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 Vomit - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Stupid Steph - October 12 - 6:36 pm

  I have owned this car for approximately fifteen months in which time I have experienced a rear brake fluid leak that caused them to go all the way to the floor. Now that I am want to get a different car, no one will give me much for it because they say that the word is "the transmissions are no good." I myself have experienced it stalling and shifting in and out while driving down the highway.

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  2004 Suzuki Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By eddie c. pollard - September 27 - 1:16 am

  The car has been in the shop quite a bit as a result of a stalling / hesitation problem with the engine. Also, the cruise control has quit working and has been replaced once and will need to be replaced again. The cruise control is a mechanical unit that sometimes surges significantly once set and poses a safety problem.

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  Where are they hiding the x-tra 2 cyls ? - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Louienj1 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  To sit in this car is the best dollar for dollar lux-o-like sedans. Hit the road and you CAN NOT believe this car is 6 cyl. I drove many cars under 25k, none of the others had less power. Understand that true driving power is derived by the engine output vs. the cars weight. This car is "an attractive cow with the heart of a hamster". I really liked the interior of the car. Suzuki should use the XL-7 V6 engine, even if it adds $1-$2Gs to the price. If you really do want this car, wait. By 2005 they will offer a more powerful version. So buy a more powerful V6 or save on the 2004 models left or buy used (because the warranty transfers).

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  Never again! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Holly - September 5 - 3:26 pm

  I have had problem after problem since I bought this car. ECM probs, and constant oxygen sensors going out. It is in the shop now getting the 7th one replaced and there is only 33,000 miles on the car. I was told after the warranty expires, it will cost me $300 to replace each sensor. Forget it. 3 year warranty is up next week. Its time to go trade it in for a Toyota Camry, something reliable. I was also disappointed in the gas mileage, about 21 mpg.

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  "Suzuki" HA "SuDookie" - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Mr. Pissed - October 19 - 5:56 pm

  I cant believe there is anyone out there that is happy with their Verona. It must be that some are great and then most are junk. My Verona has been in the shop six times and it is still junk. I have read that the engine was not designed to run on fuel that has an ethanol content. My Verona has been in the shop six times and the engine is still not right. Suzuki does not stand by this great Warranty they claim to have. I have also read that a lot of Verona owners have had Suzuki buy back their Verona, why would Suzuki do that unless they know the car is junk. I am trying to make the same thing happen. Its a battle. Good-luck.

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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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  Beware! Lots of mechanical defects - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By jay - December 3 - 12:10 am

  A year of ownership this car has major problems. Its been in the shop every month since then with repair bills ranging from $250-600 a shot. This car has had 2 engines, a transmission, suspension, wheel bearings, countless computer reprogrammings ($60 each), axle comes loose about every 6 months (makes a grinding/thumping noise upon acceleration); thats just in the time ive owned it. Its past its 36k warranty so the only thing that has been covered is the engine and tranny. I baby this thing as i have done with all my cars. Now not out of love but out of fear of it breaking! My thoughts: Dont ever buy this car! If you have one I suggest dumping it fast! Take the equity hit its cheaper

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  Still a Daewoo - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Gerry Lucas - November 10 - 8:23 am

  Its a nice looking car, that rides nice. But thats about it! I has no power. And the transmission shifts too soon. Then down shifts abruptly possibily causing loss of control. The car has been back twice for a new computor and its better, but still not right. Its still a Daewoo by a different name.

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  Transmission problems - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By erica - June 24 - 8:26 am

  For the most part the car has been OK. I recently had to replace the transmission in the car. I didnt know until I read the reviews that so many people had their transmission replaced. The tranmission was covered under warranty but the warranty does not cover rentals. My check engine light has been on the entire time that I had the car. The dealerships know that this car is a lemon and they will try not to fix anything on the car. They will keep telling you that there is nothing wrong on your car until it reaches 36,000 miles and then they will tell you everything wrong on it. So be careful and get someone else to look at it. I have lost the security code for the radio.

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  worst car ever - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By scolvell - April 7 - 5:07 pm

  after owning the car for just over a year and a half I have already replaced MAP at $75, MAF at $90 (twice), head gasket under warranty, catalytic converter under warranty, ignition coils at $800+ (all 6), and a fuel pump under warranty all with only 54k on the car. I just brought it back in for a problem that I have been having with the car almost since day 1 with the cars idle dropping to about 400 and dieing or surging to 1200 and trying to ram the car in front of me at the stop light. The transmission shifts rough. With all this the dealer cant duplicate my problems stating that it drove fine for them. It has the power of a 4cyl with all the mpg of a v8