Description Of The Car

2006 suzuki swift review

what can i say abour this car. driving this car in canadians winter is pretty frustrating. in fact, i hate my car in winter.

it doesnt really defrost, its not heating and there is always fog in the windsheeld. but, in summer, its a great car.



its small and not really expensive to drive. ive had some problems with my brakes, but i think its because of the guy who changed them last year and its not related to any imperfection in the car itself. in fact, in my head, i already have 2 choices for my next car. another swift (more recent and better equiped) and a big buick for the fun of having a big car.





As long as you keep in mind that this car was designed for commuting you wont be dissapointed. It does everything it was designed to do in my opinion. Handels well and has plenty of power to do the job It was well cared for befor I got it from the origional owner. 70K miles on the clock, I bought it with 57K only routine service up to this point. Love this car..



Suzuki Swift

Whos buying it: First-time new car buyers and parents who want their teenagers to be driving something new, economical and safe.

Why youd buy it: Good equipment, good price, good handling, beautifully finished. Easily the best thing yet to wear a Suzuki badge. Reasonable performance. Comfortable and practical. Looks neat. Nice to drive.

Why you wouldnt: Engine needs to be kept in the mid to upper rev range to keep it going, which means plenty of use of the gearbox. Only a space-saver spare wheel.

Standard equipment: A good package that includes air-conditioning, power for all windows (not just the fronts, unlike some of the opposition) electric mirrors, remote entry, ultraviolet-reducing glass, dual air bags and anti-lock brakes. Impressive. Class-leading.

Safety: Dual air bags standard, as are anti-lock brakes. Centre passenger in the back gets a head restraint and lap-sash belt.

Cabin: Surprisingly roomy, and theres good space for adults in the back. Nicely styled with plenty of storage around the facia. Excellent finish on plastics and materials. Reasonable boot space.

Seating: Comfortable in the front, fairly utilitarian in the back, although its more comfortable than some rivals.

Engine: Willing 1.5-litre four-cylinder with twin overhead camshafts, four valves a cylinder and variable valve timing. It puts out 74 kilowatts, but not until 6000rpm. Maximum torque is at 4000rpm, which explains why its happier when its busy.

Transmission: Slick-shifting five-speed manual, although theres a four-speed auto available.

Steering: Sharp, power-assisted rack and pinion, with a very tight 9.4-metre turning circle which is great for parking.

Ride: Good. Its firm but not bouncy.

Handling: The car was designed with European markets in mind, and its streets better than older-generation, small Japanese-Korean models.

Fuel: Gladdens the heart on the occasional bowser visit: seven litres/100 kilometres average, 43-litre fuel tank. Itll get more than 500 kilometres between fills.

Brakes: High marks for having anti-lock brakes standard, even if the system has drums only at the back. Theres electronic brake force distribution, too, which also helps avoid accidents.

Build: Good. Tight, rattle-free body, nice paint, quality plastics and fabrics inside.

Warranty: Three years/100,000 kilometres and 24-hour roadside assistance.

Audio: Six-speaker system with CD player and essential controls on the steering wheel. Sound is adequate.

Price: At $15,990 its very good value, given the dynamics and equipment. Theres a more comprehensively equipped S version (including side and curtain air bags) for only $2000 more.

Verdict: This is the surprise car of the year so far. A mammoth improvement for Suzuki and a new benchmark for the class.

Summary:

Awesome economy car. Perfect for commuters and those who appreciate reliability. Only car Ive ever owned that I would cheerfully buy again. Why did Suzuki quit making this gem?

Strengths:

I have over 183,000 miles and it just keeps running perfectly. Runs as well at +120 and -20 degrees F, south central Washington state desert climate or the humidity of the Mississippi River valley. It handles extended stop/go or 75+ mph freeways just fine - though you have to give it a chance to get up to those speeds. Once there, I have easily maintained 70 -75 up a 8 mile long 6% grade by bouncing between 4th and 5th on the 5 speed manual.

Only significant repair has been 1 CV joint ~ 6 years ago. I suspect another is going out now. Still running the original rotor, clutch, rear brakes, and the engine has only been tuned up twice. Still gets 33-35 mpg combined, but that is because I cant get the prescribed tire size anymore and had to substitute a taller 13" tire.

For what it is - it does it extremely well and without complaint. No, it doesnt ride quietly or smooth, and the power to climb hills is a little weak with the A/C running - but I expected that. I wish it had a cruise control and a rear window wiper. But I am very happy with the car, and will drive it until it drops.

Watch out for hydroplaning, and it likes to swap ends when braking hard on slick surfaces. Mine does not have an air bag, and I wish it did. I would hate to get in an accident in this little guy.....

Its getting hard to find replacement parts now. Dealers are few and far between, and even those that exist cant find replacement interior parts that are starting to go (passenger side visor, etc.) Replacement parts can be steep (I lost 1 wheel cover when it was 3 months old and Suzuki wanted $100 to replace it! I bought a cheap cover at the auto parts store and its served me fine ever since)

Oddly enough, some of the guys at my daughters high school love it, on those few times I let her drive it

Weaknesses:

Basic amenities, no lux here. Loud road and engine noise, and you feel every bump.