Overview:
This week I drove the 2003 Suzuki XL-7 4WD LTD, because SUV’s are simply the hottest vehicle on the market. It really is a phenomenon that may end up with everyone owning at least one. But no crystal ball and if gas prices go much higher you’ll see an exodus to fuel efficient small cars. As you may recall, about 40% of all vehicles on the road today are truck or truck-like in the form of the Sport Utility Vehicle.
These Truck frame products are the most profitable for a car company’s lineup and they will necessarily give people what they want. But what we want seems to ignore practical transportation cars. You know, those are cars that get 35+ MPG of gasoline with an initial purchase price of about $10,000 new. Ok, so you won’t impress your friends, but you will impress your banker and retirement fund administrator. But in the real world car buyers insist on putting their financial security (reserve cash) into auto industry related company bank accounts. Why do we do that? As always I love to hear from the “Real” people so drop me a line and I’ll share your views with other readers.
On a positive note, some car companies are now advertising programs where the prospective buyer can take the car home a day or two. I guess they are hoping you’ll like it in your driveway instead of theirs. I’ll be interested to see how that works out. On balance it sounds good for the consumer but costly for the dealers, especially if people abuse the car and thus the program.
Handling & Performance:
Comfortable, low center of gravity for stability, but very sluggish with the 183 horses and if you insist on quick starts off the line the bad mileage will turn to horrible.
Styling:
Wonderful. I rather like the Star Wars Storm Trooper look – especially with the Pearl White paint and clean, smooth lines. I liked the car from the git-go. It is the largest vehicle Suzuki has produced.
Fit and Finish:
For a car / SUV at this price range it is clearly a standout ready to do battle.
Conveniences:
Loaded! – As they used to say in the old days at a typical “high-pressure” sales lots. It was probably the 1950’s when car salesmen gave dealerships in California a bad name. That’s when transient migrant people from all over the US moved to California, the largest car market in the world, for jobs. Too many became car salesmen and the unsuspecting consumer was descended upon by hungry salesmen who glorified the automobile and impressed you with all the stuff that you just had to have. Conveniences were really few, by comparison with today’s gadget rich rides, so every innovative feature would garner a lot of attention, in the “good old days”.
There is third row seating for up to 7, but the rear two are tight and accessible for the “Little People”. They also fold forward nicely for a great cargo area. The door opens toward the curb to please 50% of the people, but at least it doesn’t open upward that allows stuff to fall to your feet and tick you off.
Cost:
Suzuki is here to play and so they priced this XL-7 to sell.
Consumer Recommendation:
Of the competition listed below this Suzuki is at the top of the heap. I took the 2002 Ford Escape for two weeks to Yellowstone Park, CA and although it was nice this 2003 Suzuki is beefier with more plush seats. For a long trip that could be a factor. On the other hand the Ford got 25 mpg on the road compared to 20 for this Suzuki so I didn’t complain about the Escape. I’m in the Montero as I write this so next week I’ll summarize its performance. So far I only see design and pricing issues in this class.
The Competition:
Suzuki XL-7 $20-25,000, Chevrolet Tracker $20-23,000, Ford Escape $19-26,000, Mazda Tribute $18-25,000, Mitsubishi Montero Sport $23-33,000.
Good News:
Classy styling, priced well for what you get.
Bad News:
Sluggish acceleration, lousy mileage.
Standard Equipment:
2.7 liter 183 hp V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, 4WD 2-speed transfer case, ABS brake system, climate control, tilt wheel with remote radio controls, audio system with 6 disc CF player, cruise control, leather, third row seating, alloy wheels, power windows, locks and heated mirrors, power tilt and slide sunroof, remote keyless entry, 100,000 mile 7 year transferable power train warranty.
Gas Stats:
17 City and 20 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $26,299.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2003 – An Automotive Love Affair
