The subcompact Esteem sedan and wagon both feature a 95-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Esteem is based on an extended-wheelbase version of the Swift. Esteem is competent and gets good gas mileage, but doesn't stand out versus the competition. Also, fully loaded Esteems can get quite pricey. The stylish and roomy wagon is the best reason to buy an Esteem.
Swift
2001 may be the last year for the mini-compact Swift, made alongside the Chevrolet Metro at a joint-venture plant in Ontario, Canada. The Swift is smaller and lighter than just about every other car on the road. The GL model adds air conditioning and a few other features to the standard GA. Fuel economy is good, but not as good as Honda's larger Civic models. The narrow cabin with little elbowroom feels cramped, although the seating position is good. Swift does have a good ride and decent handling. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and recommended with the 79-hp, 1.3-liter engine, and a three-speed automatic is optional.
Vitara/Grand Vitara
The Vitara, a small sport-utility vehicle is essentially the same vehicle as the Chevrolet Tracker. Vitara, produced in Ontario, Canada, is available in two-door convertible and four-door models, with either two- or four-wheel drive. The Grand Vitara four-door model adds a 155-hp, 2.5-liter V-6 engine. A 127-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on base models. Vitara is more truck-like than other small car-based SUVs, and the optional V-6 doesn't feel as powerful as it should.
2001 Suzuki XL7 |
XL7
The XL7 is a new, XL-sized sibling to the Grand Vitara compact SUV. Suzuki stretched the Grand Vitara's wheelbase by 13 inches, enough to fit seven passengers. Both the second and third rows of seating are split-fold for cargo flexibility. XL7 is available with either two- or four-wheel drive, and all models have a larger, 170-hp, 2.7-liter version of the Grand Vitara's V-6 engine. The XL7's pricing and features vary widely, as there are four models available: base, Plus, Touring, and Limited.
;)
