1999 Suzuki Esteem Reviews

I have had the transmission rebuilt twice. Second gear was the main problem.

Oxygen sensor needed to be replaced.

Mostly just normal maintenance and the usual things after many miles - tires, brakes, shocks.

I went from a 1988 Nissan Sentra wagon (240,000 miles) to the Esteem wagon.

I love its roominess for the cargo space and smallness outside.

Easy to park and good gas mileage.

Wish they still made this car.

Occasionally water leaks into the fuse box area and the car behaves funny, turning lights on or (more embarrassing) honking by itself.

Ball joints/control arm (they come together) replaced on both sides and getting worn again. They are a little fragile.

Alternator replaced (170 000). Not sure if that was done before or not. Rest was just maintenance (brakes, etc.)

Heater fan broke. It turned out a mouse had crept into it. Can't blame Suzuki for that, unless you want to request a mouse-sealed fan compartment...

The car is great value due to mileage vs space. Some parts are less sturdy than you might hope for, but replacements are reasonable.

One great asset is the use of a timing chain that does not need replacement like a belt.

Generally inside finishing and materials are far from VW quality. If you are looking for a fancy or luxury car, forget it. If you are looking for a means of transportation at lower cost, this is what you need.

Not all wagons have the same kind of space in the trunk, due to length of the roof. This car has a very reasonable one.

A lot of wind noise while driving on the highway. Also don't expect to handle curves at high speed with this car. Keeps up fine with traffic though.

As far as I know I am the only one with the electrical problem. In general the electrical equipment is not that reliable. All necessary equipment is doing fine, though.

Nothing.

Very reliable car.

Nice looking. It doesn't look it is nine years old.

Cheap in gas.

It burns much less than half of a quarter of oil every 5000 km.

The engine runs like new even though it has 230000 km.

The transmission is very smooth.

I take the car to the garage every 6 months for a check. I do normal maintenance. The only extra was the alternator and cleaning some electrical connections. Nothing else.

For one or two people the car is big enough.

It is the best car I have ever had.

Check engine comes on and off once in a while.

Alternator and battery had to be changed this Christmas.

Cross member, universal block left & right side has to be changed due to rust and Montreal harsh roads.

Cost = 1500 CAD! ouch!

I love driving my car, when I have it!

But I highly recommend getting it rust-proofed!

If not watch for the possibility of the cross member breaking. Every repair shop I got a quote from to fix this car told me that it was the first part of the gar "to go". By the way, the second they said was the transmission.

The gas mileage is about standard for in town driving.