| Traveling east from Sacramento on either | | | | Suzuki's 7-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, |
| Interstate 80 or 50, the capital of California | | | | the $26,394.00 price point is appealing. |
| extends into ever-expanding suburbs. Sierra | | | | So, too, are the XL-7's controls and materials, and |
| Nevada foothill communities soon follow and then | | | | the vehicle's cargo space is generous, if not |
| respectively the well-known gambling and | | | | less-than simply designed and orchestrated via |
| recreation meccas of Reno, Nev., and Lake | | | | confusing levers. |
| Tahoe, Calif. | | | | Like other Suzuki models, the XL 7's |
| Busier freeways exist, but both Northern | | | | instrumentation is simple and nicely designed. |
| California thoroughfares have their share of hectic | | | | Large control dials offer ease of use and the |
| commuter traffic and every other conceivable | | | | console materials are attractive, even the faux |
| transportation concern. | | | | wood trim. Likewise, Suzuki has some innovative |
| Both freeways therefore provide perfect arenas | | | | ideas for storage cubicles and the cargo areas for |
| for vehicle testing, particularly the consistent, | | | | groceries, sports equipment and the like is on par |
| steady ascents into the foothills and toward ski | | | | with the available other vehicles in its category. |
| resort elevations. There's nothing too steep, but | | | | Seating is comfortable, and from driver's |
| the steady grades can abruptly help showcase a | | | | perspective vision is good and without blind spots. |
| vehicle's power strengths or weaknesses. | | | | As a 4-WD drive vehicle, Suzuki offers a |
| In my recent test drive of the 2005 Suzuki XL-7, | | | | push-button, part-time system. It's convenient and |
| the new midsize SUV offered by the Japanese | | | | has a low-gear ratio. Unlike other manufacturers, |
| manufacturer, the latter applied. | | | | however, the Suzuki 4-WD option should not be |
| The XL-7 has its share of attractive features, | | | | left engaged in dry pavement. |
| including a good price point and plenty of | | | | The XL-7 is Suzuki's offering against the Ford |
| impressive standard features. But acceleration and | | | | Explorer, GMC Envoy and Toyota Highlander. All |
| overall engine performance is not the vehicle's | | | | are higher priced and have established niches in |
| strong suit. | | | | the resale market. The Suzuki doesn't have any |
| On out-of-town journeys on both Interstate 50 | | | | history - yet. The XL-7 doesn't get high marks in |
| and 80, the XL-7 was noticeable sluggish on the | | | | ride quality, and it certainly isn't quiet on the road, |
| steady climbs out of the flatlands. The XL-7 has a | | | | either. The manufacturer claims 17 mpg gallon in |
| 5-speed automatic transmission and 2.7-liter, | | | | city driving, but the Consumer Guide testers |
| 24-valve, 185-horsepower, V6 engine. Yet, even | | | | documented a city average between 13.6 and |
| on solo treks into moderate elevation locales, in | | | | 15.4 mpg. |
| highway passing situations, or in other needed | | | | There's nothing wrong with a manufacturer having |
| acceleration scenarios, a foot-to-the-floor effort | | | | pride its brand name, either. But the "S" insignia on |
| was required. | | | | the front grill is particularly large, and it can't help |
| The XL-7, however, should not be dismissed It's | | | | remind one of the Superman "S." In short, it's just |
| been introduced as an extended version of | | | | too large. |
| Suzuki's compact Grand Vitara, with a 2.9-inch | | | | Beyond cosmetics, however, the XL-7 has offer |
| longer wheelbase, 22.9 inches of added length and | | | | a good supply of standard features for its price. |
| the aforementioned larger engine. | | | | But it's not the best choice in its class and won't |
| Nearly a dozen model options are available, from | | | | be until it at least gets more horsepower. |
| base model, 2WD, LX-4-door wagon with manual | | | | Safety features -Driver and front-seat passenger |
| transmission ($19,499) to the 4-WD EX wagon | | | | front and side airbags, Antilock brakes; 24-hour |
| with automatic transmission and third-row seat | | | | roadside assistance. |
| ($26,899). My test vehicle was the 4-WD | | | | Fuel Mileage (manufacturer estimates) -17 mpg |
| EX-wagon with automatic transmission. With | | | | (city), 22 mpg (highway). |
| standard features including heated front seats, | | | | Warranty - Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 |
| leather front and rear seats, 6-disc CD and AM | | | | miles; Powertrain 7 years/100,000 miles; |
| FM audio system with seven speakers, 16-alloy | | | | Corrosion, 3 years/unlimited miles. |
| wheels, power-tilted sun and moonroof and | | | | |