2002 Suzuki XL-7 touring 6 cylinder

Summary:

A big mistake

Faults:

My automatic door opening unit did not work in the first year, but it was replaced under warranty. My gas cap door fell off after the bracket that held it on rotted and snapped. Finally my air conditioner broke down totally and I was told it would cost up to 1300 dollars to replace. Even though I had nearly 8 months left on my three warranty Suzuki told me that I had exceeded my 36000 miles and they wouldn't give me any financial help. When I asked for the phone number of the area Suzuki manager to discuss my problem I was ignored. I live near Pittsburgh so I only run an air conditioner 4 to 5 months a year. I have owned 7 new cars in my life, I am 51 and never had a problem with the other makes of cars like I have with this XL7. I will never buy another Suzuki again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th August, 2004

23rd Sep 2004, 09:08

Are you the same person who initially left a positive review in December of 2002? I noticed that your previous vehicle was an Isuzu Rodeo also.

8th Dec 2004, 18:58

Was your dealer Wright suzuki?

My AC compressor just locked up at 38,800. COntactacted suzuki about the repair also. Waiting on DM response.

Darn thing is a lease too.

2002 Suzuki XL-7

Summary:

A poor design

Faults:

There are air leaks through the vents.

The floor heater does not work well.

The brakes squeak.

The vehicle is hard to control in extreme wind.

The vehicle idles high when initially started and stays high for quite awhile.

It also has noisy squeaks and interior noise.

These problems were presented to the dealership and eventually to the manufacturer.

I was told they were all structural problems that could not be fixed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th May, 2004

12th Sep 2005, 18:16

To the first review when the engine is cold it will turn faster to warm up then whrn it gets up to temperature will return to it's original speed. To the comment you have a leak somewhere UV light test might reveal where.

27th Jul 2007, 17:59

@ original comments:

Re: instability on highway: assuming you have standard 16 inch steel or alloy wheels with P235/60 R16 tires; you cannot buy inexpensive tires for this vehicle; we had same issue and finally Michelin X-Ones at 4PSI (COLD) over door sticker minimized the problem. The design trades off between side-wind resistance and agility. Stiffening up the highway stability would decrease the agility. Personally, we like the handling so we just pay closer attention at speed. Potayto, potahto.

Re engine idle speed: it should drop down in a few minutes (it does not require full engine temperature)... sounds like the idle control module or solenoid isn't working properly; good luck getting competent attention on that.

Re brake squeak: probably someone forgot the anti-squeak paste on the back of the brake pads again... pretty common error.

1st Oct 2009, 21:46

Brake squeak on my XL-7 was caused by the shims on each end of the pads in front, took them out, ground about 1/16th inch off, reinstalled and no problems since.

Cheaper tires can be used on this vehicle. Switch to a 225/60-16, a little smaller tire that is off 1mph @ 60mph. Handles great with these sized tires and I get 2-3 more miles per gallon.

I agree about a UV test for coolant, but have a vacuum test done on the radiator instead of a pressure test. It's easier for air to enter the system than coolant to escape, so that would give you more reliable results.

2002 Suzuki XL-7 2.7

Summary:

Best SUV for the money!

Faults:

Nothing wrong with the car. One of the reasons I bought the 2002 was that the 2003 had a 100,000/7 year warranty. The 2002 is the same engine so I figured if they put that kind of warranty behind it, I should have no problem.

General Comments:

I did some research on mid size SUV. The 2.7 engine size is bigger than most in this class, but not tops. Nevertheless, on balance, it performs very well. There were two trade offs for me. It is a little longer than others and the price was right. I paid $11,500 from a KIA dealer in 11/03. I could have gotten a new 2004 for about 18,500 but I figured that my cost of ownership will be much less overall, and its basically the same car.

One other point that pleased me was that I frequently take my 83 old mother on errands. She is only about 5 foot tall and has to use a walker and she is very unstable. I was concerned about her ability to get in and out. I thought it might be hard for her to step up so I was prepared to buy a step rail. As it turns out, she can just stand and slide into the front seat without stepping up, then lift her legs in!

The only criticism I would have is that I would prefer a lower turning radius. I can make Uturns at most intersections OK, but I just prefer a little tighter.

One other thing. I understand that Suzuki is #1 in Japan. I have owned 3 toyotas, so if in Japan, they think more highly of Suzuki, then fine with me.

Great SUV.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th April, 2004

3rd Feb 2005, 09:12

They do have one of the tightest turning radiuses' of their class.