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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Woderful car originally built in Korea - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By johnchoi409 - January 27 - 10:00 amAs a characteristic of Korean cars, it has a very quick kick off compared to it horse power. Its silky six cylinder aluminum engine and i would say its as if in between four and six cylinder. Its definitely powerful than four cylinder less than six but it takes more fuel than four since six, but not more than usual six ones. Style, excellent. Its come out in Korea several years ago although redesigned very little bit, its still looking good inside and out. You should definitely say it looks luxury and ride feels luxury enough comfortable. I would get full featured Luxury verona than base model non-featured accord or camry.
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LOOKS...PRICE...HANDLEING - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By beachwoods - January 15 - 2:00 amThis is my first Suzuki and will not be my last. I have driven many different cars..from german..BMW...japanese..Honda, Toyota..etc...and this car comes in better or close(BMW). As far as price I got $3k off sticker...so for $17K you cant beat it. Test drive it, and you will love it!
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The Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By Boltontam - January 15 - 2:00 amI love my new Verona. I went from a Focus, which is much smaller and I am very impressed with the Verona. There is alot of car for such a good price. I feel safer out on the highway with a bigger car. This car is a tank in the snow.
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very nice car!!!! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By sarge - January 10 - 10:00 amI traded a honda crv which I drove for 4.5 years in on the suzuki verona s.The crv had a 146 hp 4 cyl..The suzuki has 155 hp 6 cyl..The suzuki has much more get up and go than the crv.The motor has more than enough power.The verona rides and drives great.I test drove cars $5000 more, that wasnt as nice.I also got bumper to bumper 7yr./100000 for $800 more.
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VERONA - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By TOM ALLEN TOOTHPASTE - November 22 - 10:00 amITS SO GREAT ,CONTROLS ARE ALSOME,THE GAS MILEAGE IS GREAT, THE ROOM INSIDE IS JUST RIGHT AND IT LOOKS SPORTY...
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2005 Suzuki Verona LX - Great Car - 2005 Suzuki Verona
By jason - November 13 - 9:26 amOther than the low fuel economy and only a 155 horsepower engine, this is a great car. Its a really fun car to drive, they just need to put more horses in it and improve its fuel economy a little.
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My Verona - 2005 Suzuki Verona
By dvelata - September 7 - 8:36 pmI love this car. I bought the Verona after owning a Nissan Altima (which I loved) for 6 years. The number of features you can get for the low price is astounding. Mines fully loaded, and an absolute dream to drive. Theres lots of leg room and the auto drivers seat is great. It also gets pretty decent gas mileage for a V-6 - I get 30 even driving around in the mountains. Bottom line: If you want a great car with lots of features but without totally emptying your wallet, the Verona is great. The 100,000 mile warranty is awesome too, even though I hardly ever use it!
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The BEST value in a mid-size car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By Brainfertilizer - July 22 - 8:06 pm4000 miles so far, no problems. Smooth, responsive, comfortable, and the clear equal to Accord and Camry for the price of a Civic (if not cheaper). Heres the thing. Most reviewers assume that you want a 4-cyl for fuel economy and a 6-cyl for power, so they knock the Verona for not being either one. But Suzuki chose a 6-cyl that was as small as the average 4-cyl on purpose: smoothness and even power. It cruises over Rocky Mountain passes at 75 mph without straining at all. Ill probably spend only $1000 more in gas over the 5 years Ill own it, but I saved $4-5k on the sticker price similarly-equipped Accord or Camry. It looks better, too. Test drive one before deciding.
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Sold on Suzuki - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By gale - July 16 - 7:50 pmThis is my third Suzuki vehicle since 1985 and have been more than satisfied with each and every one. The first was a world car bought over seas, the second was a 1994 Swift which has close to 200,000 miles on it and my son still drives it, and now I have the Verona. The Verona is very comfortable in front and back. It has plenty of leg room for everyone, This car is so comfortable that my elderly mother would rather ride with me than any of my other siblings.
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I love this Car!!! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By Zetta - July 12 - 10:00 amthis car has the smoothest ride and it is beautiful inside and out
