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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  Suzukis answer to the Toyota Camry - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By ivan g. - June 13 - 12:50 am

  The Verona is a great come up for Suzuki. They needed this car a long time ago. The features that comes with it are great. Also, this car has great handling. Test drive it and you will love it. $20,000 for a brand new luxury car is straight.

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  Suzuki Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By JEGK1971 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 2000 Stratus ES-- very nice optioned car---leather, alloys, V6. I traded it in on the Suzuki. I liked the style and all the options that came on the Suzuki as standard epuipment---it was loaded. Two things that I dont like is the gas mileage and the poor get up and go--- once it hits 20-30 mph its pretty peppy. I wish I had researched it on the internet before I bought---seeing how it is a rehashed Dae Woo---I might still have bought it, but I would have thought about it for a while. All in all, it is a lot of car for the money and is a pleasure to drive--- I am a salesman and I an constantly in and out of the car.

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  not bad for the price - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By ana - February 14 - 10:26 pm

  I purchased this car used in 2004. it only had 3000 miles on it, so i got it at a good price with the warranty. it is a smooth ride, but it is slow on acceleration for a v6. It is roomy and stylish. I love the radio controls on the steering wheel and the full size spare. Unfortunately I have had to take the car in quite a bit. Since it is a new model, they have to get the kinks out. It is a little discouraging but the dealership is trying their best to fix the problems.

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  Verona experience - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By verona buyer - January 29 - 2:30 am

  This vehicle is better than all the reviews I have read about. The handling does not seem sloppy and my car has side impact bags in the front seats. I love the interior, especially the casette player and the audio controls on the steering wheel. The headroom is good and the seats are comfortable. I like this car. Those are the pluses, now for the minuses. The windshield wipers dont seem to have a fast speed and the headlights are weak.

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  Suzuki Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By JB - November 22 - 5:13 am

  Love the leather, heated seats and the way it handles on hair pin curves. Needs more cup holders. There have been some serious problems with it, so far most have been resolved with warranty (100K warranty thankfully!). For resale though, I sure wish I would have bought the Camry.

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  Almost an Accord - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Pittsburgh - October 30 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this car new in 05 as a leftover. I was in the market for a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. I put about 40,000 miles a year on my vehicles. I felt this car was more stylish and had more features for the buck than the other two. I have had some problems with this car. At 38,000 miles the top of the engine block needed to be rebuilt. There have also been some other small problems as well. The dealership has been excellent in working with me to limit my inconvenience. All that being said, this car is not a Honda or Toyota yet. However for the money I have been very happy with this car and would still consider buying another one.

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  Really Not Bad - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By really not bad - October 17 - 7:36 pm

  Edmunds.com really described the car in their review pretty well. The acceleration is a little on the poor side, but it is quite smooth and going high speeds is no trouble. I have to step on the gas when I start it because it is so quiet. but remember it is a luxury sedan, not a sports car. I also do not hear any wind noise whatsoever. On the handling you have to drive the car for at least 600 miles to get the feel for it. I can handle mine pretty well now. I went from a Volvo to a Suzuki. Overall it is different and I do like this car.

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  3Bs: BEST BANG for BUCK - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By veronaowner04 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2004 Suzuki Verona EX fully-loaded from Passport Motors and Im still happy one month later. The acceleration wasnt great for the first week, but it adapted to my driving habits and now I can accelerate fine. I love the interior design and it looks very classy! Ive only gotten one recall on this car, but then gain what car hasnt this year???

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  Driving a Death Trap - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By pegasus2017 - May 18 - 10:39 pm

  The car bucks and sputters and stalls when Im not giving it enough gas. The problem is the Throttle Body which becomes contaminated with coolant and cant regulate the cars idle. Its been replaced 3 times, but they havent found where the coolant is leaking, so it happens repeatedly. A rep from California was involved, and oversaw the last repair, which lasted 7 months, and then it started again. This time they washed their hands of me, and my dealer told me they cant do anymore. Ill never buy Suzuki again. My little boy has Cancer and we have to drive an hour each way for chemo every week. I have to drive with one foot on the gas and one on the brake. This cars a death trap.

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  Good Vehicle - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Grand Junction - April 29 - 2:26 pm

  Good Vehicle...........reliability with good looks