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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  Loved Car @ 1st, Now Suffering Many Issues!!! - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By lml215 - June 23 - 2:18 pm

  We loved this car @ 1st. Weve had it 3 yrs. Its an 05 we bought in 07. Shortly after purchasing the back bumper was hit in a parking lot. Instead of only bending the bumper, a 2 1/2 ft. long piece of paint peeled off and fell. The check engine light comes on frequently & took it to the shop the first couple of times, to find out that "nothing was wrong". It still comes on and goes off all the time. A month ago it started jerking while driving, at random times. Sometimes within 5 mins, sometimes we drive all day before it happens, sometimes it wont at all. Now the key wont turn in the ignition 75% of time. After trying several times it finally will. Is this happening to anyone else???

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  VERONA FAN - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By REV. JOE - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Very nice autobile that needs more power. Not much take-off power and can almost stale out on a quick take off. The cruise control and the auto climax control and cd player need to be improved. Best autobile in its class.

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  Good / OK - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By jim - May 30 - 11:33 am

  The Suzuki Verona is a thrilling car to ride in and see out of. It is a little more rare because you do not see many of them out on the road. All in all I would give this car a 7/10 for performance, a 5/10 for luxury, and a 6/10 for style. So overall, this car gets a 12 out of 20.

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  Not what youd think! - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Mike Smith - May 16 - 12:20 am

  My 2005 Verona was a fun car to drive and it ran very well. Until I had a "Thud" in the transmission and it went down hill from there. After a "Reprogramming", it now hesitates very frequently, it has a lot less horsepower, and gas milage is rotten and those were this cars good points! Suzuki has given me the run-around between Cal (Where you have to call for problems) and a service rep that takes days to call you back. If you want a car for a reasonable price, my experience is this car is "Not what youd think!"

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  A Few Minor Issues - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Landon - May 11 - 3:13 pm

  I acquired this as a used car with only 11,500 miles, and loved the aesthetic value. It looks wonderful, inside and out! But this past January, I had to have to the transmission completely replaced. Ive also had my doubts about the axles and CV joints, though the dealer hasnt found anything wrong. The "check engine" light has come on a couple times over false alarms and Ive noticed that the transmission can be quite sticky when switching out of/into reverse gear. I also have some concerns about whether the Verona couldve been designed with better fuel efficiency. Lastly, Ive abandoned using the wheel-mounted stereo controls; they dont respond accurately at all.

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  Veronaowner - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Veronaowner - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I like it that Chrysler dealers are used for the warranty as I also own a Chrysler. I am very pleased with the Verona EX. A lot of vehicle and options for the money. Love it. Although I rated the reliability a 10, I do not have enough vehicle history information to give this subject a true/fair evaluation

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  classy - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By DSEDWICK - March 14 - 10:00 am

  JUST WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR.

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  Good Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Connie Mellein - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Lots of extras come standard with this model, I cant think of any other option I would even want. I dont know if there even exists a better deal out there for the money especially with this kind of warranty. Very nice handling car!

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  Great Suzuki - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By ginlj - December 30 - 10:00 am

  We wanted a midsized vehicle after years of owning larger luxury vehicles, but didnt want to drive a commonly seen Altima or Sonata. Happened upon the Suzuki Verona, and fell in love with the Sapphire Grey color and supple leather seats. The touches of wood, combined with lots of chrome and luminescent dials, make it a treat to drive. Excellent sound system! And the leg room is impressive; the back seat is at least as comfortable as the front. We recommend the Verona to those who are tired of the commonplace.

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  Import cars lover - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By vacharin - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The interior is wonderful with stylish looking outside, Features, quality that Suzuki offer beat camry,Accord and others in the same class