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:

• 

  Forenza is good - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Bobby Garcia - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Great for first car, even if you are 35 like me. I bought the car after having a Honda Civic, a 99. I like this car much better, has more features, and less noise, with as much pickup.

• 

  My White Forenza - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Joel Porto - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The handling at high speeds is superb, very tight. The gas mileage is as expected on highways. The Exterior is great, looks similar to the Corolla S, also has Altezza like tail lights. The interior design does not look cheap at all.

• 

  lemon - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Rick HENDERSON - July 25 - 10:00 am

  We bought a new Foreza in Dec. of 03 it was taken back for minor issues at 1000 miles. So we thought. It was taken back at 1500, 2800, 3000, 3450 and finally 3500 miles. All for excessive smoke out of the tailpipe. The car has been in the shop since June 1st of 04 with the engine taken apart. We where told there was a problem with the cylinders or pistons. They where not sure and Suzuki inc. didnt know what to do about it. Well over 2 months later it is still in the shop with the engine torn apart. I have filled on the lemon law. I could not get suzuki to call me or give me an answer on when it may be fixed. It seems that it should not take 2 months to repl

• 

  What a difference a year makes - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Dean - July 24 - 12:46 am

  I have the 2006 wagon. Im 6ft 1, 300lbs, and very comfortable in this car. The exterior styling is reminiscent of a smaller version of the dodge magnum, and the 7yr-100000 warranty speaks for itself. Its interior is styled nicely, and you get accessories for thousands less than similar vehicles in this category. fuel econmy is superb so far, and it holds the road like a glove. Its not a pavement burner, but it gets out of its own way when it needs too. safety features abound, hidden storage everywhere, and plent of room for rear passengers. An excellent car as is the whole 2006 line. Catch one if you can....

• 

  Will never buy a Suzuki again! - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jennifer - July 23 - 12:53 pm

  We have had so many problems with this car brand new no miles plastic still on seats when purchased we run the car easy and we have had replaced the tires and an alignment many times and now currently the alignment and struts are bad and we had the car in the shop with $1200 worth of work a couple months ago and still having the same problems over and over again! Have the seat belt recall problem air bag sensors keep messing up and the cars alignment and going through tires is a major issue! I do not recommend buying this car and I will never purchase a Suzuki again!

• 

  06 Suzuki Forenza - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By tybri93 - July 19 - 9:44 am

  My 06 Forenza has been an excellent car. Bought it with 90,000 miles on it and it now has 111,000 miles on it in one year. Its only had one thing go wrong, and that was a bad battery, that just had to be changed. Nothing the car had to do with it. The performance is awesome with the stick, and the engine. The engine is incredibly willing to do what you want, especially when you hold it 2nd or 3rd gear. Im tall and there is plenty of room, for me and my passengers. Doesnt leak oil, or anything like that. It starts up every morning, rain, snow, sun, anything it doesnt complain. The car performs well in all terrain whether snow and ice are on the ground or not.

• 

  Great quality for the price! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By lawnchaircrew - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is incredible (especially for being a suzuki)! I was skeptical when going to test drive it but when I did it amazed me. The variable power steering is awesome and gives you alot of control over the car. Even though it only puts out 126 horses, it really wants to get up and go. The interior styling is superior over its opponents. Over all the egronomics of this car (being a suzuki) leave me flabbergasted!!

• 

  Steves Review Forenza LX - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By stepheninaz - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Features abound on this car. Power everything, consoles, lights, features you didnt know you were getting. Very nice car with an unbelievable price. Engine is silky smooth and extremely quiet at idle. Air conditioning doesnt "bog" the car down like other 4- bangers Ive owned. Very good brakes and excellent hydraulic clutch.

• 

  Heathers Review - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By heathergirlie20 - June 9 - 9:10 pm

  My experience my 2005 Suzuki Forenza has been great. I love it. Its my second vehicle and I wish it had been my first vehicle because I love it so much!

• 

  Hit or Miss - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Tigran - June 6 - 4:10 pm

  Problems are minor so far. Bought it almost brand new with 4k miles on. AC needs repair every summer, but was covered by warranty so were some recalls. Fuel economy is fair but should be a lot better. Lacks power but overall good value for the money.