The Esteem’s 122 horsepower, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine is a bit of a surprise. This little dynamo hits its torque peak quicker than the powerplants employed by Toyota Corolla and Mitsubishi Mirage. Peak torque is 3,500 rpm. So when it’s time to move out for a pass, downshifting is unnecessary. Esteem (sold in sedan and wagon) uses a unibody structure. Standard transmission is a 5-speed manual. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes serve as standard safety fare for GLX+, the top of three available trim levels. Although Esteem uses structural stiffeners and sound deadening materials, road noise is somewhat noticeable – unless you’re cranking the jams with the new Clarion AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD.

Also new for 2001 are floor mats, seat fabric, and an altered front grille design. The GLX+ version comes with such standards as daytime running lights, front and rear splash guards, automatic transmission, cruise control, air conditioning, split fold rear seat, visor vanity mirror, power windows/locks/mirrors, tinted glass, remote keyless entry, and rear window defroster. Front wheel drive Esteem is a nimble cornering sedan due to L-shaped steel front lower control arms that are linked by a 24 mm stabilizer bar. Base price of sedan GLX+ Esteem is $15,799. Mileage estimates are 26 city/22 highway with automatic transmission.
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