1998 Suzuki Esteem

Introduction

The 1998 Suzuki Esteem is a compact sedan that was offered with two engine options: a 1.3-liter inline-four with 69 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6-liter inline-four with 86 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, while a 4-speed automatic transmission was optional. The Esteem received generally positive reviews for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and sporty handling, although its cramped interior and lack of features were common complaints.

Engine

1.3-Liter Inline-Four

• Valve Cover Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover gasket
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $150
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing belt breaks, causing the engine to stop running
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the intake manifold gasket
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300

1.6-Liter Inline-Four

• No Issues Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The clutch slips or becomes difficult to engage
  • Solution: Replace the clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips or hesitates when shifting
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000
• Transmission Filter Clogging
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission fluid becomes discolored or has a burnt smell
  • Solution: Replace the transmission filter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Suspension

• Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The suspension feels bouncy or unstable, or the car leans to one side when braking
  • Solution: Replace the struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Ball Joint Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: The steering feels loose or shaky, or there is a clunking noise when turning
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The suspension feels harsh or bouncy, or the alignment is off
  • Solution: Replace the control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery light comes on, or the electrical components lose power
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The car will not start, or there is a clicking noise when trying to start it
  • Solution: Replace the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
• Battery Terminal Corrosion
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery terminals are corroded, causing the car to not start or lose power intermittently
  • Solution: Clean the battery terminals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust spots or holes appear on the body panels, especially around the wheel arches and undercarriage
  • Solution: Clean and repair the rusted areas, or replace the affected panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appear on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric sags or detaches from the roof
  • Solution: Reattach or replace the headliner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Summary

Overall, the 1998 Suzuki Esteem is a reliable and affordable vehicle with few major issues. The most common problems are related to the engine, such as valve cover gasket failure and timing belt failure. Repair costs for these issues are generally moderate. While the Esteem has some minor interior and exterior issues, they are relatively inexpensive to fix.