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1996 Suzuki Esteem GL Sedan MT

The 1996 Suzuki Esteem GL Sedan MT is a 95-hp 1.6-liter inline-4 sedan with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $11,989 MSRP and is rated at 29 mpg combined.

It makes 95 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 99 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway (29 mpg combined).

The Esteem measures 165.2 inches long on a 97.6-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,183 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$11,989 ($24,834 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.6L SOHC 16-valve I4 (G16B)
Displacement1.6 L
Horsepower95 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque99 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
ValvetrainSOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore and Stroke75.0 x 90.0
Compression Ratio9.5:1
Injection TypeMulti-point fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City26 MPG
Highway34 MPG
Combined29 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tank Capacity13 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front13"
Wheels Rear13"
Dimensions & Weight
Length165.2 in
Width65.7 in
Height53.9 in
Wheelbase97.6 in
Curb Weight2,183 lbs
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

No recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1996 Suzuki ESTEEM.

5 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1996 Suzuki ESTEEM

Owner Complaints

5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Suzuki ESTEEM (1 mention a crash). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Hydraulic3
Service Brakes3
Air Bags1
Electrical System1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Power Train1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
May 1, 2004 · Tires
“AFTER 31,000 MILES, 4 GOODYEAR AQUATREAD TIRES DEVELOPED FEATHERED TREAD BLOCKS ON ALL 4 TIRES. THIS RESULTED IN ROAD NOISE FROM THE TIRES THAT WAS SIMILAR TO THAT OF ALL 4 WHEEL BEARINGS FAILING…”
Jul 1, 1999 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Power Train, Electrical System
“TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE DEPT. REPEATEDLY AND THEY NEVER FOUND PROBLEMS SO CONVIENANTLY WE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS AND ENDED UP TURNING THE CAR IN AND LOSSING EVERYTHING WE PUT IN TO IT AND MESSING UP OUR…”
Dec 3, 1998 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“WHEN DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE PULLEY: CRANKSHAFT BROKE, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF STEERING, AND THE BALACING AND THE TIMING BELT WAS DAMAGED AND THE BOLT CAME OFF. *AK”
May 19, 1997 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Air Bags Crash
“DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SUDDENLY, HIT THE BRAKES BUT REARENDED VEHICLE ANYWAY; DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY; WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND ESTEEM WAS TOTALED. *AK”
Apr 22, 1997 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“ABS BRAKE FAILURE, FRONT CALIPERS AND BUSHING MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING FRONT END VIBRATION. *AK”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1996 SUZUKI ESTEEM. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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