Overview & Reviews
No matter how you slice it, the departed Suzuki Reno was basically a Suzuki Forenza wagon with a slightly more stylish body. It shared that car's basic architecture, engine and transmission. A four-door compact hatchback, the Reno should make for an affordable used car with plenty of interior space and lots of features. Don't expect class-leading performance, however, as the Reno lagged behind the competition in virtually every driving-related category -- even fuel economy.
Most Recent Suzuki Reno
The Suzuki Reno debuted for the 2005 model year. With its emphasis on value, the Reno's long list of standard features took center stage. Many modern compact cars come standard with power door locks and windows, a tilt wheel and other convenience features, but the Reno went a little further by offering such features as a micron air-filtration system for the cabin, a CD stereo with MP3 capability and a height- and lumbar-adjustable driver seat -- all without requiring the buyer to check a single box on the options list.
Clearly the Suzuki Reno has excellent value as a used car. Still, "excellent value" doesn't exactly mean comfort or power. While the EX trim level was loaded and included features like leather seats, remote keyless entry and cruise control, the Reno in any trim offered barely adequate performance. This was particularly true in the acceleration department, with subpar fuel economy adding insult to injury. Handling was also less than spectacular, as Suzuki endowed the Reno with a soft, smooth ride at the expense of cornering ability. However, this is a trade-off that the average consumer will likely appreciate.
Because the 127-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has to work so hard to keep up, a good deal of engine noise makes its way into the cabin. Competitors like the Mazda 3 are more refined and quicker by comparison.
The Reno's interior came up short as well when compared to other domestic and import-branded small cars. The materials were of low quality and many panels simply didn't fit correctly. We suggest that shoppers looking for an inexpensive used hatchback skip the Reno and check out more viable choices.
Changes were minimal during the Suzuki Reno's run. Model year 2006 brought the addition of a standard tilt steering wheel and new seat fabrics, while '07 saw the inclusion of a standard tire pressure monitoring system for all trim levels. Unfortunately for audiophiles, the formerly standard eight-speaker stereo was dropped altogether for '08, leaving a meager four-speaker unit in its stead.
User Reviews:
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Reno 2005 - 2005 Suzuki Reno
By Jacqueline Range - June 23 - 3:43 amThe vehicle is very easy to handle on the road. Drives smooth. Not a very big car but plenty of room. Great looks. Two thumbs up!
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Suzuki Reno? Something very special!!! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
By LS - Atlanta - June 18 - 9:26 pmI bought this car few days ago and I wanted to share how excited I was driving this car. From afar the European design catches the drivers eyes. Very roomy, sporty, strongly built, with a predictable steering when strolling or cruising on highway. High quality for the crafted interior as well as the sound system. Comfort gets a 10 as well. The base model comes with a lot of "power everything". The engine performs outstanding. I think it is a great, great value for the money.
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Why I DIDNT get a Reno - 2005 Suzuki Reno
By DC - June 9 - 10:06 amAlthough I was impressed with the Reno LXs ride, features, performance, and quiet cabin, the following items turned me away. 1. Very weak AC, which I found in all three Renos I drove. Sub-par at best. 2. Poorly designed sunroof operation, with no "one-touch" closing, requiring you to keep a finger on the button and your eyes on the sunroof as it closes, meaning having to take your eyes off the road to make sure it stops and seals where it should instead of going into vent mode. Frustrating, and a safety hazard while driving. 3. Tight rear storage. Not enough lateral room for my guitar cases without putting seatbacks down. That means no passengers. 4. Sub-par gas mileage No thanks.
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Scooter car - 2005 Suzuki Reno
By lexie0199 - June 8 - 4:53 amA practical car, not a head turner, I bought it for just that practical with decent gas mileage. At 79,000 miles there has been no problems, the 5 speed is great and the sound system for the quality of the car is awesome. I dont like the windows, when they are down they vibrate something fierce. Outside of that great little car, and of course I put the spoiler on, lights inside and options that were available. I would buy another one.
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Renos great mileage and Comfort - 2006 Suzuki Reno
By Robert Garrison - May 1 - 1:13 amI kept looking at that Reno sitting up a pedistal outside the dearlership for about a month. The looks and the price was very attractive. I decided to stop and see how the performance was and to tell you the truth. I was actually surprised by what that 2.0 liter will do. If your not afraid to put your foot in it, it will get you down the road quick. Anyway, I am 62" and I fit in that car like Jim Carey says, "like a glovvvveee". It handles real well, and the mileage...OMG...I go to Illinois from Alabama and I dont stop for gas until I get to Champagne which is like 450 miles from Huntsville. I love this car. Great car!
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What the VWs GTI should be. - 2006 Suzuki Reno
By EC Transplant - April 10 - 3:46 pmI bought this car as a replacement to my 2000 VW. Value for the money, you cant beat this car. No problems whatsoever. I have entered this car in several autocross events and it has shamed cars costing at least twice as much. The styling is distinctive and euro, a nice touch. Interior is simple, the way I like it with just the right amount of convenience such as power windows, mirrors, and locks. Although the cars suspension is soft (see below), the overall balance is great. If Suzuki can bump the car up to about 150 bhp and stiffen up the suspension at least 50% the car would be a hit with hot hatch enthusiasts everywhere.
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Bad Car - 2006 Suzuki Reno
By Kat - April 3 - 8:00 pmThis is the worst car I have ever owned. I started having problems when it was only a few weeks old. It took forever to get the problem fixed. Then the car had the head light not working problem. Then my front drivers seat came disconnected from the base. The tires wore out in under a year. The check engine light keeps coming on for no reason. The mileage is not good for that small a car. I was just told that I already need to replace the rear breaks. The service from Suzuki is bad. They knew about the starter problem when I called and told me they were working on a fix, I would just have to wait. I only had the car for less then a month. It is a bad, bad, bad car. I used to love Suzuki.
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Same Problems As the 06 - 2007 Suzuki Reno
By Cris - March 28 - 9:43 amI was put into a 07 Suzuki Reno after I had hard start issues with the 2006 model after having the car for just five days. The 07 model developed hard start issues, again after just five days. The dealer put me back in the 06, which he claims is fixed. This issue first became apparent in the 06 last Spring, although the company has yet to develop a permanent fix. Suzuki claims (through the dealer) that the hard start problem is limited to the 06 and the 07 I got was a fluke. If I could get Suzuki to void my contract, I would and I would never again buy a Suzuki or recommend one to anyone, even my worst enemy. Dont even consider this car!
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Dont buy this car! - 2006 Suzuki Reno
By Cris - March 24 - 9:03 amThe Suzuki Reno is totally unreliable. After I had the car for just five days, I began to have problems starting my 2006 Reno every morning. After two and a half weeks with the car in the shop, I was put in a 2007 Reno, which developed hard start issues, again in five days. In both cars, the passenger airbag off light stayed illuminated regardless of my having a passenger. The dealer put me back in the original Reno, claiming its been fixed, which I do not trust yet. Suzuki never returns my phone calls. Their customer service is non-existent. If I could get them to void my contract, I would and I would never again buy a Suzuki or recommend one to anyone, even my worst enemy. Dont even consider this car!
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Great Car - 2005 Suzuki Reno
By nhurta - January 25 - 8:53 pmI looked at 3 different cars that looked just like the Reno, and in my opinion nothing compares to it. This car handles better than the other ones I looked at, and is more comfortable.
