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 Has come a long way! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Verona Fan - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all interior is spectacular.It is super quite comfortable and has an awsome ride.This vehicles construction is superior to what I have seen lately and the price fully loaded is 19,900 this car looks like a Volvo drives like a 50,000 dollar car.A luxury car at this price? WOW Quality Comfort Performance and Super Value!This is a Suzuki?!@#$

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  A GREAT CAR FOR 19K - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By tabby97 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I really like the car.....My previous car was a VW Passat and even though it was a great car this is much more a drivers car.

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  Woderful car originally built in Korea - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By johnchoi409 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  As 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 am

  This 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 am

  I 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 am

  I 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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  Major Pain, Nice Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By tisalazar - November 25 - 11:53 am

  I have gotten lots of compliments on my Verona. The style and the color are great. I am at 32,000 miles and have had problems with it. The check engine light has come on and it is stalling. I have had to drive it with gas and the brakes at the same time in order for it not to turn off. I have taken to dealer to have fix three times and just yesterday the light came on again. According to the dealer the first time was a blown fuse, the second time was a computer, and the third time the motor went out, and I wonder what they will tell me this time. I am at 35,300 miles on it. I got this car on 10/05 with 25,372 miles on it. Also, it makes a popping sound when steering from side to side, like the old cars do. My 99 Ford Taurus runs better and faster than this one that is newer.

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  VERONA - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By TOM ALLEN TOOTHPASTE - November 22 - 10:00 am

  ITS 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 am

  Other 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 pm

  I 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!