Overview & Reviews

Quentin Crisp once said, "If at first you don't succeed, failure may be your style." It's a message Suzuki wisely took to heart in its expeditious handling of the short-lived Verona.

Sold as the Daewoo Magnus internationally, the Suzuki Verona was launched on U.S. shores in model-year 2004, a reflection of Suzuki's desire to carve its niche in the lucrative midsize sedan segment. The Verona came armed with one of the lowest price tags in the segment, along with a decent interior and pleasant ride quality. Still, it became immediately apparent that the sedan's modest charms weren't enough to lure buyers in this highly competitive segment.

Suzuki's sales goals were by no means overly ambitious -- the manufacturer hoped to sell a meager 25,000 Veronas per year. Sales fell short of even these humble expectations as consumers were turned off by the car's lack of key safety features and unimpressive handling and performance. Suzuki quickly called it a day, killing the Verona in 2006. However, the manufacturer hasn't let go of its dream of conquering the midsize sedan segment. Suzuki has announced plans to re-enter the category in the near future with an all-new vehicle.

Most Recent Suzuki Verona

Available in a single generation spanning 2004-'06, the Suzuki Verona midsize sedan was the largest car in Suzuki's roster at this time. With one of the lowest price tags in its segment, this Suzuki was designed to appeal to buyers wanting an inexpensive way into the midsize sedan category.

Verona buyers got a car with handsome though nondescript looks, and a wheelbase roughly equal to that of a Honda Accord. The most inexpensive Verona was the S trim, which came with keyless entry, 15-inch wheels, cruise control, air-conditioning, full power accessories and a CD player. Next up was the LX, which added climate control, 16-inch alloys and auxiliary remote steering wheel controls. Those who chose the Verona EX benefited from additional features like an electrochromatic rearview mirror, heated seats and a power moonroof. Traction control was the only option, available solely on the EX.

This family sedan was more notable for what it didn't offer than for what it did. Convenience features like a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and one-touch up/down windows weren't available, even though they were commonly found elsewhere in the midsize segment. Also absent was an in-dash CD changer. Its safety features list also came up short, as the Verona initially failed to offer side and head curtain airbags. (Side airbags were eventually added, however.)

Inside its cabin, the Suzuki Verona drew favorable comparisons to the Honda Accord and Volkswagen Passat. Gauges were pleasant to look at and some materials did a nice job of conveying an air of quality. Materials weren't universally up to snuff, though. The Verona's leather was coarse to the touch, and plastics on the dash felt cheap. Control stalks were flimsy relative to those of other cars in its class.

The car's engine, a 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder producing 155 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, struggled laboriously to help the Verona accomplish even the most basic passing maneuvers and distinguished itself as one of the weakest in its class -- even relative to competing sedans' inline four-cylinder engines. On the plus side, the car's four-speed transmission made the best of the situation with well-timed shifts.

Suzuki took steps to make the Verona more palatable. In 2005, the car got long-overdue side airbags, along with a standard tire-pressure monitoring system and a trunk-mounted tool case. LX models benefited from a standard sunroof. Antilock brakes became standard in 2006; the trim lineup was also condensed into two trims, the Base (which was similar to the former S) and the Luxury (similar to the ES).

In editorial reviews, the Suzuki Verona's driving experience proved to be a disappointment. Acceleration was lackluster and the car was wobbly around turns; steering, too, came up short, feeling disconnected from the road. In its favor, the Verona offered capable brakes and a comfortable ride.

In the end, though, even Clarence Darrow would be hard-pressed to win a case for the Verona. Although inoffensive, it simply didn't measure up to its rivals; in an Edmunds.com comparison test of 10 midsize sedans, the Suzuki Verona was the last-place finisher. Used-car buyers seeking dirt-cheap prices in this segment would be better served by choices like the Hyundai Sonata or Chevrolet Malibu instead.

User Reviews:

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  nice - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By boi - October 26 - 8:58 am

  really nice car. has reliability problems, tranny is crap. but the acceleration at higher speeds is nice.

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  dollar for dollar - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Naples Dave - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had multiple problems with my new Verona none however being mechanical. Most of the problems are head lamp seal was bad, weld maks showing on the C posts, mild wobble in the driving, engine power loss when slowing to a stop/start however the new computer chip corrects it, and flickering or the outside temp numbers. all have been fixed with mild to medium wait time for my car. The car is smooth while driving and very stylish all in all very good deal for the price you pay.

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  The Car I Wish It Was - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Jim_From_IL - December 10 - 10:53 pm

  I intially bought this car for its sleek styling and overall value. It comes with lots of options all thrown in for what you would have to pay thousands extra if you went with a Toyota Camry (which was my other choice). Too bad the performance of this is plagued with computer glitches and transmission issues. This being the first model year has had its problems. I just got mine out of the shop for the third time. This time the ECM (Electronic Control Module) had to be reprogrammed. As of Aug, 06, it seems better now, but Im almost afraid to drive it. It has stalled twice while approaching stop lights. If I get any more major problems, I will seriously be thinking about dumping (uh - trading) it.

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  No More Suzy Qs 4-Me - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Big Mel - September 21 - 11:00 am

  Personally, I like the automobile as a whole. Its fun to drive and has a lot of drive appeal. The only set back I truly have is trying to find parts (since I am somewhat a "do-it-yourselfer"); and even at best it seems to be difficult for auto shops to find the necessary parts (like air filters). Other than that its a great car, fun to drive and all in all I havent had any serious problems out of this car. Ill say on a scale from one to ten Ill give it an eight.

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  Must be the first one! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Lau - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Just buy this one yesterday....maybe the first one...only 6 arrived from port. This was a reservation. Best car for the price. wow!! features!! good motor. Alas, a good fuel drinker. RELIABILIY unknown

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  A Great Value - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By Phil - June 19 - 11:43 am

  After looking at all midsized models, I couldnt find another that offered as much for the price. Now, after 15,000 miles, it still runs great and the engine is very quiet on the road because of the 6-cylinder engine. It does not have lots of power, its but sufficient. Ive been getting about 27- 28 mpg on the road. My Verona has no problems at this time and I still think it is one of the better looking vehicles on the road. It has good legroom in backseat.

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  Decent Car for the value - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By Ken - March 31 - 4:10 pm

  I found my Verona to handle fairly decent on the highways. It sits well and it feels a lot heavier than any economy car out there. When driving at high speeds the Verona is as good a ride as you will get with some of the better known sedans. Additional interior features like stereo controls in the steering provide an added bonus to owning this car which lacks popularity and resale value. However, I have to admit that the transmission shifts awkwardly when decelerating sometimes and its really not that great on gas. Overall this car is a decent buy if you can get a great deal on it. Otherwise, if you have a few hundred dollars extra to spend, Id suggest you get a more renowned car.

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  Great Economical Car - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By V De - March 20 - 11:50 am

  You get a lot for your money with this car. No, it doesnt have the greatest pick up but, the ride is smooth and quiet. It handles well on the curves also. The interior is plush and comfortable. Great car for the price.

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  Major Pain, Nice Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By tisalazar - November 25 - 11:53 am

  I have gotten lots of compliments on my Verona. The style and the color are great. I am at 32,000 miles and have had problems with it. The check engine light has come on and it is stalling. I have had to drive it with gas and the brakes at the same time in order for it not to turn off. I have taken to dealer to have fix three times and just yesterday the light came on again. According to the dealer the first time was a blown fuse, the second time was a computer, and the third time the motor went out, and I wonder what they will tell me this time. I am at 35,300 miles on it. I got this car on 10/05 with 25,372 miles on it. Also, it makes a popping sound when steering from side to side, like the old cars do. My 99 Ford Taurus runs better and faster than this one that is newer.

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  Verona - A good car for the money - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By M Covich - Tampa, FL - August 25 - 11:43 pm

  So far Im pleased with my new Verona - I was considering a Toyota Camry and a friend said check on the Verona - for the money the Verona is a much better deal - I love all the options.