Overview & Reviews

At some point in their lives, most people find themselves in need of a small, inexpensive car that gets them around with minimal hassle. While the names "Civic" and "Corolla" come up in most every small sedan buyer's research, the trouble is that you often pay dearly for these household names. In hopes of attracting people on a tighter budget, Suzuki offered the Forenza from 2004-'08.

This value-oriented compact came in sedan and wagon body styles. It boasted a low price of entry, a roomy interior, European-inspired design, a host of standard features, competitive power figures and a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

At a glance, the well-equipped Suzuki Forenza appeared to offer terrific value. But in our evaluations, we found that it fell short of the segment leaders in terms of performance, fuel economy, handling and interior refinement. Unless you really need the extra space of its available wagon body style in a used car, we recommend that you focus on one of its more worthy competitors.

Most Recent Suzuki Forenza

The Suzuki Forenza debuted in 2004, with the wagon model following in 2005. The Forenza was actually built by the Korean automaker Daewoo and rebadged as the Forenza for the American market. It was offered as a four-door sedan or wagon in a single trim level with various available packages. Standard equipment included four-wheel disc brakes, air-conditioning, front seat side airbags, full power accessories and a CD/MP3 stereo with steering-wheel controls. Notably, ABS was an extra-cost option.

The Forenza was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 127 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. This engine performed adequately with the manual transmission but felt burdened and underpowered when saddled with the four-speed automatic. To make matters worse, it wasn't particularly fuel-efficient or refined, either.

The Forenza's cabin was something of a mixed bag, too. It was spacious, with lots of stylish metallic accents, but this was offset by inconsistent materials quality and an overall lack of refinement and quality compared with class leaders. If you can get past that, there was lots of rear legroom for adults and a 60/40-split-folding seatback for extra utility. The sedan provided 12 cubic feet of trunk capacity, with the wagon offering nearly 62 cubic feet of space with the rear seat folded.

On the road, the Suzuki Forenza exhibited soft, rubbery handling and a poor ride quality compared with its competitors, as well as excessive wind noise on the highway. Although it was compliant enough, it exhibited little suspension control over bumps and ruts. Handling around corners was loose and unsure, with excessive body roll and minimal grip from the tires. When merging into traffic, automatic-equipped Forenzas accelerated weakly, and any such maneuver took some advance planning.

Changes were slight during the Suzuki Forenza's run. For 2005, side impact airbags became standard for all Forenzas. The Forenza was freshened up a bit for 2006, receiving a new front fascia, redesigned seats, new wheels and revised trim levels. Bluetooth became available for 2008.

User Reviews:

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  Gas a Holic - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Steve - June 28 - 2:43 am

  Purchased a Forenza LX Wagon , auto trans and all the bells and whistles. While I did realize the vehicle was no penny pincher in the fuel economy arena, I am disappointed in the fact I am averaging only 13 to 14 MPG in City driving. Automakers need to meet actual fuel economy estimates and not be allowed to sell vehicles that do not meet the advertised specifications. Hoping MPG will increase, and I wont be disappointed in my first foreign auto.

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  Mixed Breed - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By paul wernich - June 24 - 9:26 pm

  I had researched this car and found it interesting that it was sold by a Japanese company, built in Korea, designed by the Italians, and the parent company (GM) was American. In any case the car is solid, attractive, affordable, and loaded with features. I have the 5-speed manual and it drives and handles quite well. After nearly eight months Ive only had a few problems. The brakes had to be adjusted because the car was shaking when I went to stop, the passenger air-bag sensor was bad and the entire seat had to be replaced, the driver side seat fabric came loose at the bottom, and the steering wheel makes noise when I turn. Overall, I am very pleased with my Forenza.

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  Happy Anniversary, Suzi - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By RAYT721 - June 14 - 6:40 pm

  Our first year anniversary with the car just passed on Feb 5th. Im upset that we missed the tax credit by 12 days or so but got a great price on the car ... around $12,000 new with only 8 miles on it. I cant say about the airbag issue that others mentioned but would be a concern. The gas mileage is fine for my family ... 10K average yearly miles, around 20 mpg. I mostly drive city. I would recommend the car to others. The car came loaded with air, CD, defroster, cruise, etc. We got a 6% interest rate through credit union because the purchase price had built in equity. Former car was a Hyundai Accent. I liked that one too. For me a car is transportation, not for status.

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  Love...no...Like It - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Bored Honda Honey - June 10 - 8:43 am

  I just purchased this car a few days ago and I read the reviews that were writen here before I purchased. (Thank you all). My 2002 Civic was totaled and the best part is it was paid for. This car is cheap but some of the features make it not as boring as the Civic. They are both noisy but this car is more fun to drive. I have not had the starting problem reported in other reviews. It may have been worked out by the previous owner. I am not in love with it, but I like it. I drove to an event and when my friend go in she immediately commented on the increase in comfort/space over the Civic. Great choice for a first car for your teen.

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  Outstanding Value - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By semifamous1 - June 7 - 12:10 pm

  I can not believe how much car and extras were delivered for the price that I paid for this vehicle. I expect that it will go up in price just due to how well it has performed compared to other vehicles in its class that cost much higher. I have been very pleased so far!

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  forenza wagon review - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By keith griffis - May 28 - 2:50 pm

  best buy wuth looks and mileage

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  buy a better car - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By 2006 forenza - May 25 - 1:43 am

  Too many problems. First thing, door handles fell off, second, the power steering pump went out, third had four flat tires within a year, steering sensor stays on all the time, air bag sensor on all the time, now I need four new struts on a less than four year old car, it has no power it definitely is a lemon warranty doesnt cover anything and no help from the dealership run away fast

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  When You Need an Inexpensive Wagon - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jennifer Whang - May 24 - 10:30 pm

  This is a great buy for people who want the utility of a small SUV for a small price. Dont overlook all of the little things that are included, you might find a similar vehicle from a Japanese maker, but you wont find this many standard features. Besides I think it looks great, and drives well for a commuter / shopping trip car.

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  Better Gas Mileage? - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Suzuki1 - May 22 - 1:33 pm

  I bought the car in Oct. of 2006. I have had no major problems concerning this car. It fits me and my wife, who is 61" very comfortably, with our three children in the backseat. I am truly amazed at the buildmanship of this car. I rolled it off the highway in July of 07. The car only sustained undercarriage damage as well as minor body damage. It held up considerably well considering I flipped off a 40 ft embankment. I have to agree with the right type of octane. If you use 91, there is a considerable mpg increase. I still drive this car today, and it is just as reliable as when I bought it two years ago.

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  CLASS ACTION PLEASE - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By npowers - May 11 - 10:05 am

  I bot my 2007 Suzuki Forenza in 2009 it had 30,000 miles. I have had constant and continual problems, paint chipping, transmission, oxygen sensor, computer, oil gasket, oil leaking all fluids, mostly continual check engine light for various reasons one after another not even dealership can fix. I have pretty much each and every problem mentioned on other reviews. I have spend numberous amounts of money, time, missed work and tears... Why has there been no recalls or class actions suits. car in shop now after $1,700 in the last 3 months. Wont pass inspection and noone can fix. I am still paying of my loan.. so sad.