The Suzuki Esteem spans 1995–2002 with 8 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2000, 1998, 1999 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1996, 1997, 2002. It delivers up to 29 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
Is the Suzuki Esteem a good car?
Short answer: it depends heavily on which year you buy. Our score for the Suzuki Esteem is 3.5 out of 5, built from NHTSA crash-test results, how often it gets recalled and what owners actually complain about — not from reviews.
The complaint that comes up most is the structure — 36 of the 141 reports owners filed with NHTSA. If you're choosing a year, 1996, 1997, 2002 score best in our data, and 2000, 1998 worst.
This page describes the model. It can't tell you whether that car has an open recall, a rolled-back odometer or a branded title — for that, run its number through our free VIN check.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Suzuki Esteem is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1995 to 2002 across multiple generations.
How to read a Suzuki Esteem VIN — every digit explained
Every Suzuki Esteem carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Suzuki and the country it was built in (real Suzuki codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Esteem.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- Japan2S2 · JG7 · JKS · JS1 · JS4 · JSA
- TaiwanLM1 · LM4 · RK6 · RK7
- USA5SA · 5Z6
- South KoreaKL5
- ChinaLC6
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. To decode a VIN number position by position, including the year-code table and where to find the number on a Esteem, use our free tool.
How many recalls does the Suzuki Esteem have?
The Suzuki Esteem has 8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1995–2002. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2002 Suzuki Esteem recalls 1
Visibility:windshield
What's wrong. CERTAIN PASSENGER (111 MY 2002 ESTEEM, 777 MY 2002 AERIO, 2,368 MY 2003 AERIO) AND SPORT UTILITY (324 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA, 274 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA, 684 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA XL-7, AND 781 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA XL-7) VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED TO THE VEHICLE BODY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ADHESION BETWEEN THE PAINT APPLIED DURING THE SECOND-STAGE PAINTING PROCESS AND THE PAINT APPLIED DURING FINAL-STAGE PAINTING.
Risk. IF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, IT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE EJECTION OF UNBELTED OCCUPANTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES. VEHICLES THAT ARE FOUND TO HAVE INSUFFICIENT PAINT ADHESION WILL EITHER HAVE THE PROBLEM REMEDIED BY REPAINTING, OR WILL BE REPLACED, OR REPURCHASED AND DESTROYED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
Best and worst years for the Suzuki Esteem
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 8 tracked years, the worst years are 2000, 1998, 1999 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1996, 1997, 2002.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 Esteem | Service Brakes | Average | |
| 1996 Esteem | Service Brakes | Best | |
| 1997 Esteem | Service Brakes | Best | |
| 1998 Esteem | Structure | Avoid | |
| 1999 Esteem | Suspension | Avoid | |
| 2000 Esteem | Structure | Avoid | |
| 2001 Esteem | Structure | Average | |
| 2002 Esteem | Fuel System | Best |
What are the most common Suzuki Esteem problems?
The most-reported Suzuki Esteem problems are Air (2 reports), Other (2 reports) and Seats (2 reports) — out of 141 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Suzuki Esteem specifications & dimensions
The 2002 Suzuki Esteem measures 172″ long on a 98″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,403 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Suzuki Esteem window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 172″ | 67″ | 56″ | 98″ | 2,403 lb |
| 1999 | 167″ | 67″ | 54″ | 98″ | 2,227 lb |
| 1996 | 165″ | 66″ | 54″ | 98″ | 2,143 lb |
| 1995 | 165″ | — | — | 98″ | — |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Suzuki Esteem cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Esteem holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 86 cu ft of passenger volume and 29 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Suzuki Esteem tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Suzuki Esteem get?
The Suzuki Esteem returns up to 29 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,150/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2002 Suzuki Esteem (1.8L 4-cyl) gets 27 mpg combined and costs about $2,300/yr to fuel, emitting 329 g/mi CO₂ — about $500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Esteem | 24 | 32 | $2,300 | 329 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 2001 Esteem | 26 | 33 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 2000 Esteem | 26 | 33 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1999 Esteem | 26 | 33 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1998 Esteem | 26 | 33 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1997 Esteem | 26 | 34 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1996 Esteem | 26 | 34 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1995 Esteem | 24 | 26 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 1.3L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Esteem stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Esteem's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Suzuki Esteem have? Power & range
The Suzuki Esteem is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.8L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.8L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Suzuki Esteem cost to own?
A Suzuki Esteem depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Esteem is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Esteem loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $10,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Esteem ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Suzuki Esteem safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Esteem yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Suzuki Esteem last?
A well-maintained Suzuki Esteem typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Suzuki Esteem’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Esteem’s VIN free →All Suzuki Esteem model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Suzuki Esteem — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Esteem | 1 recall | — | |
| 2001 Esteem | 1 recall | — | |
| 2000 Esteem | 1 recall | — | |
| 1999 Esteem | 1 recall | — | |
| 1998 Esteem | 1 recall | — | |
| 1997 Esteem | 1 recall | — | |
| 1996 Esteem | 1 recall | — | |
| 1995 Esteem | 1 recall | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Esteem?
By owner-complaint volume, 2000, 1998, 1999 drew the most reports. 1996, 1997, 2002 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Esteem have?
8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1995–2002. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Suzuki recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Esteem get?
Up to 29 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Esteem last?
A well-maintained Esteem typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Esteem reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Esteem is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Suzuki Esteem warranty?
New Suzuki models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Suzuki dealer.
Where is the Suzuki Esteem made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Esteem's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Suzuki may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Esteem weigh?
The Esteem's curb weight is around 2,403 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Esteem have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.