2004 Suzuki XL-7 3.0L V6 from North America

Summary:

Should be better quality

Faults:

The engine smells of burning oil when running hot, for example, uphill under load.

A speaker failed, under warranty.

A light switch failed, under warranty.

The airbag sensor on the passenger side failed, resulting in a $1500 out-of-warranty repair, at only 35,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car would be my ideal car, if it were more reliable.

Our XL-7 has the third row seat option, with rear A/C, which is a great feature. I would definitely get the third row seat option again, although that seat really is only practical for children.

The XL-7 is just the right size; not a lumbering SUV, but large enough to carry 3 kayaks and 3 bikes and all the camping gear. The engine is adequately powered, and smooth and responsive.

The XL-7 is quite well-equipped, power everything, for the price.

Quality is a problem. My previous Suzuki Sidekick, I replaced at just over 100,000 miles when the transmission started leaking oil. This XL-7 is already somewhat leaky when hot. There have already been several electrical failures, the latest, an air bag sensor to the tune of $1500, on a 3 1/2 year old car with 33,000 miles on it. On the other hand, we have a Scion of the same age, with more mileage, and not a single flaw. Suzuki really needs to improve their quality.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th August, 2007

2004 Suzuki XL-7 xl7 2wd/4wd 2.7 from North America

Summary:

Very good

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Very pleasantly surprised. At 170 kph or just over 100 mph with 3 passengers and luggage this SUV was rock solid in long corners. In passing big trucks did not experience that wind buffeting which really surprised me. Gas consumption was good, but could be better. The engine seems to like the higher rev band and was not noisy in that area. In lane changing at high speeds,it was not bothered by pavement differences. Of all the SUV I tested before buying, this was the most capable in winter in 4wd and this has translated just as well in dry weather. It was interesting to see how many big engined SUV were trying their best to catch up to see what had passed them so quickly.. This was on a long trip from toronto to ottawa and back 400kms each way. All in all very pleasantly surprised.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2005

14th Nov 2006, 17:35

I own the 2003 XL-7 Limited, and have thus far, not experienced any problems whatsoever. With over 67,000 miles on her, and service every 3,000 miles, I believe this SUV can go for many years to come. I do agree with the previous poster: this vehicle doesn't mind driving it like you stole it. My gas mileage has increased the longer I have owned it, and that was a surprise to me, and the dealer! The Interesting fact about ownership is, the longer I own it, the more I like it.

2004 Suzuki XL-7 2.7 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A very good vehicle overall

Faults:

Nothing mechanically, but there is an annoying rattle in the rear door on rough ground.

The dealer could not replicate it and therefore would not fix.

General Comments:

We have been very happy with this vehicle so far.

The V6 is very smooth, but seems to rev highly.

The finish is excellent and very luxurious.

We have not really tested it off-road yet.

Fuel consumption and turning circle could be better.

Rear visibility is not terrific, but it has good side mirrors.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2005

3rd May 2005, 17:16

The rattle in the rear door-could very well be the number plate not as secure as it should be.

18th Dec 2005, 22:02

Suzukis are the bast cars ever made period!!!

29th May 2010, 20:39

We have had 2 Grand Vitara Prestige's and have a rear door rattle in both of them. The dealer tightened up a few things and it went away.

All round Zuks are beauts.

2004 Suzuki XL-7 EX 2.7 V6 Gas from North America

Summary:

Simply the best

Faults:

Absolutely Nothing!

General Comments:

Wonderful to drive. Sporty. Handles more like a sports CAR than a Sport Ute.

Comfort is a little down in the seat area, but ergonomics and control placement is above par.

Engine is ULTRA Smooth and quite powerfull givin the 3800lb weight.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th December, 2004

1st May 2014, 10:32

Bought my Suzuki XL-7 May 2013 with 90000 km on it. I bought it for the winter as I drive 35 Km to work and back very early in the am and late at night.

First thing I wanted to do was put new tires on it, but I couldn't decide on winter or all season tires. The tires that were on the truck were barely passable on the safety, but I got such a good deal on the truck I decided to turn a blind eye.

Well before I got the chance to decide on tires, a wild winter storm blew in dumping anywhere from 6 to 9 inches of snow, and of course I had to work that morning.

As it was early in the winter season, very few plows made it out, even though the night before the storm hit they were saying how they were ready for this storm as they had plenty of warnings. I didn't believe the storm reports as they always exaggerate everything. Turned out it was a whopper of a storm that the plow guys had a tough time keeping up with. They eventually pulled the plows off the road until things settled down.

Long story short, the Zuk got me to work bad tires and all. At one point I drove through two feet of snow when the plows that were out had plowed the north south roads but not the east west roads. What the east west roads looked like would be the same as when the street plow, plows in your driveway. Anyways when I finally got to work, I pulled in the parking lot and pushed snow all the way to my parking spot. When I got out of the Zuk, the snow was past my knees. My coworker couldn't believe that I made it in to work. He had to wait for 4 hours before he could go home (2 miles away) because he needed the parking lot plowed so he could get out to the road.

Other than regular maintenance I have done nothing with this vehicle, except put some new all season Tiger Paws on it (they are also great). The rest of the winter here was very cold and we got lots of snow. With the Zuk in 4x4 though, it was like winter didn't exist.

I luv my Zuk, my wife loves the Zuk, what more can I say.

In reply to 1st May 2014, 10:32

29th Aug 2020, 15:18

Update: It is Aug 2020 and my Zuk is still my daily driver. It now has 170Km on it, other than small repairs like my brake lines had to be replaced, rear brake drums replaced, back door lock was sprayed with oil and now works, motor on driver's side window replaced. Starting to show a little rust on the bottom of the doors which I am going to get fixed. All in all a fantastic carefree driving experience, never left me stranded, what more can a person expect.