Suzuki

Esteem

Subcompact Cars · model years 1996 to 2002

Includes Esteem and Esteem Wagon as listed by the EPA.

The verdict

Best year: 1996. complaints: 5, below this model's typical 7; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Worst year: 1998. complaints: 24, about 1.9x this model's typical 13; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Year by year

Year by year summary for the Suzuki Esteem
Year	Trims	MPG	Fuel cost	Recalls	Complaints	Top complaints
1996	2Gas	27.5	$2,275	0	5	SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 38%, AIR BAGS 13%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%
complaints: 5, below this model's typical 7 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 84 of 100, where higher is better.
1997	2Gas	27.5	$2,275	0	7	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20%, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 20%, STRUCTURE 20%
complaints: 7, in line with this model's typical 7 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 Score: 79 of 100, where higher is better.
1998	4Gas	27	$2,300	0	24	STRUCTURE 21%, AIR BAGS 18%, SUSPENSION 18%
complaints: 24, about 1.9x this model's typical 13 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 4 complaints reporting a fire: 1 Score: 45 of 100, where higher is better.
1999	8Gas	26	$2,400	0	20	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14%, STRUCTURE 14%, SUSPENSION 14%
complaints: 20, below this model's typical 26 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 83 of 100, where higher is better.
2000	8Gas	26	$2,400	0	26	STRUCTURE 24%, SUSPENSION 22%, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%
complaints: 26, in line with this model's typical 26 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 Score: 79 of 100, where higher is better.
2001	6Gas	26	$2,400	0	21	STRUCTURE 42%, SUSPENSION 21%, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13%
complaints: 21, above this model's typical 20 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 Score: 77 of 100, where higher is better.
2002	6Gas	26	$2,400	1	5	STRUCTURE 25%, WHEELS 25%, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13%
complaints: 5, below this model's typical 20 recalls: 1, this model typically has none on file Score: 81 of 100, where higher is better.

How the numbers moved

Combined MPG, median1996: 27.5 to 2002: 26

Owner complaints1996: 5 to 2002: 5

How we score each year

We compare each year of the Suzuki Esteem to the model's own typical numbers, not to other cars. A year reads solid when its recalls, owner complaints, and federal investigations sit at or below what is typical for this model, mixed when some of those numbers run above typical, and avoid when they run far above it. Deaths, reported fires, and an NHTSA advisory to park outside count against a year no matter what this model's baseline looks like.

A year is scored only when NHTSA has both complaint and recall counts for it. Complaint data often lags for the newest years, so a recent year can read not enough data even while its recall count already shows in the table. When the history is too thin, we say not enough data instead of guessing. Service bulletins are routine maintenance guidance from the manufacturer and do not lower a year's score.

Scores run 0 to 100, higher is better. Recall, complaint, and investigation figures come from NHTSA records. Fuel economy, fuel cost, and horsepower figures come from the EPA, shown as the median across the year's trims.

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.