Vehicle Overview Other than an expanded color palette, the minicompact Swift is unchanged for 2000. Swift is similar to the Chevrolet Metro, and both are built at a Canadian plant jointly owned by Suzuki and General Motors. GM owns a stake in Suzuki, and the two companies also share the Suzuki Vitara/Chevy Tracker sport utility vehicle.
Interior Though Suzuki says Swift holds four, the rear seat is tight for anyone taller than 5-foot 8-inches, and there is little room for climbing in and out of the back seat. Suzuki lists cargo volume at a modest 8.4 cubic feet, but the rear seatback folds for additional room. Swift comes in GA and GS price levels, and air conditioning comes only on the more-expensive GS.
Exterior Swift is a two-door hatchback, and at 149.4 inches stem to stern, it is one of the shortest cars available in the United States about 15 inches shorter than a Honda Civic hatchback.
Under the Hood The 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine produces 79 horsepower and yields EPA-estimated fuel economy of 36 city/42 highway with the standard manual transmission. EPA ratings fall to 30 city/34 highway with the optional automatic transmission, but Swift is among the highest-rated gasoline-powered cars on the market.
Performance With a starting price of $9,099 and great fuel economy, Swift is easy on the wallet. However, the tiny dimensions limit its appeal, which shows in low resale value. Ditto for the Chevy Metro.
