2008 Suzuki XL-7 Luxury 3.6

Summary:

Exciting and disappointing at the same time

Faults:

- Heated seat indicator occasionally doesn't function properly.

- Tire pressure sensors went on 2 wheels.

- Steering makes a whining noise, which started at about 65000 Km

- Power steering is failing.

General Comments:

I bought the vehicle based off of the reviews on this web site, as well as the 7 seated capacity, and of course the price.

Since owning the vehicle, I have been extremely impressed by the engine power on this vehicle; it really takes off when you want it to.

I have a family of 6, and the room is excellent. It could use a little more room for luggage, but overall it is good. I use it to haul a 12 foot tent trailer, and it does this without much difficulty, however gas mileage suffers a little.

Where my problems are with this truck, is with the steering. 07 to 09 XL7's have a design flaw with their rack and pinion, and it requires replacement almost every 50000k at 1500.00 a pop. The biggest problem is they repair it with a part with the same design flaw, so it is only a matter of when not if you will have to repair it again.

On top of that, my power steering is now failing, and has become a safety concern, as it will lock up without warning. This problem is all over the forums, but Suzuki has yet to recall the problem. It is too bad, because I really loved this truck up to this point, and was planning on driving it as long as I could. Now, we are looking at going back to Honda.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th February, 2012

26th Feb 2012, 12:57

Since the dealer will not give you very much for it, and the public doesn't have a lot knowledge of Suzuki cars, it would be better you use it as second or emergency car.

Also, seek out a local person that works out of their garage, and cut the cost of fixing it up. You buy the parts and they do the labor. I have this arrangement with a local guy that works out of his house. The only problem is, since the economy went bad, a lot people are going to him, and I mean a lot. He is busy 24/7.

9th Feb 2015, 23:24

I have had several rack and pinion repairs. The dealership cannot seem to correct this problem, and every time it breaks, there's a squealing, squeaky noise out of the steering column. There is no way this should continually happen, and a cursory Google search shows it's common, but Suzuki is doing nothing to address it. I'm thinking of starting a class action suit. Any interest out there? I can be contacted at dacouponmom at yahoo.com.

2008 Suzuki XL-7 Premium 3.6L DOHC

Summary:

Will buy another one!

Faults:

None, still too new.

General Comments:

Great value for the money spent.

Read consumer reviews and was not disappointed.

33 mpg highway first shot out of the gate.

I was very impressed with the handling, and ride.

It's not my BMW, Corvette, or H2 Hummer, but it's not supposed to be. I'm IMPRESSED!

I would recommend it to anyone who wants great value for the dollar spent! If your expectations are a comfortable, powerful, thrifty well made car that rides and handles great with a great warranty, look no further.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th March, 2009

2008 Suzuki XL-7 Premium 3.6

Summary:

You have to drive the XL-7 to appreciate it's performance

Faults:

No problems with my XL-7's.

General Comments:

This SUV is both powerful and stylish. It has many safety features that drew me to purchase 2 XL-7's.Handles very well in the snow and rain. This vehicle is loaded with many options that are standard and that you would have to spend a great deal more on other vehicles in it's class. I highly recommend this vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th December, 2008

2008 Suzuki XL-7 Luxury 3.6 liter V6

Summary:

Nice vehicle for a great price

Faults:

Sunroof: The sunroof doesn't close flush. I was first made aware of this at an automatic car wash. When the dryer cycle started, it pushed the sunroof open and it was raining water and suds in the car.

I took it to the dealership and they checked it for leaks and couldn't find any. They stated that there were no adjustment procedures in the shop manual. Other new XL-7's on the lot had both flush closing and non-flush closing sunroofs. We are still afraid to use the dryer in the car wash. Unacceptable. I now manually push the sunroof up from inside the car.

Wonky electronics: Both heated seats malfunctioned and wouldn't stay on. The car had only been running a few minutes and they weren't overheated. Only letting the car sit for awhile cleared the fault. It hasn't returned.

Auto climate control isn't: Setting both knobs to Auto and adjusting the temperature *should* be enough to maintain a pleasant temperature but the windshield will still fog and the car doesn't seem to maintain the selected temperature.

General Comments:

With all the current economic troubles you can find a great deal on these. Overall, we are happy with the purchase. It handles well, has decent room for passengers and a smooth, powerful (252 hp) 3.6L V-6 and available all-wheel drive. It shares a lot of commonality with the GM Theta platform SUVs.

Some of our dislikes:

Poor fuel economy. Typically, 17 city and 20 highway. We knew this wasn't an economy car but expected to at least match the EPA numbers. Even on a long highway trip averaging 70 mph, we averaged 20 mpg according to the on board computer.

Center mounted window controls. A carry-over from its GM roots.

Practically zero visibility through the rear window. Backing up is an exercise in faith. The Limited version has a backup camera, but our Luxury does not.

I am going to install an aftermarket camera and backup sensor.

Very limited cargo area behind the 3rd row seats.

Low resale value.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th December, 2008

22nd Mar 2012, 12:04

I ask about the tank fuel cover (external) of SUZUKI 2008 XL7 - 7 seats. Why is the cover without a lock and key. At least it must be opened and shut from the driver's seat like other cars.

2008 Suzuki XL-7

Summary:

Just transportation

General Comments:

I just test drove a 2008 Suzuki XL7. Drives pretty well comfortable, handles real well.

Spoke to my brother who is a GM mechanic. He said the 3.6 Liter engine is pretty sound. In fact he mentioned the Japanese version produces more horse power and the internal components are a much better designed and the quality control in Japan is much better.

I believe this is one of the most affordable Suv's for the money. Plus Suzuki offers a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty.

The interior is not the best, but fully equipped the vehicle is less the $25k. The same features in a Honda Pilot would cost you 40k. You can almost buy two XL7's for that and the MPG is really about the same for both vehicles.

Vehicles are just transportation, not for trying to keep up with and impress Joneses.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th July, 2008

10th Dec 2008, 08:47

Wow; so now we review cars based on test drives and hearsay?