Similar to the Esteem's capabilities off the line, the car's maneuverability in the curves won't leave you breathless - that is unless you enter a tight corner too quickly and unsettle the chassis. Part of the problem is the tire sizes available, that unless opting for optional equipment on a later model that came with 15-inch tires and wheels either featured 13-inch or 14-inch alloys and rubber, depending on model year.
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| The car's maneuverability in the curves won't leave you breathless. (Photo: Suzuki Canada) |
The slightly over-boosted power steering makes for easy parking, however, and the relatively soft suspension does a good job of smoothing out rough roads. Its brakes are decent as well, nothing heroic but still up to the job of stopping the Esteem in adequate distances. Top models offered ABS, which is worth opting up for if you have the choice - not always the case when buying used.
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| When shopping for an Esteem keep in mind that it won't cost much more to get a fully loaded version. (Photo: Suzuki Canada) |
Suzuki did a good job constructing the little Esteem throughout the car's availability, which means it normally should hold up well, mechanically and aesthetically after the odometer ticks over 100,000, or even 200,000 kilometers.
While the Esteem Wagon's list of standard equipment was long, it won't cost much more to get a fully loaded example being that the price of entry is already so low. It's up to you, of course, but why should you have to drive around this summer with the windows down in an attempt to blow dry the sweat off your forehead when air-conditioning (and all the goodies that go with it) can be had for a day's wages. Even if you want to roll down the windows, you'll be able to use the power controls instead of the standard handles.