1999 Suzuki Esteem sedan from North America - Comments

The timing belt had to be replaced at 32000 miles.

The transmission is now having to be replaced at 45102 miles with no warning what-so-ever.

The rear side-light covers have faded dramatically and to be replaced at $236 for the pair.

The air conditioning vent in the center console does not stay in place, it constantly tips downward blowing air on the ground.

I have no general comments as I can't think of anything nice to say about this car.

That's a pity, as my Esteem wagon has, and continues to work quite well, all things considered.

I've had my 99 Esteem since 2001 and I've had to replace the transmission due to a manufacturing defect and just recently had to clean out the exhaust recirculation tube from carbon build up, but other than that, I haven't had any trouble with the car at all. It is actually totalled right now and still drives like new. Most of the damage is cosmetic, big dent in the driver door, rear bumper hanging half an inch lower than new due to the hit and run that totalled it, but all the weather seals are still good and nothing leaks. I'm rolling up on 130,000 miles now and have to say that I look forward to rolling over 200,000 miles. I did use some plasti-weld epoxy to patch up the driver door handle a few months ago too, but it's stronger now than it was originally and I don't foresee having to fix that one again. I do run platinum plugs in mine though and Prolong engine additive so I've never had any trouble with the engine and just did regular maintenance on it (timing belt at 100K, plugs every 60K, belts every 50-60K). Being good about regular maintenance will go a LONG way with most vehicles. Moderate driving helps too, though I don't often drive moderately.

Anybody know where I can get a 99 Suzuki outside door handle cheap? It broke somehow (just by lifting the door handle) and now I have to go on the passenger side and unlock the driver's side door from the inside to even get in the car to drive it. You can reach me a rescue9_11@hotmail.com.

Another problem I had was the car all the sudden started shaking real bad and cut out at ever stop light & continuously get worst I took it to three dealerships two said it needed a tune up and charged a arm and a leg and it did not change the problem. The third dealership told me after putting it on the diagnostic machine they can't tell why it shakes and cuts out. Finally I went to a REAL mechanic and said it probably was the coil packs that should be changed after so many miles, as soon as he change them the car ran smooth and never cut out again. Just wanted to pass that on for anyone having the same problem.

My 99 Suzuki Wagon

For 167,000 miles of service here is the list of broken parts.

2 Door Handles

3 Axle shafts

1 heater core

1 rear hub

1 A/C clutch

These are things that I wouldn't expect to replace. Still all in all this car is a great value for the money. I do run her 75 MPH on the open road often for hours at a time. All you have to do is change the oil and it will keep on ticking!