1997 Suzuki Esteem 4 cylinder from North America
Summary:
A good small car
Faults:
Air conditioner broke at 50,000 miles. Not repaired.
Left Headlamp cracked and leaked at 120,000 miles. (Not Repaired)
Windshield Cracked (Not Repaired)
Drivers seat is threadbare.
Plastic Dash Cracked.
Leaking / Burning Oil.
Shifter sometimes skips (started at 110,000)
Engine often stalls in cold weather.
Small leak in coolant. Car has overheated twice. Not Repaired.
Power windows stopped working. Motors burnt up. Not repaired.
Knob on radio broke off.
Engine revving VERY high at idle.
Vent lever stuck, so we have to settle for the vent/floor setting. Not Repaired.
Rear tailights are wired incorrectly, as a result, the right turn indicator light comes on whenever I break.
When it rains, water leaks into the floor well, and also comes in around the doors.
Leak in the exhaust (not repaired).
Radio doesn't work on rainy days any more.
Dash panel lights have a short in it.
Dome light got hot and melted the plastic slightly. Not a big problem.
Tachometer doesn't work regularly.
Interior door handle broke off.
Rear driver's side door jammed shut.
Rust pitting up in rear wheel wells.
Car takes awhile to start.
General Comments:
This is a pretty good car. It's had its problems, but they're more recent.
I put a lot of highway miles on my car, so it's bound to have some problems here and there.
I like the texture of the fabric on the seats a lot. It's good on the eyes, and the seat itself is good for long trips especially.
The Interior decor is very pleasing. The dash is logical and functional, although not very stylish.
The car does look upscale. I bought the loaded model, and it doesn't feel like a cheap car.
I often take my kids around in this car. When I lost my last job, I had to find some economical yet decent transportation, and despite its problems, I feel this car has lived up to it. I miss my Acura, but I like the Esteem's efficiency.
I think it's quite impressive that such a little car has lasted so long. I wish the dealer nearby didn't close down though, because I don't know where to get it serviced.
But still, I think I'll drive this car until it is dead. I don't have to sink a whole lot of money into it to get it from point A to point B comfortably, and that is what counts.
The engine has a bit of pep in it, and it handles nicely.
Overall this is a nice car, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for good transportation that will keep running.
There may be better alternatives, but I still think like this car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th April, 2002
10th Feb 2004, 21:33
You say that the stereo is very easy to change, please tell me how to get the face plate off of the control panel so I can do it myself with out having to pay a huge instalation fee. Thanks.