Suzuki Swift

Price Paid:  $6000.00 from Gresham Nissan

Year / Model Reviewed:
1999 Suzuki Swift

Summary:
The '99 Suzuki Swift is the second Swift I have owned. The other was a 1989 GTi which I drove hard for 250,000 miles without any major problems with normal maintenance. Dollar for dollar it was the best car I have ever owned. It was fun, fast and handled very well. At the same time I had this car I owned a Porsche 911 Turbo.
The '99 Swift is not as fast and does not handle as well but gets significantly better gas mileage and is still fun to drive. It has been trouble free for 90,000 miles and have no plans to sell it, especially with rising fuel prices. I have gotten up to 46 mpg on a trip from Portland to Seattle on the interstate but usually average around 38 mpg driving to and from work.

Strengths:
Great gas mileage, fun to drive, easy to park, adequate power

Weaknesses:
Considering what this car was made for there really are no outstanding weaknesses

Similar Products Used:
1989 Suzuki Swift GTi, numerous VW Bugs, 1981 Toyota Starlet

Price Paid:  $8000.00 from Pasco, WA

Year / Model Reviewed:
1994 3 door Hatchback

Summary:
Awesome economy car. Perfect for commuters and those who appreciate reliability. Only car I've ever owned that I would cheerfully buy again. Why did Suzuki quit making this gem?

Strengths:
I have over 183,000 miles and it just keeps running perfectly. Runs as well at +120 and -20 degrees F, south central Washington state desert climate or the humidity of the Mississippi River valley. It handles extended stop/go or 75+ mph freeways just fine - though you have to give it a chance to get up to those speeds. Once there, I have easily maintained 70 -75 up a 8 mile long 6% grade by bouncing between 4th and 5th on the 5 speed manual. Only significant repair has been 1 CV joint ~ 6 years ago. I suspect another is going out now. Still running the original rotor, clutch, rear brakes, and the engine has only been tuned up twice. Still gets 33-35 mpg combined, but that is because I can't get the prescribed tire size anymore and had to substitute a taller 13" tire. For what it is - it does it extremely well and without complaint. No, it doesn't ride quietly or smooth, and the power to climb hills is a little weak with the A/C running - but I expected that. I wish it had a cruise control and a rear window wiper. But I am very happy with the car, and will drive it until it drops. Watch out for hydroplaning, and it likes to swap ends when braking hard on slick surfaces. Mine does not have an air bag, and I wish it did. I would hate to get in an accident in this little guy..... Its getting hard to find replacement parts now. Dealers are few and far between, and even those that exist can't find replacement interior parts that are starting to go (passenger side visor, etc.) Replacement parts can be steep (I lost 1 wheel cover when it was 3 months old and Suzuki wanted $100 to replace it! I bought a cheap cover at the auto parts store and its served me fine ever since) Oddly enough, some of the guys at my daughters high school love it, on those few times I let her drive it. Best car I've ever owned.

Weaknesses:
1) small size 2) tendency to swap ends when braking hard on slick surfaces 3) difficulty in finding parts and dealer support 4) power goes WAY DOWN when running the AC

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $5000.00 from Phil Long

Year / Model Reviewed:
1996 Suzuki Swift

Summary:
Bought this in 1998. Had 49,000 miles on it. It now has 186,000 miles and is still running strong. I keep up on preventive maintenance (do it all myself) and it never gives a problem.

Strengths:
Good gas mileage - I get about 34 to the gallon with mainly freeway driving. No major repairs needed of any kind. Just keeps running.

Weaknesses:
Noisy. Also will leak oil but only when the weather gets cold (?). No power but I didn't expect much when I bought it.

Price Paid:  $3160.00 from Withnell Dodge

Year / Model Reviewed:
1998 Suzuki Swift Hatchback

Summary:
I bought this car a couple of months ago since i was looking for something Economical and Reliable. The suzuki swift is a great car when it comes to getting good gas mileage. It had a handfull of miles for a 98 when i bought it ((97450 on the odometer)) everything seems to still run strong and it hasnt left me stranded once. As long as you maintain it right these little beasts will run forever. One more other thing is its actually pretty fast for being a little 4 cylinder motor. ((Its faster than many 4 cylinder cars ive driven)) Overall if your tired of high gas prices and want some decent performance then the suzuki swift is the way to go.

Strengths:
Quick,Reliable,Great Manuvuerability,Great gas mileage.

Weaknesses:
It doesnt handle to good in bad weather, Hydroplanes alot.

Similar Products Used:
1992 Accord

Price Paid:  $3600.00 from Jini Motors

Year / Model Reviewed:
1999 /swift

Summary:
This is my second Swift/Metro. I've taken many a road trip and love this car.

Strengths:
The car is getting great mileage anywhere from a low of 36.8 to a high of 45.3 with an average of 40.0. The car has good pick up in traffic and is very good car on the open road.

Weaknesses:
I've had no problems with the car.

Similar Products Used:
I had a 1999 chevy metro I bought new 1.0 liter 5-speed. It was slower and the mileage was more varied, 36-47 mpg but it was a good car also.