2002 Suzuki Esteem

Introduction:

The 2002 Suzuki Esteem is a compact sedan that was offered with two engine and transmission options: a 1.6-liter inline-four with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.8-liter inline-four with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The 1.6-liter engine produces 103 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque, while the 1.8-liter engine produces 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. The Esteem was praised for its fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and low price, but it was criticized for its cramped interior and lack of power.

Engine

1.6-Liter Inline-Four

• Piston Ring Failure: Symptoms include excessive oil consumption and blue smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace the piston rings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2000+
• Timing Chain Guide Failure: Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, especially at startup. Solution: Replace the timing chain guide. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Symptoms include coolant or oil leakage, rough idling, and poor fuel economy. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
• Knock Sensor Failure: Symptoms include engine knocking or pinging, and reduced power. Solution: Replace the knock sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
• Cylinder Head Gasket Failure: Symptoms include coolant or oil leakage, white smoke from the exhaust, and overheating. Solution: Replace the cylinder head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2000+

1.8-Liter Inline-Four

• Timing Belt Failure: Symptoms include a sudden loss of power and a loud snapping noise from the engine. Solution: Replace the timing belt. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1000
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak: Symptoms include oil leakage from the top of the engine. Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, rough idling, and stalling. Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
• Spark Plug Failure: Symptoms include misfires, difficulty starting the engine, and reduced power. Solution: Replace the spark plugs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
• Oxygen Sensor Failure: Symptoms include poor fuel economy, increased emissions, and a check engine light. Solution: Replace the oxygen sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping Gears: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, hesitation during acceleration, and a loss of power. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
• Torque Converter Failure: Symptoms include shuddering during acceleration, slipping gears, and overheating. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200
• Shift Solenoid Failure: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, delayed shifting, and a check engine light. Solution: Replace the shift solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch Failure: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, and a burning smell. Solution: Replace the clutch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1000
• Synchronizer Failure: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises during shifting, and a loss of power. Solution: Replace the synchronizers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200
• Transmission Fluid Leak: Symptoms include oil leaking from the transmission, difficulty shifting gears, and a burning smell. Solution: Repair or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+

Suspension

• Strut Failure: Symptoms include excessive bouncing, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace the struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600 per axle
• Shock Absorber Failure: Symptoms include excessive bouncing, poor handling, and a rough ride. Solution: Replace the shock absorbers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per axle
• Control Arm Bushing Failure: Symptoms include clunking noises from the suspension, excessive play in the steering wheel, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace the control arm bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per side

Electrical

• Starter Failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, a clicking noise from the starter, and a loss of power. Solution: Replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Alternator Failure: Symptoms include a weak or flickering battery, difficulty starting the engine, and a check engine light. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Battery Failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, a weak or flickering battery, and a check engine light. Solution: Replace the battery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Exterior

• Hood Latch Failure: Symptoms include difficulty opening the hood, a loose or rattling hood, and a check engine light. Solution: Replace the hood latch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Door Lock Failure: Symptoms include difficulty locking or unlocking the doors, intermittent power to the door locks, and a check engine light. Solution: Replace the door lock. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
• Trunk Latch Failure: Symptoms include difficulty opening the trunk, a loose or rattling trunk, and a check engine light. Solution: Replace the trunk latch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Interior

• Dashboard Squeaks and Rattles: Symptoms include annoying noises coming from the dashboard while driving. Solution: Disassemble and reassemble the dashboard while adding padding to eliminate vibrations. Estimated Cost to Fix: DIY
• Power Window Failure: Symptoms include difficulty raising or lowering the windows, intermittent power to the windows, and a check engine light. Solution: Replace the power window motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Heater Core Failure: Symptoms include a lack of heat from the heater, a sweet smell in the cabin, and a fogging up of the windshield. Solution: Replace the heater core. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
• Air Conditioning Compressor Failure: Symptoms include a lack of cold air from the air conditioner, a hissing or squealing noise from the engine, and a check engine light. Solution: Replace the air conditioning compressor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200

Summary

The 2002 Suzuki Esteem is a reliable vehicle with a few potential issues. The most severe and expensive problems include piston ring failure, timing chain guide failure, and transmission failure. However, these issues are relatively rare and the majority of Esteem owners experience few problems with their vehicles. The Esteem is a good choice for budget-minded consumers who are looking for a fuel-efficient and maneuverable compact sedan.