Overview & Reviews

Originally designed as a city car for Japanese and European markets, the subcompact Suzuki Swift occupied the bargain end of the economy car class during its 13-year run in the U.S. Although Suzuki sold a sedan version for a few years, most consumers will remember the more popular Swift hatchback offered continuously from 1989-2001.

With a price tag well under $10,000 and fuel economy ratings around 40 mpg, the Suzuki Swift was a brutally practical option for buyers needing basic transportation. Its very small size and 16-foot turning radius made it a cinch to maneuver in tight spaces. And to its credit, the Swift provided adequate acceleration, at least when equipped with a manual transmission.

In most other respects, though, the Swift wasn't well suited to American driving habits. A noisy highway ride, low handling limits and a total lack of amenities, including power steering, were its main faults. And with a curb weight under 1 ton, the odds were rarely in the Suzuki's favor in the event of a collision. Mechanical reliability proved to be a strong point, but the Swift's low-end interior bits and body panels weren't especially durable.

Due to high depreciation, Suzuki Swifts can be extremely inexpensive to buy on the used market. Unless you're in dire need of an urban runabout at a rock-bottom price, though, you'd be wise to look at a larger, more refined, better-equipped car from one of the major Japanese or Korean automakers.

Most Recent Suzuki Swift

Suzuki sold the Swift subcompact in two generations, the more recent of these stretching from 1995-2001. This Swift was offered only as a hatchback, motivated by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 70 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. In 1998, Suzuki swapped in a 16-valve version of this engine, resulting in 9 extra hp (for 79 total) and a smidge more torque.

A standard five-speed manual transmission drove the front wheels, and a three-speed automatic was available as an option. The latter was best avoided, as it compromised the small hatchback's stamina and significantly reduced gas mileage.

For most of the model cycle, the Suzuki Swift came in a single base trim level. Standard equipment included skinny 13-inch tires, daytime running lights, dual front airbags, cloth upholstery and three-point seatbelts for all outboard occupants (with a lap belt only in the rear center position).

ABS was the lone factory option, but Suzuki discontinued it after the '98 model year. Air-conditioning and a stereo could be added as dealer accessories. In 2000 and 2001, Suzuki created GA and GL trim levels. The GA was equipped like the base Swift of previous years, while the GL had the A/C and cassette deck as standard.

Past Suzuki Swift Models

The earlier generation of the Suzuki Swift was sold from 1989-'94. Equipment was similar to that of later Swifts, but in addition to offering a sedan body style from 1990-'94, Suzuki created a junior econosport called the Swift GT (GTi in '89 only).

The GT hatchback had a higher-compression, twincam version of the 1.3-liter engine that made 100 hp, along with larger 14-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, a rear spoiler and sport seats. It was still more of a warm hatch than a hot hatch, but compared to other Swifts, which had the 70-hp engine and wimpy 13s, the GT was reasonably fun to drive. A five-speed manual gearbox was the only transmission available on the Swift GT; other models could be equipped with an optional three-speed automatic.

For most of this generation, the Swift lineup consisted of a base GA hatchback and sedan, a better-equipped GS sedan and the sporty GT hatch. During the 1989 and '90 model years, Suzuki also offered midrange GL versions of both the hatchback and sedan, along with a GLX hatch that had some of the GT's cosmetic add-ons but not its upgraded engine and running gear.

In standard GA guise, the Swift offered very few features -- cloth upholstery was the only amenity of note. The GL models added tinted glass, power mirrors, intermittent wipers and a rear defroster. On top of those items, the GS sedan had an AM/FM stereo with a cassette deck. Air-conditioning was available as an accessory.

Following a mild refresh in 1992, the Swift GS added a center console, a tachometer and a clock. Curiously, GS sedans and GT hatchbacks from '92 and later also had power steering -- a convenience that didn't carry over to the subsequent generation.

One thing to keep in mind if you run across a Suzuki Swift from this era is the minimal safety content. There were no front airbags, and ABS was not an option.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 19 of 19.00

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  To the Swift! - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By collegeguy - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought this for college @ 60k its at 110k now over the course of 1.5 years. I love things and hate things about it. Manual everything is my style and cassette player is great for cheap mp3/i pod playing. Has no ponies but once up to speed is fine, however the automatic gets terrible mpg (25 highway ~33-35 town) at higher speeds. Snow tires/cruise control/remote starter/new speakers are all great upgrades. All replacement parts are cheap for these puppies. Be prepared for the "Suzuki Squeal" i.e. the fan belt squeals loudly since the design has no tensioner. Im currently trying to ghetto rig a fix for this. Im also having AC problems but just use recharging kits from Wal-Mart to fix

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  Reliable and economical transportation - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By vr6stud - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new. 17 months of trouble free driving at an average of 42 mpg in the city. Perfect commuter transportation for those who arent in a hurry to hug the bumper of the SUV in front of them. Comfortable front seats with controls and gauges ergonomically designed. Not having ABS brakes makes for some fun cornering if youre in the mood, but dont expect to accelerate past much of anything on the road with 4 wheels and a motor. 79 horsepower is the price you pay for that great fuel economy.

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  Great Transportation - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By Bob75 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Swift but have had two Geo Metros (same car). The mechanicals are bulletproof. The car is very economical, comfortable and easy to drive. I have made 1500 mile trips in two days in these vehicles.

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  Great Town Car - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By Mario Branciforte - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great little car for short trips around town. Can haul four people, or two people and a weeks worth of groceries. Would be a great starter car for a new driver, inexpensive to buy/operate.

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  Little Fun Car! - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By Mary - March 11 - 5:40 pm

  Its a very economic and reliable little car. In almost six years the only problem I have had with it is the A/C, that it has to be recharged once a year.

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  Great little car - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By Dan - September 9 - 9:30 pm

  These little cars are great. We bought this for an in town beater and have become fond of the little car. I average 40 mpg with an automatic. The car is peppy and tight. It will fit almost anywhere. Mine has 130K miles on it and runs like a new one. No, its not a cruiser but when you think logically... a $15K hybrid barely gets 30 MPG. You can find these little cars for 1,500 to 2,500. They are excellent and cheap little cars. Dont let the low book value fool you.. you cant buy these cheap. They are good cars and people know it. If you want cheap and fun with little operating costs... this is the car. Very practical and well built.

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  2001 suzuki swift - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By Chris - March 2 - 2:26 pm

  I have had problems with the A/C ever since I bought it, maybe its because the tiny engine cant run an A/C very well, but when the temperature outside gets over 100 degrees it barely works. Other than that the car is flawless. I previously owned a 94 swift and after 155,000 miles I never had a single problem. These cars will run forever.

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  Its a good starter car - 2000 Suzuki Swift
  By Red Swift - December 26 - 1:30 am

  I bought this in april, red 2000 model. It costs me an average of $25 to fill once a week. I stay in town. Highway mileage excellent. I bought a new battery, new tires, and my catalytic converter is going out.

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  Beat the crap out of this thing - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By justapacking - November 15 - 3:40 am

  Bought it used to go to Alaska in .First thing I did was remove all but drivers front seat. I have two 4x4s but have gone most everywhere I wanted to in this thing. I can tell you there have been some realy large bugeyed heavy duty four wheelers. Gas mileage hard to beat (40+ if you keep it under 65 with no air).