2000 Suzuki Esteem 1.8

Summary:

This is a great car for the money!

Faults:

I have had very few problems with this car, none of which affected performance.

The battery terminals were badly corroded, to the point the car wouldn't start a few times, but 4 dollars and 15 minutes fixed that.

The interior trunk lever came undone, and a pin in the trunk latch had to be replaced.

The interior vents are a bit odd, and often slip or redirect themselves, but this isn't really a problem.

Taller friends and family (5'9" and up) find this car excessively small and cramped, but it is fine for me (5'6").

General Comments:

This is the best car I've ever owned! I average 2000 miles a month, and have yet to have any major difficulties.

My Suzuki has also gotten excellent gas mileage, 35 miles per gallon on average.

In all, I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who fit into it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2005

2000 Suzuki Esteem EX 1.8

Summary:

A good little car

Faults:

Only some minor issues--

The clamps around the muffler (?!) rusted out and rattled badly, which was replaced for free as a courtesy even though I was just past the warranty limit. they probably need to be replaced again at this point.

The "check engine" light has gone on twice, but not because there was anything wrong with the car (possibly because I didn't tighten the gas cap well enough?!)

The tires that came with the car were cheap and wore out at like 30,000 miles, but I think that was a "shady dealer" issue (the dealer was out of business by the time it happened!)

Now that others have mentioned it, yes, the center air vents do NOT stay in place. and yes, my center cup holder lid has snapped off. and oh, yes, my trunk DOES seem to get water in it. but these minor things are not life-shattering.

General Comments:

It's a good little car. solid, dependable, really the problems above were minor and/or cosmetic, and I have never had anything go wrong with the car that caused it to be in the shop for more than a few hours or that would leave me stranded on the roadside.

The interior has enough room for me to be comfortable, and it drives well. I have not gotten the reported gas mileage, but I suspect that has a lot to do with ME and some bad acceleration habits. The mileage is still decent, though, and my car has managed several long trips.

I'm lazy about replacing the air filter because it's expensive ($20+) and it's not something you can pick up at Wal-Mart. Most of the time the oil change dealers don't have it in stock, either (though I prefer to go to an auto parts store and purchase one directly anyway)

There is plenty of trunk room, also.

I have replaced the front brakes twice, but again, I suspect that is a "user problem" and I guess that's not all that unusual for 75,000 miles.

All in all, I cannot complain about this car and it has given me good service and has been dependable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th April, 2005

2000 Suzuki Esteem 1.6 gas

Summary:

Quality and economy in a cheap package

Faults:

The only thing we have had go wrong was a tailpipe heat shield vibrating.

General Comments:

This car has been fantastic.

Economy is still in the 40 mpg range.

It handles superbly in ice and snow (and we drive in lots of that).

It is a fun and comfortable car to drive. Manual gives it the extra zip for in-city driving.

Seating in the back has become a little cramped for our 6'7" son, but worked fine until he was over 6'.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2005

2000 Suzuki Esteem

Summary:

A cheap mistake

Faults:

Unable to refuel car. Gas pumps would shut off.

Paint was blistering on door as if rusting from the inside out.

Brakes wore out prematurely.

General Comments:

No trunk light or light under the hood.

Annoying beeping sound each time you would change radio station on factory radio.

Noisy at highway speeds.

Unstable on wet and snowy pavement.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st April, 2004

2nd Apr 2004, 16:14

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with your Suzuki. Every Suzuki car I have driven is flawless (but not perfect!). It's not a Mercedes. I think you were just unlucky and the dealer should fix your problems free of charge. Hopefully this should not happen with your next Suzuki model.

28th Jan 2005, 12:21

I own a sky blue Esteem and I am a junior in high school. Let's just say I hear about it everyday, but it is a very reliable and safe motor vehicle.

10th Feb 2005, 20:46

Beep from radio can be turned off. While holding down DISP button, press preset #4 button to turn beep off or back on.

24th Jul 2006, 15:08

I have a black 2000 Suzuki Esteem with 218,000 miles on it. I drive 110 highway miles everyday. I get 30 miles to the gallon and all I have ever had to do was oil changes, breaks, and tires. My Suzuki has been a great little car. I hope my next car will be this great!!!

30th May 2008, 16:25

DOOR HANDLES (Outside)

Our 2000 Esteem was purchased new and it has been a good car EXCEPT that within the past four years, ALL FOUR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES HAVE BROKEN -- even though the back doors are rarely used. The plastic piece near the spring inside each door handle has broken. There should be a recall for this but I can't find one. A local dealer's PARTS REP told me he's seen this problem on a 1999 Suzuki too.

Have any of you other Suzuki owners experienced this problem? Please add a "Door Handle" comment on this site. I'll check back each week to see the updates. Tell me about your experiences with door handles. What year and model is your vehicle?

2000 Suzuki Esteem 1.8

Summary:

A real good value.

General Comments:

This vehicle has a lot of pep for a tiny car. It takes off like a rocket and is great on gas. It was purchased at a used car lot in NC for only $3,800 and there are 28,000 miles on it. It is very clean with no dents or scratches and it's not a lemon. The original sales receipt was still in the glove box and was over $14,000 - That's steep depreciation! We're very happy with it so far. Although the engine sounds a bit harsh and it isn't as comfortable as a larger car, we bought it based on price and size. We keep our vehicles well maintained and hope to get many years out of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 2003

12th Sep 2003, 19:38

Where in NC do you live? I was just curious because I live in NC.

31st Aug 2006, 13:33

I love this car! We bought a 2000 Esteem in April of 2006 with about 83,000 miles. I use it to drive all over; on long highway trips and to the grocery store as well. I think it's fun to drive and easy to handle, and it does have power for such a little car. I'm so happy with my purchase, and it only cost a fraction of other used cars out there.