1999 Suzuki Esteem GL Wagon from North America - Comments

The six disc CD changer jammed, it had to be serviced by the dealer. They fixed it under warranty without any hassle. That's it for problems.

Three outstanding qualities of this car; reliability; fuel economy; and versatility. The 1.6 liter motor puts out plenty of horsepower for this size car. Although you sacrifice torque for up to 40 miles per gallon. Two of these cars put together would carry more passengers, cost less, and burn less fuel then any one full-size sport utility vehicle.

Fully agree with above comment. I bought my 99 Esteem GL Wagon in June of that year and 7 yrs later, still the little rugged car that is supposed to come out of Japan. Never been in the shop for anything - just the usual preventive maintenance stuff that I do at home: spark plugs, oil changes (using AMSOIL 5w30 to keep the motor running great..),wiper blades-both front and read tailgate wipers, and my 2nd set of tires.

Granted, at 75mph plus freeway speeds, the motor tends to be a little buzzy with the short 3.70/1 final ratio, why I wished that'd I waited until 2000 when the DOHC 1.8L came out with these units, for I think that the 1.6L is just a bit underpowered, esp. with the A/C running with the 1999 and prior model years. But, doing speeds under 75mph, then it's a nice little freeway cruiser that gets you were you want to go.

One thing about this small of a vehicle like this: you put five people in these things and the 1.6L motor with A/C running will let you know that one person needs to leave.

In short, my last new car for a long time - until I can run this thing in the ground, or someone decides that he is in a demolition derby and they see a big red target painted on the side of my wagon and decides to take me off the course with a direct hit.

...if so, then I'll get another Suzuki Wgn...new.