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The original Suzuki Swift, sold from 1989 to 1994, comprised of a 2-door hatchback and 4-door sedan. Positioned at the entry level of the auto marketplace, the Swift appealed to budget-conscious buyers looking primarily for affordability and fuel economy. As such, it competed with the identical Geo Metro as well as the Toyota Tercel, Ford Festiva and Aspire, Hyundai Excel and Accent, and Kia Sephia.

After the Subaru Justy was discontinued in 1994, the Suzuki Swift (alongside the Geo Metro hatchback) became America's new smallest car in both length and width combined until 2001, when it was then replaced by the 2002–2008 Mini Cooper.


Year-to-year changes[]

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Discontinued
GA 2DR Hatchback Base 2DR Hatchback 2001
GA 4DR Sedan Replaced by Suzuki Esteem 1994
GS 4DR Sedan
GT 2DR Hatchback N/A

1994[]

Along with the Geo Metro, this was the last model year for a new car being sold under $8,000 -- in this case, only the GA 2-door hatchback.

1995[]

The Swift GA 3-door hatchback was completely restyled for 1995. While Suzuki marketed only the hatchback, Geo dealers also carried a 4-door sedan, which discontinued both the base GA and upscale GS as well as the GT hatchback. Swifts have consistently been ranked among the Top 10 in EPA fuel efficiency, and the '95 model was no exception. It was rated at 37 miles-per-gallon in city driving and 43 mpg on the highway. The '95 Swifts boasted driver's- and passenger's-side airbags and front disc/rear drum brakes with an optional antilock system. The 3.9-in. longer wheelbase contributed to enhanced ride comfort with less choppiness over rough roads. The engine was Suzuki's well-proven 1.3-liter single-overhead-cam 4-cylinder, which produced 70 hp. The 100-hp twin-cam GT engine from the early '90s had been dropped. A 5-speed manual transaxle was standard, and a 3-speed automatic optional. Both drove the front wheels. The Swift also boasted 4-wheel independent suspension (unusual in this class of car) with MacPherson struts front and rear. A rear-window defogger and tinted glass were also standard equipment.

The entry-level Swift was discontinued in 2001, when the title was briefly transferred to the Suzuki Esteem afterwards.

Retail prices[]

Model year(s) Trim level Body style List price Destination charge
1994 GA 2DR Hatchback $7,659 $315
1994 GA 4DR Sedan $8,699 $315
1994 GS 4DR Sedan $10,199 $315
1994 GT 2DR Hatchback $10,839 $315
1995 GA 2DR Hatchback $8,699 $330
1995.5 GA 2DR Hatchback $8,699 $360
1996 GA 2DR Hatchback $8,999 $360

Weblinks[]

http://www.suzukiauto.com/98_line_up/veh_swift.html

Gallery[]

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