2002 Suzuki XL-7 Limited from North America

Summary:

Initially impressive, finally disappointing

Faults:

Initially this was a great car, however, the minimal problems have added up over time.

The final decision to not buy another Suzuki came when the air compressor went completely out at 80,000 miles. The dealer refuses to even speak with us regarding the issue.

When I called Suzuki to discuss the problems with them, after finding that many others have had the same problem with a low mile vehicle, I was told that they did not consider it an issue and they were not interested in assisting with any problems we may have.

I am very disappointed that we have such a problem with low miles in relation to the problem, and there seems to be no concern on those that have gained the most from the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th November, 2006

2002 Suzuki XL-7 2.7 V6 from North America

Summary:

A real bargain, a pleasure for minimal cost

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This car is a great reliable SUV. Easy to figure out that you have a real bargain when you buy it.

The only issue is the turning radius, it is even less than my toyota corolla one. I advise every family who want to gather a space with AWD system to buy this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th November, 2006

2002 Suzuki XL-7 2.7 from North America

Summary:

Overall, I'm not sure I would buy another one

Faults:

O The engine light came on and off for the first 30,000 miles.

O An O2 sensor was replaced at 35,000 miles.

O Engine light is constantly on now. One of the 4 O2 sensors is gone again.

O Major recent problem is oil leaks. Brought into dealer to fix, but problem has reoccurred. The drain plug seals were replaced, but has not solved the problem.

General Comments:

This is my second purchase. I like the 4 wheel shift on demand. My first purchase, the air conditioner did not last the second summer. Also, the engine (2.5) consumed about 1 quart of oil every 1,500 miles. My second purchase leaks oil.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2005

2002 Suzuki XL-7 from North America

Summary:

Great bang for your buck

Faults:

Both of the cigarette lighter/power ports blew the fuse multiple times while running a laptop within the first week of owning the car.

The timing belt was out of sync soon after the purchase.

The left rear brake light burned out within 2 years, and when the dealer repaired it, both lights were no longer working, and the remote lock open failed to work.

Brake light always came on after the brakes froze during the cars second winter.

General Comments:

This car is a great utility car for carrying family and loads.

The middle doors and middle seat leg room is fantastic, but the 3rd row seat is really only good for kids.

The gas mileage is terrible.

Excellent value for an SUV which has many features for a great price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd March, 2005

24th Mar 2005, 18:54

If the gas mileage is terrible (depending on your definition), you are either used to a hybrid Insight, or you have no clue what "good mileage" in an SUV is, or you don't know how to keep your mileage up over the years in a car.

Replace the PCV valve, clean the combustion chambers, add cleaners to the gas for your fuel system, replace your fuel filter, and make sure your tires are at the correct pressure, and that will help your mileage by a ton.

Compared to most SUVs, the XL-7 really is not that bad of mileage. It's higher than similar sized competitors vehicles. But good choice, going with a Suzuki. They truly are the best cars around.

27th Jul 2007, 17:11

Re mileage: sounds like the engine timing is still off; we get between 25 and 35 MPG (we drive with light feet admittedly) when cruising and 5-10 less in local driving (yes, we have a 2001 XL-7 with rear air and 4WD, honest!).

If you can locate a garage you trust (and good luck with that), have them re-check the timing.

Also, always buy your gas at the same station and pick a station with lots of traffic (chances are their fuel never sits in the underground tank long enough to collect water). Our local Kwik-Fill has cars in it day and night, opening to closing, and I have never (in 30+ years) noticed any of the performance problems that indicated water in the fuel.

Also, don't buy cheap tires or run them soft; buy good tires (you can get ratings at TireRack.com - look for at least a 9 rating on dry traction and 8 on noise) and run them 4 PSI (COLD pressure) over the sticker on the door. You'll save the extra money in the long run and enjoy better life and performance to boot. For example, our Michelin X-Ones have over 30,000 on them now and you can't tell they're even wearing yet!

Did I mention we love our XL-7 (except for that expensive A/C compressor, but that is another tale)?