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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  2004 Suzuki Verona EX - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By hrb - May 10 - 2:20 am

  I have had numerous mechanical problems my 2004 Suzuki Verona, including steering wheel radio controls that took five trips to the dealership get fixed. The car is good overall, but parts are very hard to get, and the customer service at Suzuki Corp. is less than helpful. Be cautious if you are thinking of buying this car, as aftermarket service is difficult to come by.

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  Class Value. - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Carsel - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Just a test drive will confirm what others have been saying. The car rides very smooth in normal driving conditions. The interior looks upscale and controls are very well located. The best thing is the price and features compressed into the car. On highways and hills the car rides very well. The inner space is large and easily sits five.Trunk space is good.

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  Love this car! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By step - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This car has all the luxury features that many other cars didnt have and still cost more. A great value. The ride is superb with exceptional smoothness. I have found that the I6 engine will take off and go as fast as I want to. Dash and steering wheel controls are good. Climate control is great.

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  nice try a ex - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By russ213 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  great ridding car comfort leavel is great I hope suzuki gets the word out

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  Afordable Luxury - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Rydlewski - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Here is a automobile that is desigened to fit todays life style at a price the hard working middle class folks can actully afford without selling there first born. The car offers all the wonderfull luxury features one would expect on a Honda Accord EX, but at about six to eight thousand dollars less.Power is not over abundend yet nice and smooth in mid-range of the Porsche designed inline six. Styling of the Verona is very distintive of the Georgario desigen studio and is pleasedly different from the norm. Overall the Verona gives cosumers a lot of driving enjoyment for the dollar.

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  My Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By dapper2010 - March 18 - 3:00 pm

  This car was the best car for the money. Very close to the Toyota Camery and Honda Accord but much cheaper to buy. Very comfortable and the 6 cylinder has great power and economy.

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  Suzuki Could Have Done Better - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By dreird - March 3 - 6:06 am

  I have made many, many trips to the dealer for numerous mechanical problems with my Verona. I tried different dealers, but they all were just parts changers. They changed the front end bushings, bearings twice, computer, and O2 sensors three times. I have had too many problems to write about here.

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  Why oh Why Verona - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Jessi - March 2 - 12:20 pm

  Ive had my 2005 Verona for a few years. Like a few other owners my air bag light came on shortly after i brought her home. Its still on today. I had no problems with this car until the 100k mile mark. At the present time my car is parked, and I cant drive as there is something terribly wrong with it. I lose oil and anti-freeze but nothing is ever found on the ground. So i guess until I figure out the issue Ill continue to wonder why oh why I bought my Verona.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By STY - January 27 - 1:03 am

  Great Car for the $$

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  Suzuki Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Jeff Harsha - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Terrific value, would recommend to anyone looking for a sedan in this class. Familys second Suzuki