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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  suzuki verona - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Ray Hingson - October 28 - 7:26 pm

  we purchased a new verona in dec we love it we had a suzuki swift before and still have it 80000 miles and its still going strong the verona is so much more a great car for the price and very very nice..just love the car its a great car you go suzuki you making better and better cars the verona proves it

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  Mid size car with class - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Chip D. - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We have put 1,000 miles on this car city and highway. This car has a high quality feel to it the seating is comfortable and the ride is solid, soft but not too floaty. The interior is roomy and and offers a classy look. My mother came over to visit us and drove the car for the first time last week. Her and dad bought a Town Car last year and found that the Verona had less suspension noise when driving over road bumps. The fit and finish on the interior is first rate and full of attention to detail.

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  2004 SUZUKI VERONA - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By BADKINS18 - September 20 - 12:20 am

  THIS VEHICLE DRIVES AND PERFORMS WELL. IT GIVES THE FEEL OF A HIGH END SEDAN BUT REMAINS VERY AFFORDABLE. ALSO CARRIES AN OUTSTANDING WARRANTY. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL WITH ANY CONCERNS AND RECALLS. WOULD BUY AGAIN.

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  Great for the price - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Frank Orlando - September 18 - 11:16 pm

  Good reliable car, good quiet ride , handles well on the road with good passing power. Controls are easy to use and see except steering wheel at night should light controls up.

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  2004 Suzuki Verona EX - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By MBPT - August 31 - 1:13 am

  Initial mileage readings up to 11,000 miles were only 18-19 mpg. However, after 11,500 miles, mileage improved to present 23.8 mpg city driving

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  A Lot of Car for Less Money - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By KenGTS - August 24 - 9:26 pm

  I walked into the dealership not knowing a darn thing about these cars and then left with one. Mine is a demo the dealership owner was driving. I couldnt believe how smooth it is. The inline six engine is very smooth, but needs some more oomf. I cant wait for the summer road trip!

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  Buyer Beware - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Glenn - July 7 - 8:43 pm

  The seats are as hard as a rock and uncomfortable. Very slow acceleration. Very sloppy steering with serious under-steer. I rented this car for a few days and was very unimpressed...but its a Suzuki, which is enough said. Id buy the low-end Accord or Camry before this vehicle. No side airbags. A knowledgeable car person wouldnt ever consider this car. I can only imagine the low resale value this car will have in a couple of years

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  Great value, not a great car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Marker55 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Not for tall people Rear seats uncomfotable Best value for the dollar, but wtch the 23mpg on hwy

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  Great Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By candam - May 25 - 3:23 pm

  I bought this car from the dealer and it now has 62,323 miles on it now.It had a couple of problems that were fixed by the dealer. Great warranty. It rides nice on long trips and has enough power to make it a pleasure to drive. The interior if very nice especially the heated seats. I have not had any problems with the car and love it.

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  Cheap Luxury - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Slippers - May 16 - 7:40 am

  I bought this car used for my daughter and we both love it. It does not have the best acceleration but it will get you there in comfort. If you love bells and whistles and dont want to spend a lot of money, this car is it. I do find the trunk space a little small. This may not be the car for the constant traveler but for local and short trips, I could find nothing in this price range with all the options I wanted. I drove the car a week before I surprised her with it and I hated to turn it over. I am now in the market for a 2006. This car feels like a high dollar luxury vehicle minus the power. The size is perfect, not too big and not too small. Its brakes feel spongy, but stops on a dime.