2002 Suzuki XL-7 2.7 from North America

Summary:

Not a bad vehicle to own

Faults:

A/C compressor locked-up.

General Comments:

Considering the mileage, four different drivers, and the abuse of constant urban operation, this vehicle has been and continues to be reliable.

It's not comfortable to drive long distances for anyone six foot or over, and the engine lacks power.

Worst aspect of this vehicle is the total lack of dealers in our area. Two local dealers have closed since the vehicle was purchased, and the closest dealer is now 30 miles away.

I am a mechanic by trade, so non-warranty repairs are done at home. The biggest problem to date was the A/C compressor lock-up. This caused the replacement of the compressor, condenser and radiator. The radiator was not related to the repair, but when the condenser was removed, a close inspection of the radiator showed severe damage to the cooling fins from corrosion. The parts were hard to find and the cost ($700.00) was about 20% higher than a comparable American model vehicle. The condenser had to be replaced because the dryer is in the condenser body. This is a stupid design. Even though the dryer bag is replaceable, good luck trying to open the aluminum cover of the tube without destroying it.

The second design flaw uncovered was the aluminum to steel threaded connection between the condenser and the high pressure line at the sight glass. When you remove the condenser, the steel nut strips the soft aluminum connection nut. This leaves the aluminum debris in the steel nut and you strip the new aluminum condenser nut on installation. My fix, cut off both ends, flare and connect with flare union. I can easily see this repair (Locked-up compressor) being quoted and $1200.00 to start and ending up over $3000.00 when complete.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th June, 2009

2002 Suzuki XL-7 from North America

Summary:

Would not get another if they paid me to take it!!!

Faults:

Have to replace the brakes every other year, as I have been told that they are much too small for a SUV.

The air conditioner quit out last summer at about 70000 miles. Too expensive to get fixed.

Have now replaced 3 of the 4 O2 sensors and a Y pipe at 80000 miles, at a total cost of $1500.

General Comments:

I take good care of my car, take it in for regular maintenance checks, get oil changed every 3000 miles etc. It does not seem to do any good though. The car is a piece of junk and I regret the day I bought it!!!

It is not overly comfortable at all, and the seats are beginning to fall apart.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st July, 2008

2002 Suzuki XL-7 from North America

Summary:

Do not purchase

Faults:

AC Compressor is bad! Several review I have read indicate this to be a real common problem with this vehicle. Remote entry and overhead lighting does not work. Motor to wipers no longer works. (2) recalls on vehicle.

General Comments:

I was originally very happy with vehicle. It needed a cargo net and it is difficult to clean the console area, but now I have major issues. Not only did the keyless entry quit as well as overhead lights (and I do not have a local dealership), but the AC blew and I see this to be a common problem with no help from Suzuki.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd April, 2007

27th Jul 2007, 17:40

Re A/C compressor: this is emerging as a problem with this Nippondenso unit after 40000 or so miles; hopefully Suzuki will consider doing something about it.

Re keyless entry: 2001 was unfortunate in that the control module only worked with the two original key fobs; once they quit you were done; this was fixed in 2002 and after as the control modules would program new key fobs to work with it -- see? Suzuki did fix it on the next production run. They also fixed that wacky cruise control arrangement in 2002!! :-)

13th Aug 2007, 19:15

2002 XL-7 re: a/c compressor. Mine totally ceased at 37,000 miles. Dealership quoted me $1100.00 to replace and that was just for the part. We have filed a claim with Suzuki and are waiting for a response. Just had it at the dealer for an inspection and to check out the a/c for the claim , now they are telling me it needs bearings and seals in the rear and a new front timing cover. Funny thing is nothing is leaking in my driveway and it drives great. I also just had it at a different mechanic to replace an oxygen censor and he rotated all 4 tires and never mentioned the leaking seals, that was just a few days ago (*¿*)