Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2002 Suzuki Esteem Wagon GLX. I suspect our egos take us too far and away from good sense when it comes to buying a car. Saturn also puts out a nice low cost car but BMW, Mercedes Benz and the like mesmerize buyers. We buy beyond our need for transportation. While I was in Japan I got the distinct impression that people there buy cars for their utility. In fact, look at most countries other than the United States and you see how much they push the envelope on getting the most out of the cars they buy. If a carmaker says the truck will carry a 1-ton load you can bet your bippy the carmaker has underestimated the real potential by magnitudes.
Well, I guess my point is that this little wagon will deliver more utility per dollar than those heavy hitter Beemers and Benz’s. Look at the gas performance, repair costs, insurance and all the rest and if my kids didn’t buy something like this I’d be disappointed. Ok, so I’m disappointed.
When my family was young I always recommended that you buy a better-equipped, more luxurious used car than spending a lot of money on a new car that depreciated in value simply by driving it off the lot. Today the world has changed and technology is abundantly available and cheap! So, today I say buy new, but don’t buy the big name brands where too much of the price tag is for the nametag. The other advantage of buying new today, (because they are relatively cheaper), is that you don’t have to gamble on the mechanical roadworthiness of the purchase. You don’t want to inherit the problems the seller is dumping onto someone else. You just have too much to choose from at great prices and you get an uncontested warranty to boot.
Handling & Performance:
Just great, kids (do you think they’re listening?). How they get so much from a 1.8-liter engine is marvelous these days. And although I thought this little 4-cylinder engine was adequate for the car, I tested the VW Beetle with a Turbocharged 4-cylinder that put out 180 horsepower.
Styling:
More than “plain wrap” and that makes it competitive in this market segment, but why’d they think they needed the Roof End or rear roof spoiler? Well I guess they’re the designers, but I have to look at it and does it serve any real good purpose? I doubt this will be in any road races where aerodynamics is critical.
Fit and Finish:
Great for the dough.
Conveniences:
Well equipped for the money.
Cost:
Well priced.
Recommendation:
If you’re in the market for trouble free transportation for a young family this is a good choice. If you’re not interested in snob appeal this is a must drive option. The field of similar small wagons is limited so you should be able to test-drive them all. I’ve tested all and they are very close in my opinion, so it will come down to: 1. Is it big enough for your need? and 2. Which has the styling that suits your taste?
The competition:
Suzuki Esteem Wagon $17,374, Ford Focus Wagon $17-18,000, Mazda Protégé 5 $16,000, Saturn SW $14,000, Subaru Impreza Wagon $17-23,000.
Good News:
Well-priced, comfortable, economical gas miser, typical Japanese quality and odd looking roof end spoiler.
Bad News:
Will not boost your ego as it builds your bank account.
Standard Equipment:
1.8 liter inline 4-cylinder 120 horsepower engine, 4-speed auto trans, power steering and brakes, Roof End Spoiler, power sunroof, alloy wheels, child safety locks, remote keyless entry, power windows, locks and mirrors, rear defroster, tachometer, cruise control, air conditioning, audio system with cassette and CD and dual front airbags.
Gas Stats:
26 City and 33 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $17,374.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2002 – An Automotive Love Affair
