2002 Suzuki XL-7 Consumer Reviews

Long-Term Use Report

Written by: SFBay on 07/20/2006

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki XL-7 Touring 4WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Got my Suzuki XL-7 in 12/01 and still like it today after 53,000 miles. It was the best SUV for the money at the time with its 3rd row seats and REAL part-time 4WD. I commute with it and now after break-in, I’m getting 20 mpg, I only got 17 mpg before. My XL-7 feels heavy but still it is still fun and sporty to drive. It did really well at the off-road course I took last year. The only problem I had was a coolant leak which may be the dealer's fault. I recommend regular trans/diff fluid changes. And the original tires are lousy, mine were bald at 15,000 miles. Go with Yokohamas, mine are still like new after 30,000 miles. I solved my oil filter access problem by cutting a hole at the wheel well and bolted on an aluminum sheet door. The colored weather strips have all faded.

Favorite Features

The 3rd row seats, real 4WD performance in snow, and it looks great in the gold color. It has lots of great standard features in the Touring model! The whole concept of this small 3 row SUV is so good, Toyota has made one with the new RAV4.

Suggested Improvements

The 17 gallon gas tank is too small which gives me < 300 mile range - even a 20 gallon tank would have been better. Get better dealers.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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XL-7 review

Written by: lara on 05/17/2006

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki XL-7 2WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I am so disappointed with this vehicle. The third row is too small for even my children to fit comfortably. The car has electrical problems, the keyless entry doesn't work, my interior light and headlights go out frequently and need to be replaced. I have had problems with my brakes (I don't know if its the car or the place that keeps fixing them).

Favorite Features

None

Suggested Improvements

Give it more room.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Love my SUV

Written by: carrie on 02/28/2006

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki XL-7 4WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I have had my XL-7 for 3 months and I still love it. When I was first shown one I had no knowledge of it. I drove it and liked it, but the dealership was asking too much. So I found another one online, LOVED the color, test drove it in the snow and I had to have it. I drive about 40 miles roundtrip to work each day and the gas isn't as bad as I had expected. It is very roomy inside and accommodates my 6'5" fiancee. I would definitly reccommend it to anyone.

Favorite Features

I like ow it has lots of head room, is comfortable, drives great, has lots of cup holders, and has heated rear view mirrors.

Suggested Improvements

It needs a wider build.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Great SUV for the Price

Written by: bookburner451 on 01/06/2006

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki XL-7 Plus 2WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I needed a bigger vehicle for family transport. The XL-7 seats 7 (five adults+ 2 kids in the 3rd row) comfortably with luggage. It's great for trips to the grocery store. This truck is fun to drive and looks sharp, but needs to get better gas mileage (17 mpg).

Favorite Features

Feels like a truck, but drives like a car. Low center of gravity. Nice handling and enough power.

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage; Higher quality interior materials. Stronger support for roof luggage rack.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Let Me Down

Written by: tlambert on 07/24/2005

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki XL-7 4WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I am very disappointed with my Suzuki XL-7. At 48,000 miles the air compressor pump/belt went out. It cost $1,600 to replace! I live in Oregon, and only use the A/C 6 weeks of the year!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Improve the reliability.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Love It!

Written by: knbconklin on 07/21/2005

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki XL-7 4WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this SUV 2 years ago and fell in love from the start. The only problem I've had besides normal wear and tear was the ABS kicking in prematurely when I first bought it. Once the problem was fixed with my warranty the car has been nothing but awesome! The gas mileage is average, but the way the car handles and the fun I have driving it makes up for it. I was sad to find out I'd have to get rid of it, due to child #3 and no room, but I am trading it in for a newer XL-7 with a 3rd row seat. I have driven several SUVs, this has been the best by far! Love it on long trips, which are taken often. Anyone who has numerous problems must have a lemon and should give the XL-7 a second chance.

Favorite Features

The handling, looks and price.

Suggested Improvements

Could be a little wider.

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Not Worth the Price

Written by: kdilg on 05/11/2005

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki XL-7 Plus 4WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I have had nothing but problems with my 2002 Suzuki XL-7. The front end has had continous noise and problems, and it literally eats tires every 15,000 miles. The steering wheel has always made noise, and the air conditioner froze and leaked water all over the passenger at 5,000 miles, All the other problems started at 15,000 miles. I would not suggest buying this vehicle. I have had it in the shop 1- 2 times a month. I can't wait to get rid of it, and I will never buy another Suzuki. After ten attempts to fix it, I have been told it is not fixable. Off to lemon law court we go.

Favorite Features

I wish I had one...

Suggested Improvements

The gas mileage is horrible. 15 mpg is not good enough for a V6 vehicle, for that I could own a V8.

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I've Seen and Driven Better

Written by: einakin on 05/02/2005

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki XL-7 Touring 4WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Over all the xl-7 is not too bad, but the driver's seat area is too narrrow. Also the floor heat is very bad doesn't hardly work even. And that is not a good thing for living in Central New York. Alot of people are complaining about the access of the oil filter. It is a bit of a pain but oce you get the hag of it it isn't as bad.

Favorite Features

Everything is pretty standard nothing really stands out on it

Suggested Improvements

Different tires, not as wide and taller. Move the tire off the back end and put it under it some how or maybe a lower trunk area below the back storage area.

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Reliable, Economic SUV

Written by: M. P. Melvin on 04/03/2005

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki XL-7 Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Overall a very reliable vehicle. However, I would admit this is no luxury SUV but for the price a very good value. Build quality is somewhat questionable. Dealer support is good as is the service that accompanies it.

Favorite Features

Leather seating, heated seats, value forprice. Warrany is outstanding. Suzuki stands behind what it sells.

Suggested Improvements

Additional leg room for adults (6'0" andover). Improve fuel economy

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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OK for the money.

Written by: Fred Fein on 11/26/2004

Vehicle

2002 Suzuki XL-7 Plus 4WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Good SUV for the money. Liked 3rd seat compared to cost of other SUV's. But have had problems with seal at waterpump, dealer fixed twice. Lousy MPG - no better than 15-16 mpg. And terrible defroster !! And crummy tires. Dunlops, just about bald at 20K.

Favorite Features

Price & size. Good looks.

Suggested Improvements

Defrost system and better tires.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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