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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Verona rocks - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By whatmot - June 7 - 10:00 amBrought car after checking out competitors offerings. Value for dollar motoring. throaty engine -gets up and boogies esp nice at 80 miles per hr. Interior finishing superb esp walnut & silver trim. Extra attention to finer details that make a great car.
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Nice Ride - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By Pud - April 19 - 2:00 amI have had this vehicle 3 weeks and impressed with the Ride,Comfort, Style.
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This car is good looking but is bad - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By Ms Samuels - April 15 - 7:33 pmThe first major repair bill cost me almost $400 for ABS Wheel on my drivers side front and it has been downhill all the way.
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Buyers - Beware - Research this Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By Kerin - December 21 - 5:50 amI purchased this car just a little over a year ago after previously owning a Grand Vitara and an XL-7. This is a beautiful car and you definitely get a lot for your money, but there are so many problems with it (it was a brand-new model in 2004) Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to read all the complaints on this vehicle - definitely educate yourself before you buy! I have to say that the dealership Ive dealt with has been very nice but they keep saying they know theres a problem, but theres no resolution for it - Suzuki needs to do something! Were in the process of starting the lemon law procedures...
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Great car - 2005 Suzuki Verona
By Phil - December 11 - 6:13 pmA great car for the money. I bought mine for 1000 below invoice and I love it. It looks and feels fantastic.
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Run Away Fire waiting to happen - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By Mike - December 1 - 12:16 pmThis started out to be an OK car. I can see why they give this a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty. I had the engine replaced and on my third transmission. The other day while parked with a child in the car it was destroyed by a engine fire . We were lucky no one got hurt and when I went to Suzuki for help they told me too bad. I am telling you this car was a joke and they do not stand behind it if it catches on fire. They spent more on warranty work than what the car was worth. They should have negotiated with me after the engine and second transmission. Make sure you carry hazard insurance....
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Best car I could have ever purchased - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By rod valens - December 1 - 2:00 amWhen I purchased this car, I want value and quality both. I found that in my Suzuki Verona. Great car, good gas mileage all around comfortable for me and my family.
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One month Later - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By Frank H - November 21 - 10:00 amNice comfortable family sedan. Quality is good and gas milage not bad. Few quirks but, I knew about them before my puchase. Needs a bit more horsepower, and a dimmer for the climate control display. Owned it for one month and got a recall notice already! Bottom line, A lot of stuff for your buck. So far so good.
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A lot of car for the price - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By James King - October 25 - 2:00 amI just love this car. It takes a little getting used to if you have driven a smaller car, but I adapted quickly. Make sure to buy the premium extended 7yr/100,000 mile warranty which allows you a 0 deductable on parts and labor nationwide at any suzuki dealership, mine was through Fidelity.
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This Car Stinks - 2005 Suzuki Verona
By deedals - October 23 - 2:50 pmI purchased my Verona on 1/31/05. I had to go back to the dealer because the engine light kept coming on. The engine was eventually replaced. When I put the car in gear and pressed the accelerator it hesitated before it actually moved with jerking motions. It went back to the dealer again and I have been going back time and time again with no solution. Im told the car is operating as it is should. If this car is operating as it should it is a piece of junk. I would never buy a Suzuki again or recommend anyone to do so. By the way I called the manufacturer in California and the response was as great as the cars performance.
