Suzuki Swift

Price Paid:  $11900.00

Summary:
I love this car, my other vehicle is a 92 jeep YJ and it is getting hard to drive the jeep, almost have to remind myself it needs a run. This swift is a pleasure to drive and burns virtually no gas. I do a lot of highway driving and what the swift saves on gas makes up for the virtually interest free financing. I''m getting a free car and it is a GOOD one

Strengths:
Fuel economy, very well made cheap car

Weaknesses:
The bloody water coming in through the drivers window when the wiper washers are used

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $10000.00 from Faulkner Suzuki, Har

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 GL

Summary:
The Swift is a good car. it is easy to drive, is amzingly large (for its size) inside, goes a long ways on just a little bit of gas, and is even fun to drive. I rear-ended while sitting still in a Metro (Swift clone) by a BMW 323 going >50 MPH, and was not injured at all, even though both cars were totaled. Suzuki engineering kept me alive. Bought a Swift as soon as the insurance check came in.

Strengths:
small Size, simplicity of construction (less to go wrong), reliability, economic to drive, good visibility, good head room, shifts well, is sufficiently "peppy".

Weaknesses:
Bouncy, hard to get into back seat, a bit slow compared to other cars.

Similar Products Used:
VW Bug(s), Honda Civic (good car), Suzuki Esteem Wagon (great car!), Chev. Metro (another great car), Ford Escort (dog)

Price Paid:  $10000.00 from Ventura

Summary:
1 year to the week and over-all I am very happy. I had my choice of Red or Red and that is the last color I wanted-" you know the whole ticket thing" But the size is not very threatening, so I have yet to get a ticket. You might have to get used to not seeing a hood. When you first drive it, you have a funny sensation that your feet are going to scrape the street. Not as easy to parallel park as I thought. Parking can be a premium out in Ca. and I am never with-out a space in this thing. Gas is excellent, I am making the payment on what it cost to run my Van. Not so Fast in the first and second gear, but very peppy by the third and fourth " Hey we all need to slow down alittle any-way" And I just love being in front of some Big a-- SUV, it really pisses them off. I actually moved out of my storage unit, one small load at a time. If the economy gets really bad, I am going to take out the Passenger seats sleep in it. GOODLUCK

Strengths:
Small Size, Hatchback, Good on gas.

Weaknesses:
don''t put any-thing but napkins in the door panels...when you roll the windows, you''ll scrape your knuckles.

Similar Products Used:
none

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 /Suzuki Swift

Summary:
Overall, the Swift is an excellent commuter car. The gas milliage is excellent while not being underpowered. Attention to handling needs to be a focus for the Suzuki engineers. There is too much body roll in turns for my taste.

Strengths:
1) Fule Economy 2)Sufficient Power 3)Excellent head and leg room for 6 footers.

Weaknesses:
1)Handles more like truck than a compact car.

Price Paid:  $7249.00

Summary:
This is a wonderful Car if you do Light commuting, and want low cost and maintence. It doesnt wow you with tons of Power, but its definately Not a slug either. The ride is good, though the seats are mearly basic. The lower portion of the seat is fine, but the seatback is very average. Head support area is good. Controls are within easy reach. Heater is excellent, and A/C works great. From what I hear from others with Swifts of the 95 and up class, is they hold up well mechanically. The 98 and newer swifts have a new head with 16 valves instead of 8. Boosts the Hp from 70 to 79 and the torque a modest 1 FtLb. From 74 to 75. Believe me, a 1895Lb car with 79 Hp is pretty good. Engine runs smooth though buzzy at high Rpms. Idles very quiet. Handling is also a plus. Good vison all around when driving, and positive steering. Original Tires grab Ruts, (Goodyear Invictas) and like to hold rocks. So if you buy one, If it still is new enough (or new) it will have them on. Just be ready for some occasional rock tings under the fender skirts. You can hear them pretty well. A few times, I thought I hit something in the road. I really feel this car would be a star handler with wider tires. All I can say is its a great deal for the money, but look for deals Like I paid for mine. The Suzukis cost less than the Chevy Metro (which is made by Suzuki for GM)and The 1.0 3 cylinder engine makes the car a slug for only a 4mpg increase from 45 Mpg to 49. DONT buy it!. The reliability of the 1.0 isnt as good as a 1.3 in this series. The only thing I wish Suzuki Had was A Sedan. I might have bought it for a smidge for storage area, though, the fold down seats are good. mainly for a couple buddies. Actually, the rear seat is quite comfortable, and can seat 2 6' footers well. If you dont have alot of money for a new car, this is the way to go. :)

Strengths:
Attractive for a Small car, Inexpensive, But not cheaply built. Good Power, Fuel economy rates from 40 to 45 Mpg. A/C doesnt Hurt Power too bad. Easy to service. Decent Handling considering the Skinny 13s. Nice Dash layout, Great 5 speed shifting and Clutch action. The 1.3 engine is peppy when you want it to be. (higher Rpm). Body structure very sound, As the roof, and doors and other areas of the car are greatly improved over the Pre 95 Models. Rated well In crash tests which ranks Better than many cars that are bigger and more expensive.

Weaknesses:
Window seals have occasional Air leaks (if window crank isnt tight enough, it whistles some), Some door Squeaking on light Pot holes and dirt road.
Some light issues with mounting hardware in interior and some exterior components. (what do you expect for this price range?). Needs stronger brakes they just feel average. A bit more Engine torque would help for long grades. Seats need more support, and better foam. (seems to be breaking down alot since I bought new.)

Similar Products Used:
Hyundai Scoupe. Good Mileage, basic Build quality like swift. More expensive than Swift.
Honda Civic. 93. great car when compared to swift, but only some. Some better build quality, About same MPG, much more expensive to buy.