1999 Suzuki Esteem

Good Cheap Transportation

By Reid (OR) on Friday, October 12, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 145,000

Pros: "Good MPG,spacious trunk for the size, reliable"

Cons: "cheap accessories, boring styling"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Bought my 1996 Esteem 6 months ago, when my other car broke down beyond repair. Cost $650 It had been sitting for a while so for the first month i had rough idling problems,but a change of spark plugs,oil and several treatments of Lucas Oil Injector cleaner and it began to run quite smooth ( for a tiny 4 cylinder). Since then its been fine, i commute 30 miles each way 4 days a week and have had it over the Coastal Range in Oregon to the coast several times, and also camping this summer in the Cascades done great. I trust it,starts every time. Now its pretty weak really but I aint worried about speed. Still great on gas. So overall a boring yet reliable car, should last until my credit is better next year and i can get something newer, though i probably will keep this for work."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great value 2000 1.8 litter

By Firsttimerator (IL) on Saturday, July 07, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 128,000

Pros: "Great value, Reliable"

Cons: "Small"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have put 130k miles on this car over the past 11-12 years. I have never had to worry about it starting or getting me where I want to go. It is not the flashiest or most comfortable car in the world but for what you are probably going to pay for it, there is no better value out there. Giving mine to my brother because selling a car with another 100k miles still left in it just seems wrong."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I love this car.

By OofMom (WI) on Wednesday, March 28, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 170,000

Pros: "Great price, reliable, excellent gas mileage"

Cons: "size"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car 3 years ago, intending to only have it a few months until I could afford another. It has been the most reliable car I've ever had and will be sad to see it go. My family has outgrown the car and we need a bigger vehicle. I'm really sad to see this car go. It's still running like a champ and have only had to do basic maintenance with it."

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All in all a good car

By Shawn (OR) on Sunday, January 01, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 168,000

Pros: "Dependable, fuel efficient"

Cons: "parts are expensive"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We have had this car for around eight years and it has never let us down. Aside from basic maintance I just had to replace the alternator and the egr valve. It needs some repair to the elec. windows for the front windows soon, but not a major concern right now. We took the car on a 1600 mile road trip last summer and it did great.It is somewhat roomy for a compact. I still get the mileage I should which is around 27 av. My only complaint is the parts are very expensive, but it has only needed major repair twice so I can't complain. The egr valve was $300 and the alternator was $140 for the parts. This is a good car and very dependable."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Fun to drive and great gas milage!

By godsartistgirl (MI) on Wednesday, November 30, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 140,000

Pros: "Fun to drive. Great runner."

Cons: "Simple features. Not much power equipment."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Even with miles over 130,000 I am getting gas mileage in the 30s. This is a fun car to drive. Love the stick."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great Car

By Suzuki Wagon GL 1.8L (OR) on Saturday, November 26, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 160,000

Pros: "simple, reliable, fun. Wagon w/ 1.8 liter only"

Cons: "no luxuries"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have put my 2002 Esteem wagon through quite a lot. Racking on over 30,000 miles the first year having it, all the while loading band equipment, it has never quit on me or left me stranded. The handling and acceleration are also more than one would expect at first glance=VERY FUN DRIVE. I purchased mine used at 114,000 miles and have only replaced the alternator (DIY it isnt that hard just in a weird spot) and the wiring to my left headlamp had to be redone. Altogether ive dropped maybe $200, not including standard fluid upkeep, in the 3 years I have owned it. Everything else seems rock solid and I would not hesitate to drive any distance. Word to the wise, dont settle for any other engine option other than the 1.8 JA18. It is BY FAR the most reliable, powerful, and BETTER ENGINE."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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