17th Aug 2004, 16:02

Unfortunately I have the same sentiment as the original writer. I am very angry with my SUV. The air conditioner went out about 2 years after I purchased (Brand New) it and unfortunately it is very expensive to replace. I live in Florida therefore you can imagine the discomfort. I am also having problems finding any used parts. I am not happy with this car and my next purchase will be American.

1st Sep 2004, 08:48

I currrently own a 2001 Suzuki XL-7. I can say that I would never purchase another Suzuki again; or recommend one to another individual. After 1 & 1/2 years I noticed the vehicle consuming a quart of oil about every 1500 miles or so. I started to monitor the consumption closer. After 2 years the vehicle was burning a quart of oil every 1000 miles. I took it to a dealer to have seat-belts replaced in the back seat, (that were almost completely worn through), and mentioned the oil problem to them. They suggested an oil consuption test. My husband & I proceeded to do this test through the dealer. They told us the vehicle was in fact burning 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles, and that was normal for a vehicle 2 years old. Fortunately, because of the Internet, I have found other consumers with the same problem. Apparently one theory is the piston sleeves were over tempered at the time of mfg. causing them to grow more porous as the engine ages. I've owned over 15 different vehicles and never had a problem like this one. We also own a 91 Honda and have not had a single problem with oil consumption. It's a sad thing to spend over $20,000 and be stuck with a bad product, especially as hard as people work for their money today.

23rd Apr 2006, 12:16

We purchased our XL-7 new in 2003. Since that time numerous little problems, broken seat latches, broken seat belts. All small and could be fixed until the air conditioner went out when the car was 2 years old.

The dealer said the warranty did not cover the a/c even though it was only 2 years old, and less than 30,000 miles. They want 2000 to fix. I am driving around with a sign on it declaring it junk and just wanted to warn all not to purchase from this company.

On a lighter note, we are on our 2nd Sebring Sonvertible and love the car and the company. Go Chrysler, boo Suzuki.

21st Nov 2006, 12:42

"Dash rattle" -- had this on a used 2002 I picked up recently. Popped the hood when driving, and the sound went away so I knew it was some metal contact with hood. A little electrical tape on the hood release hook solved the problem. No $, no sweat.

27th Jul 2007, 17:32

Re clutch: I'm reminded of a good friend of mine who complained about having to replace clutches on his Buick Skylark every 4-5 months. A few months later we were over for ribs and I took a ride with him to the convenient store for something. I never knew you could shift a four-speed on the floor Buick without using the clutch except when stopping. Perhaps this gentleman has also mastered that technique? ;-)

Re Florida gent: we also feel your pain; the A/C compressor is very expensive from the dealer... about half of that on eBay.

Re oil consumption: very unusual; your dealer probably didn't know how to fix so he told you nice little story and hoped you would go away. There is an element of truth however. GM engines are designed to burn oil on purpose. The story I got from a Detroit consultant (now retired to our town) was that they felt a little extra oil in places was better than too little oil. Hard to argue with the logic although in 35+ years I've never had to check the oil in any of my "foreign" cars, but have had to do so in ALL of my "American" cars.

Re A/C compressor patent: pure bunk; avoid this dealer at all cost; the A/C compressor is actually a Nippondenso unit and you can buy them on eBay all day long for half the dealer's price (still not cheap though)

Re 2yr old A/C compressor: another dealer needing to go into another business; your compressor was fully covered... he just didn't want to deal with it... and the compressor is about $1172.48 list plus required dryer at $63.76 list plus 5.3 hours labor to install which works out to $144.11 per hour... is this a Mercedes dealer by any chance?? LoL.

29th Sep 2009, 23:02

I got my XL-7 about 6 months ago, and it had 150,000 miles on it.

I have NO problems, whatsoever.

The only thing I am having a slight difficulty with is finding body parts for it after a motorcyclist smashed into my side. :(

Other than that, I love this car, and wish I could find another one to purchase.

14th Apr 2010, 10:10

I've owned an 2001 XL7 from 2002 with 5000 miles when purchased. I too replaced the A/C at 50,000 miles, and replaced the hood due to peeling. The price to make replacements approx. $1000. However I, have enjoyed my XL7 and it's performed perfectly. Weighing the cost of other 3 row seat autos with rear air, and big 6 cyl., I feel I'm ahead.