2002 Suzuki Esteem

The 2002 Suzuki Esteem was a compact car offered as a sedan and wagon, known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. Engine options included a 1.6L inline-4 producing around 95 horsepower and 95 lb-ft of torque and a 1.8L inline-4 producing around 122 horsepower and 117 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices were a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often appreciated its low price and decent gas mileage, but disliked its basic interior and limited features.

Engine

1.6L Inline-4

• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls intermittently, check engine light illuminates, and difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

1.8L Inline-4

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak around the valve cover, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $150

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifting between gears, especially from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush, check and replace any faulty solenoids, or rebuild/replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) - $2000+ (rebuild/replace)

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when driving over bumps, especially at low speeds. Poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per pair

Electrical

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows stop working or operate intermittently.
  • Solution: Check the power window switch, motor, and wiring harness. Replace faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery light illuminates, dimming headlights, difficulty starting, and eventual stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Exterior

• Rust on Lower Body Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation along the rocker panels, wheel wells, and lower door seams, especially in areas with road salt exposure.
  • Solution: Remove rust, repair affected areas (welding new metal if necessary), and repaint.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ depending on severity

Interior

• Dashboard Cracks
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Dash Cover or Dashboard Replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $800+

Summary

The 2002 Suzuki Esteem, while an affordable and fuel-efficient vehicle, can suffer from several common issues. Engine problems like sensor failures and gasket leaks, along with transmission issues like harsh shifting, can lead to moderate repair costs. Suspension issues contribute to driving discomfort, and electrical problems like power window and alternator failures can be frustrating. Rust, especially in regions with road salt, can also be a significant concern. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others can be costly, especially if they involve transmission work or body repair.