1355 messages,
Last post on Nov 29, 2010 at 9:15 PM
You are in the
Suzuki XL-7 Forum.
What is this discussion about?
Suzuki XL-7, Suzuki Grand Vitara, SUV
#897 of 1355 More 2003 vs 2004
by xl7owner
Oct 29, 2003 (12:36 am)
Just recently picked up my first Suzuki. The 2003 XL-7 we bought is just great.
I was chatting with a guy in the shop about the 2004 vs 2003. One thing he indicated about the 2004 is that the electronic switch from 2WD to 4WD was a little touchy. The manual stick shift on 2003 and earlier models had no problem shifting from 2WD to 4WD. The electronic shift on some XL-7's required a couple tries before the full shifting took place.
Just something to consider...I certainly like the slight changes from 2003 but not enough to drop an exta wad of cash.
Phil
Oct 30, 2003 (11:16 am)
the only thing I like better on the 04's is the 5 speed automatic trans.. Should help a little on fuel mileage..
Frank
Nov 02, 2003 (4:09 pm)
i dont think the 04s make any big SPLASH of a difference..but the gas mileage on the highway is improved..
also, i do like the clear-lens tail-lights..chic, very chic
#900 of 1355 Suzuki fans may enjoy this article:
by Stever@Edmunds HOST
Nov 03, 2003 (11:38 am)
"The Supreme Court refused Monday to block a lawsuit over a magazine's critical safety reports about the Suzuki Samurai, a defeat for news organizations that wanted the court to clarify protections for journalists who warn about dangers from products."
CBS News
Steve, Host
#901 of 1355 2005/06, last year for XL-7?
by 5greyhounds
Nov 09, 2003 (6:56 am)
I have been reading in my magazines (Autoweek, Car and Driver, etc) about the future plans for Suzuki and several have said a new SUV will be coming out in 06 or 07 that will replace the XL-7. I think several members of the board have mentioned it. Anyone hear anything new? I would hope they would get rid of the smaller Grand Vitara and leave the XL-7 as their part of the small SUV pie. Comments?
Nov 09, 2003 (10:02 am)
Not everyone wants the long XL-7. The Grand and the Vitara V6 are fine trucks. Suzuki is suppose to introduce 9 new vehicles in the next five years. The Verona and Forenza are the first two. A version of the chevy Equinox is the third. Any other info on what the others are?
#903 of 1355 Bought 2003 XL-7 LTD
by sree2003
Nov 25, 2003 (2:05 pm)
It's been three days since I bought my 2003 XL-7 Limited Edition and I love it. Considering I paid just $22,883 on road for a nice SUV with so many features - it feels great
.
I did lot of research on internet and had to choose between Honda Pilot and XL-7. I decided against Pilot for the main reason that it feels heavy behind the wheel and you have to pay MSRP just because it's in demand right now. Few years down the line - people would be paying invoice price so what you pay now is like premium.
The lowest price I found in D.C area for 2003 XL-7 LTD was at Fitzerald's fitzmall.com which was an internet delivered price of $21,782 (including freight). I called a Manassas delaer with this quote and he was willing to beat it at $21,300 (but with a dealer processing charge of $259). But it was not the color I wanted and mileage was a bit high. I called Fitzerald Wheaton with this new quote and they came down to $21,500 after few minutes of talking. This is with no dealer processing charge. They also gave buyer protection plan (free oil changes, coupons etc.) and free rental car at every service. So including MD tax and tags, I paid $22,883 on road. I did all the talking on phone so I just had to test drive and sign the paper work with the dealer. They were probably the best dealer I have dealt with so far.
Look at some of the stuff I got for this low price : 4X4, Leather seats, woodgrain trim, Heated front-seats, 3rd row seating, Climate control, Rear air-conditioning, six-disc in-dash CD changer with subwoofer.. wow!. I would have had to pay $10,000 more for a comparable Honda or Toyota. Considering XL-7 is made 100% in Japan (well may be 90%) and Suzuki is one of the top auotomobile companies in Asia I think it's a great deal.
I haven't made any long trips on XL-7 yet and I will post more after making a long trip. So far city driving has been great. Many of my friends who saw the SUV went wow even before I told them the price!. I especially like the six-disc changer and the heated front seats option (which I am going to love this winter). 3rd row option was another main reason for buying XL-7. I tried seating few of my friends in 2nd as well as 3rd row. If you learn to space the seats correctly it's not difficult to accommodate seven. Ofcourse I am not talking about seven heavy-built adults here. Cargo space is perfect when 3rd row is folded down but otherwise it's enough only for grocery bags.
All in all - a proud owner of XL-7
.
#904 of 1355 Excellent choice
by mopar67
Nov 25, 2003 (5:01 pm)
Glad to have you a part of the growing family of zuke owners. This is a fine rig and you will be more and more pleased with your choice as the miles pile up.
Nov 25, 2003 (6:44 pm)
my family has a 2003 Suzuki XL7 Limited also, and I do not see why some Consumer (no names here!) magazines say that Suzuki quality is bad. the XL7 has a very nice interior, a quiet and smooth engine, and lots of features for the price!! i guess what drags the overall reliability of a auto manufacturer is one model that sticks out at POOR...(i think its the Vitara due to the old plastic dashboard)..but still, don't drag the XL7 down with it!! also, the Aerio is getting an interior restyle (like the 03 XL7 did) with a nicer dashboard, analog guages, the same climate control system as the XL7, the same steering wheel too!!! believe me with experience of two XL7s (2001 + 2003): Suzuki is underrated and they truly are reliable cars!!
Nov 25, 2003 (6:46 pm)
These rigs are vasty underated in the marketplace.
They offer a lot for the money and when you throw in legendary japanese reliability, you can't go wrong!