Suzuki Esteem
26.3 MPG The 2002 Suzuki Esteem is EPA-rated at 26.3 MPG combined (23.7 city / 31 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 570 gallons, $1825 a year in fuel, or $0.122 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1996–2002 run it averages 27.1 MPG, falling by 1.2 MPG over 7 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.095 | $951 | $1426 | $1901 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.114 | $1141 | $1711 | $2281 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.122 | $1217 | $1825 | $2433 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.133 | $1331 | $1996 | $2662 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.152 | $1521 | $2281 | $3042 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.171 | $1711 | $2567 | $3422 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.190 | $1901 | $2852 | $3802 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 26.3 MPG | 23.7 | 31 | $2367 | 338 | 3 |
| 2001 | 27 MPG | 24.3 | 31.5 | $2313 | 330 | 4 |
| 2000 | 27 MPG | 24.3 | 31.5 | $2313 | 330 | 4 |
| 1999 | 26.8 MPG | 24.3 | 31.3 | $2338 | 333 | 4 |
| 1998 | 27.5 MPG | 25 | 32 | $2275 | 324 | 2 |
| 1997 | 27.5 MPG | 24.5 | 32.5 | $2275 | 324 | 2 |
| 1996 | 27.5 MPG | 24.5 | 32.5 | $2275 | 324 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Suzuki Esteem ranks 61 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Geo Prizm (26.5), Mitsubishi Precis (26.5), Suzuki Swift (26.5), Eagle Summit (26.8), Audi A5 Cabriolet quattro (27).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 338 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Suzuki Esteem get?
The 2002 Suzuki Esteem is rated at 26.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 23.7 city and 31 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 27.1 MPG, ranging from 25 to 29 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Suzuki Esteem cost in fuel per year?
At 26.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 570 gallons — roughly $1825 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.122 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2002 model is $2367.
Has the Suzuki Esteem become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 27.5 MPG in 1996 to 26.3 in 2002. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Suzuki Esteem efficient for its class?
It ranks 61 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 2.1 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.