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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  FUN FUN FUN - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By John Davis - September 24 - 8:50 am

  I looked at what seemed liked hundreds of cars and this car was the only one that stuck in my mind. I purchased the car and everyone I know has fallen in love with it and what makes it even better is the people at the dealership. Im already looking for another Suzuki for my wife.

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  great car - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By comgetsum - September 10 - 10:13 am

  I bought my car in April of 07 when I got it it was bone stock I got the blue metallic Ive since added 18wheels intake, exhaust, chip, bigger injectors and ported and polished the intake. Have not had one issue with this car and im a abid street racer I keep up with evos and stis this is awesome grand stock its very slow but for the money u get lots of standard features **** the Ford Focus there base modek car has crank handles to roll up the Windows. To bad they they dont make the Reno or forenza anymore I think Suzuki was dumb for recalling them.

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By redsox8191 - May 9 - 4:50 pm

  My Suzuki Reno is the second Suzuki I have owned. I also currently own an XL-7. I LOVE this car. The interior is set up great and there is plenty of room for me and the kids. The sound system rocks and the ride is as smooth as silk. The braking with the 4 disk brakes is sharp and the speed sensitive steering is awesome...especially in parking lots etc. The only knock I have so far is the gas mileage isnt great. Hopefully that will improve as the car gets broken in better. I highly recommend this vehicle to those looking for a small reliable car! You cant beat the 7 year / 100,000 mile warranty either!

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  Great value - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By revtomax - April 22 - 5:56 pm

  I just purchased one and I love it. Great looks, great paint, fun to drive. The options it comes with are great am, fm, cd player front and rear wipers, easy controls. Just a lot for a little. I have owned a Focus in the past and there is a lot in this car that the Focus didnt have for the price. And the warranty, well that itself almost sold me the car.

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  Billies Review - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By billie - February 6 - 8:20 pm

  A fun vehicle to own. Not only can I go when I want with the quality travel I want, but it is very versatile for a family of 3 (me, my wife and my 12 month old son).

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By M. Miller - October 27 - 11:36 am

  Manual version is very fun to drive as long as you dont mind driving the stick. The car is looking great from behind; very sexy. It has great lines and it feels sleek and "in style" even after 4 years. I recommended it mostly for in-town commute. I drove it from Atlanta, through DC and NY, when I moved up to Chicago. I drive it in Chicago and it fits perfectly here; easy to park, easy to move around on short distances. I dont understand why only 7.2 in Editors review.

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  So nice!!!! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By kuzuki reno - September 17 - 6:06 am

  I love this car. It drives so smooth. I had one car on my mind for the last year and well it was not this car but when I saw it i had to test drive it and fell in love with it.

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By jperez - August 24 - 5:20 am

  I love it the Reno. It is small sleek, stylish, has power everything, and costs less than $15,000. Enough said.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Tony - August 18 - 2:06 am

  I just purchased this car because of its looks and how it drives, On the road all you see these days is Hondas and Toyotas I wanted to be diffrent and bought a Reno. The car is very spacious and very confortable, it rides well too.

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  Great Car, Buy it! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Buy it !!! - July 30 - 1:16 am

  OK guys heres the story and the word from someone who knows. Listen up, this is a fantastic car. It has tons of standard upgrades that other cars makers charge an arm and a leg for. It handles great, looks very European and very cool, and it comes with a CD/MP3 player 8 speaker system - standar ! I highly recommend getting the 5-speed manual transmission over automatic. The manual will give you more power, more control, and its a heck of lot quieter than the automatic. Take my word for it, youll love the car. I looked at the Honda Civic, Hyundai, and the Scion tC; and The Suzuki Reno beats them all hands down. The quality is second to none. Thats the story and the word.