1998 Suzuki Swift DLX review from North America

The alternator had to be replaced at 75 000 km.

The battery died at 80 000 km.

The rear windshield washer tubing had to be replaced.

The underneath of the car's exhaust was badly rusted and had to be replaced at 120 000 km.

The car has a recurring problem that I assume is with the 3 speed automatic transmission. Often when you start the car up, it will stall and die when you shift it into reverse or drive. Often,

you have to restart it and put it into gear over and over again, because it will keep stalling. Sometimes, when you are driving and you slow down to stop at a light, the car will stall and die on you.

I took my car to two Suzuki dealerships in Edmonton AB Canada, because I bought an extended warranty. They replaced the alternator, but Suzuki was unwilling or unable to fix the stalling. I left my car at one dealership for three days. They told me there was no 'computer codes' entered in the car's system. They test drove the car, and it did not stall. The second Suzuki dealership I brought my car to, told me the same thing. This is unacceptable, and incredibly frustrating.

I liked the look of this car the first time I saw it, and I still think it looks cheerful.

The interior is simple, the front seats are comfortable, and for such a small car, the front seats have a lot of room. However, the rear seats are cramped, but this does not matter because I rarely take passengers anyway.

It is a peppy little car that is fun to drive. It is so nimble in the city, that it is hard not to have fun driving it. I really like the power assist steering, and it handles quite well for an economy car.

It is very fuel efficient.