It's good to buy
On 95000 miles I had to change the gearbox and clutch, because the oil seal was popping out all the time.
For its engine size, it's quick and easy to handle.
Good driver vision, good for parking and it has a good look as well with a kit on.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th November, 2009
For its size, it is the best in its class
When I bought the car, the clutch was slipping.
Front shock absorbers are electronic and cost a fortune to replace. 150 euros each.
The drivers seat bolster has started to wear quite badly.
Good performance for such a small estate.
Rear passenger legroom is limited.
Good sized boot.
Suspension is electronically controlled and is terrible; very bouncy.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th October, 2009
A great car to drive, but tight on space in the back
No faults as yet.
Baleno handles well and steering is light.
Seating is comfortable.
Good visibility from driver's seat.
Good aerodynamic shape.
Electric mirrors are efficient.
Lights are excellent.
Driver's position is well thought through with instruments easy to read.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th November, 2005
You can't buy a better car for the cost from the same year
The synchronize ring for the 2nd gear becomes bad for fast gearing between 1st and 2nd gearing at speeds over 35km/h. It sounds like a knock if you don't make the gearing slower.
I was really surprised when I noticed that the gasoline consumption was lower than the book told me. When I'm driving long distances, the fuel consumption is about 5.4 liters per 100km.
The car seems to be easy driving, even though it's an estate.
The engine is in good condition. No oil consumption or oil smelling from the exhaust system. Suzuki knows how to build engines with quality.
The Suzuki Baleno Estate is a comfortable car for weekends with the family and a lot of trunks.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd August, 2004
Fast family car, good value
The offside track-rod was replaced at 36000 miles due to wear on the rack end.
Quick and comfortable, great on corners, just sticks to the road.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th July, 2001
The plastic grille was replaced under warranty (chrome peeling), other than that nothing in 2.5 years and 19.000 miles.
This is not a fast car and the road holding is only average, although predictable. The brakes are good and it is pleasant to drive, better finished than its rivals and superb value for money.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th January, 2000
Nothing so far. I've had the car 7 months and it has now done 21,000 miles. The only thing replaced were the tyres (low profiles that were balding a bit, more due to the drivers than the car).
The car had been lowered considerably, had alloys and a bodykit put on and had the windows tinted by the dealer before it was sold. I was pleasantly surprised by the performance, getting 115 mph out of it on the M1 at around 5,500 rpm.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 29th December, 1999
Nothing much, apart from a step-motor that controls the carburettor air inlet that had to be replaced (motor looses revs and stops when clutch is applied).
Seemed a common problem and the dealer replaced it for free.
Somebody ran in to my car. Hard. Instantly turning it into a wreck and a total write off and total loss... Have driven it for almost 7 months, I consider it an awful loss.
Because the car is too big for me alone (and driving it in town), I am now looking for something smaller.
I had lowered the car by 3 centimeters and placed Corona 15" alloy wheels with 195/50 tyres around it. K&N Sportfilter. Splitfire plugs.
The car wasn't superfast (although it could do a 120 mph) but with the SCCS and the sports springs, the road holding was EXCELLENT.
I raced a BMW 318 coupe once. Sure, the BMW was faster on the long road, but it became unstable and the guy driving it had to brake to take a long corner on the speedway... at about 110 mph(!) That's where I passed him, without any trouble! This car is FUN. And cheap, which makes it double fun.
You should get a 1.8 16V for this performance, though!
There's this Suzuki Dealer in Hoofddorp which is really good and awarded as being the best in the Netherlands for the second time this year (99). Take your car there if you can. I've done it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th June, 1999
2nd gear has had to be replaced after approx 13,000 miles and the car now has 26,000 miles on the clock and it's starting to go again. I believe this to be a common fault.
Drives well although in wet weather roundabouts have proven to be hazardous as the car becomes very light (might also have something to do with a heavy right foot). Am unhappy with the top end speed at 108 - I had expected at least 10-15 mph more.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd December, 1998
8th May 2001, 18:44
I have a Suzuki Esteem, USA GL with the 1.8 DOHC, but I cannot find performance parts for it. I have custom welded strut braces and a custom bent cold-air intake.
But that's all I can do. I am looking for body kit, rear disc brakes, and ram-air kit..... Please help....