The Suzuki Esteem is Suzuki's first attempt in the compact segment, Esteem is the name used for the export model of Suzuki Cultus Crescent. The Suzuki Esteem also used the name as Suzuki Baleno in Europe and parts of Asia. The Suzuki Esteem was manufactured by Suzuki Motor Corporation. The Esteem was introduced in the global market in 1995 by Suzuki. The Esteem used the Suzuki Cultus platform and the interior of the Esteem was similar to the Suzuki Swift Sedan.
In parts of North American, the Suzuki Esteem was used as a replacement for the Suzuki Swift sedan. The Suzuki Esteem/Baleno was initially available as a 3-door hatchback and 4-door sedan. The Suzuki Esteem used the 1.3 Litre engine for the hatchback and 1.6 Litre engines, with power ranging between 85 PS (63 kW) and 99 PS (73 kW/97 hp). The SX4 was used to replace the Esteem after the production of the Suzuki Esteem stopped in 2007.