Suzuki Esteem MPG — Gas Mileage by Engine and Year

Quick answer

Against 260 other 4-cyl cars rated 2000–2002, the Esteem beats their 24.4 mpg average by 2.6 mpg, about $152 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1996, the 1.6L 4-cyl (1996–2001), does 29 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.8L 4-cyl (2002), 27: $98 a year apart.

Every Suzuki Esteem engine, compared

Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.

FIG.01·Suzuki Esteem gas mileage by engine
Engine	Combined	City / Highway	Years	Fuel per year
1.6L 4-cyl	29	26 / 33.3	1996–2001	$1,324
1.8L 4-cyl	27	24 / 32	2002–2002	$1,422

ROWS 2·SOURCE EPA fueleconomy.gov + ForCar

What that actually costs

FIG.02·Suzuki Esteem fuel cost
Measure	Value
Cost per mile (2002)	$0.119
Fuel per year	$1,422
Fuel over five years	$7,110
Against other 4-cyl cars, 2000–2002	−$152 a year
EPA's own estimate	$2,171 a year

ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar, computed from EPA ratings

City or highway — who is this car for

The 2002 Suzuki Esteem gives up 8 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 24 in the city, $400 a year if every mile were city driving.

FIG.03·Suzuki Esteem city versus highway
Measure	Value	Reading
City (2002)	24 mpg	$1,600 a year if you only drive in town
Highway	32 mpg	$1,200 a year if you mostly commute
Gap	+8 mpg (33%)	Wide — this car dislikes traffic

ROWS 3·SOURCE EPA fueleconomy.gov + ForCar

How the Esteem changed over the years

The Esteem peaked in 2001 at 29 mpg (26 city, 33 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2002 at 27 — 2 mpg apart, or $98 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2002 car does 27. The 2002 model loses 2 mpg against 29 for the 2001.

FIG.04·Suzuki Esteem gas mileage by model year
Model year	Combined	City / Highway	Engines offered	Fuel per year
2002	27	24 / 32	1	$1,422
2001	29	26 / 33	1	$1,324
2000	29	26 / 33	1	$1,324
1999	29	26 / 33	1	$1,324
1998	29	26 / 33	1	$1,324
1997	29	26 / 34	1	$1,324
1996	29	26 / 34	1	$1,324

ROWS 7·SOURCE EPA fueleconomy.gov + ForCar

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How we count

This page rests on 7 EPA ratings of the Suzuki Esteem — 2 engines across 1996–2002. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,171. Full method.

Everything on the Suzuki Esteem

Recalls8 campaigns Reliability3.5/5 Common problems141 complaints Check a VINAgainst this exact build DimensionsSize, weight, generations Cargo space29 cu ft Window stickerOriginal Monroney label Decode a VINWhat each character means About this car1995–2002

Frequently asked questions

What mpg does the 2002 Suzuki Esteem get?

27 mpg combined, 24 city and 32 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1996 the Esteem has averaged 28.7 mpg.

Is the 2002 Esteem more efficient than the 2001?

No: 27 against 29 mpg combined, about $98 a year more to run.

Which Esteem year has the best gas mileage?

The 2001, at 29 mpg combined (26 city, 33 highway).

Gas mileage ratings from EPA fueleconomy.gov, unadjusted. Running cost computed by ForCar at 12,000 miles a year and $3.20 a gallon. Last updated Nov 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by Denis Kataev, founder of ForCar.

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