2002 Suzuki XL-7 review from North America
"Great family SUV, easy on the pocketbook, yet sporty and spacious!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
In a little over a year of 80% city driving, the only time we had to have this vehicle checked out was when there appeared to be a front seal leak. (ended up being a lube spill from the lube center the previous week!).
We have a small shimmy at highway speeds now that the snow tires and rims are back on for the winter that balancing has not seemed to rectify, but I doubt this is the Vehicle's fault. Still working on solution for this.
General comments?
We chose this vehicle for its lower initial cost and better than average MPG. (On our vacation trip through the Rockies we averaged 26 MPG! (Imperial Gallons!) )
In getting used to the 5 speed transmission, we found that the torque curve appears to be a little higher than other vehicles we have owned. By changing our shift points up we have a peppy little SUV that the whole family enjoys driving.
We did not like the stock tires. We now run the original equipment Bridgestones on aftermarket mags in the summer, and have Toyo snow/ice radials on the stock steel rims during our Canadian winters. While tree and rock climbing are still out, what a difference the winter rubber makes in performance!
Recommended reviews
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| 2002 - XL-7 base, 5 seats 2.7-liter, V6, 24-valve, DOHC Engine A real bargain in the smaller SUV category! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.7L V6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 5 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 25000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Previa |
| Date of Entry | 6th January, 2003 |