auto1.jpg (11036 bytes)

i

2004 Suzuki XL-7

About Us
Automotive Events
auctions
ClassicDrives.jpg (2693 bytes)
collectorcars
convertables

FamilyCoupes.jpg (2674 bytes)

favoritelinks
funcars.jpg (1915 bytes)
Hot Rods

LuxuryCoupes.jpg (2773 bytes)

luxurycars.jpg (2326 bytes)
minivans
museums
pickups
FamilySedans.jpg (2781 bytes)
sportsedans
sportscars
sportcoupes
stationwagons.jpg (2856 bytes)

suvcompact.jpg (2696 bytes)

suvstandard.jpg (2688 bytes)

suvs

2004suzukiXL7.jpg (17038 bytes)

San Francisco: Suzuki's XL-7 doesn't just look like a tough, off-road SUV, it's the real thing. Unlike its car-based competitors, it rides on a truck-style frame that makes it durable enough for extreme off-road driving.

The XL-7 has the roomiest interior in its class, both in terms of passenger space and cargo volume. Plus, thanks to improved materials on its redesigned dash and several fancy features, it doesn't feel cheap.

When it comes time to test a low-priced SUV I've learned not to expect too much. After all, most of them are just overgrown versions of economy cars. Suzuki, though, takes a different approach with its inexpensive XL-7.

It's basically a small version of a heavy-duty SUV, complete with a rugged suspension, available four-wheel drive, relatively roomy interior, and even a third-row seat for families. It has all the traits that made SUVs popular in America and has a tough-looking body too.

Starting at $20,099, the XL-7 is priced to compete with the many car-based SUVs for sale today, including the Ford Escape, Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Hyundai Santa Fe. But instead of using car-like construction, the XL-7 rides on a truck frame to give it greater durability for off-road driving than those car-based SUVs can offer.

This truck-based platform has some major downsides though, if you plan to use it primarily for driving on pavement. First off, it has a rough, bouncy ride that isn't nearly as comfortable as the car-based SUVs it competes with. Hit a pothole, and it feels like it has Pogo sticks for shock absorbers. It's also noisier than most of its competitors, and it feels heavy and cumbersome in city traffic.

Despite having the road manners of an old pickup, this Suzuki is one of the best off-road bargains around. It has a large amount of interior space for its price range, with more passenger room and cargo volume than the competition. It's also the only SUV in its class to offer a third-row seat.

It comes well equipped too. Standard features include automatic climate control with air filtration, a great seven-speaker stereo with an in-dash CD player, cruise control, keyless entry and power locks and windows.  Thanks to these features - and a redesigned dash for 2004 that includes improved materials - the interior now looks very nice.

And if you're worried about the long-term quality of a Suzuki, don’t, it now comes with a great warranty, seven years, 100,000 miles, and that’s better than all but one of its competitors. Only the Hyundai Santa Fe beats its protection package with a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

The XL-7's 2.7-liter, six-cylinder engine makes 185 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque, plenty for comfortable acceleration around town and on the highway. Coupled with a new five-speed automatic transmission, it's a perfect match for the Suzuki's rugged off-road capability.

Not surprisingly the XL-7 drives a lot like a small pickup truck. It's not particularly responsive to driver input, steering seems a tad sloppy, and it feels top-heavy in corners. Fuel economy is average, with a government rating of 18 miles per gallon in town and 22 on the highway.

But overall, the XL-7 is a terrific bargain, assuming you need its off-road durability. While the many car-based SUVs have better performance on pavement, none of them can match the Suzuki's spacious interior and rugged performance.

Why buy it? If you need to travel off road with up to seven passengers, this is one of the best SUV bargains around. It has rugged capability and a roomy interior and starts at a surprisingly low price. By Derek Price  © AutoWire.Net - San Francisco

Suzuki Home Page

Byline:  Syndicated content provided by Tony Leopardo © AutoWire.Net
Column Name: 
 The Suzuki XL-7 has a big interior plus off-road capability
Topic:  The 2004 Suzuki XL-7 4WD EX
Word Count:   677
Photo Caption:  The 2004 Suzuki XL-7 4WD EX
Photo Credits:  Suzuki Internet Media
Series #:   2004 - 34

Download the Microsoft Word version here:   2004 Suzuki XL-7

Download the Original Image File here:   2004 Suzuki XL-7 39k

 

 backtoarticles

HOME

u

l

l

l

 

Publisher - Editor:   Tony Leopardo
Division Name:   AutoWire.Net
Company Name:    Leopard Publishing Co.
Postal Address:    P.O. Box 1011
City, State, Zip:    San Mateo, California 94403
Phone Number:    650-340-8669
Fax Number:    650-340-9473

Join the AutoWire.Net Directory, send your Name, Affiliation & E-mail address to: AutoWire

Send Comments & Questions to: AutoWire

For Additional Photos, go direct to: Wieck Photo
©2003 - AutoWire.Net - All Rights Reserved Web Editor - Tony Leopardo

pw1small.jpg (4402 bytes)

Site Created by PowerTech