle has a surprising ability for passing on the highway, grips the off ramps at high speeds, the classy looks (in the silver metallic) are impressive.

Faults:

Just bought the car, and I am very impressed with it's styling, handling and engine performance. In the process of repairing a scratch found on the hood from delivery of the vehicle.

General Comments:

Overall, peppy vehicle.