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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  No Power features - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Micheal - November 10 - 10:00 pm

  I purchase from private owner car run great had very little problem with it 02 senor and check engine light come on from time to time, but dealer has reset engine light, for me, Just have problem with power feature not working all fuse check good and relays are fine just lose all turn signals indicator, emergency flasher, power window, and power locks traning to check on if this a warranty, or recalled items having not luck car still runs greats

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  My Verona I love you but. - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Andy Cloutier - November 1 - 10:40 am

  We liked what we saw, the style was very attractive, The 20" wheels look real racy and it has disc brakes all around, wow. I like the ABS and air pressure check from the dash. The 6 cylinder engine is very smooth. The pneumatic hood lifters are a plus, no need to raise the hood bar. The automatic shifter very smooth. The interior wood applique and chrome trim very are attractive. The leather intrerior, heated seats and heated outdoor mirrors are a luxury you wouldnt expect from a car this price. BUT, its gas mileage is not impressive. I am only getting 15 MPG on average. My car wobbles too much on windy days and the transmission is a little clunky when shifting, It is not a perfect world, we love it and we would give it a B+ all in all, the Verona is a nice city car.

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  2004 Suzuki Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By etoufee - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my car. Its very roomy (nice hip room) and very comfortable inside. I love the driveability of this car. The looks are very classy. Most of all I love the standard features at this price point. I had nothing to add on and I got everything I wanted. I think it was a very good buy.

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By bgdady834 - April 18 - 12:50 pm

  My Verona is a great car for the money and its is packed with a lot of features. The only problems are the wipers slip and become loose and get caught together and there is a lot of wind noise with the moonroof open. Other than that the car runs and rides great.

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  Sedan of the best value - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By 1688picky - October 27 - 10:00 am

  With the competitive pricing, you get this competent, 6 cylinder car well below Hondas and Toyotas compact/sub- compact offerings.

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  Very Happy - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Chrisnole - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This car provides a very smooth drive and is really worth looking at as an alternative to the Altima or Camry. You get more bang for your buck. We have the EX with all the bells and whistles and got it for less than the above cars without compromising quality. The verona is very roomy, comfortable and overall a good car. The acceleration is something to get used to and really the only negative thing I can report on, but its not enough to make me not recommed this car.

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  Suzuki Verona EX - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By marvinlee - June 20 - 2:00 am

  The Verona is a precision built, attractive car with low power and only fair fuel economy given its six cylinder engine with dual overhead cams. The overall fit and finish rival much more costly cars. Notable is the light effort to open the trunk lid, the beautiful instruments (LS and EX models) and automatic temperature control (LS and EX). Unlike any other new car I have owned, the Verona has not required any return trips to the dealer for minor factory assembly problems. The body is quiet on good roads but transmits excessive tire noise on rough concrete and asphalt.

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  GREAT CAR LOW PRICE - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By DAN BOGUSE - May 9 - 2:00 am

  THIS A VERY GOOD CAR FOR THE MONEY. ITS NOT A SPRTS SEDAN NORE IS IT A CHEEPY TYPE OF A CAR. GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY.

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  MY VERONA - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Tom Fonash - March 30 - 10:20 pm

  We have had the car since she was new and have had zero problems. We have heard other horror stories but so far she has run like a charm. We look forward to many thousands of trouble free miles.

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  Not bad at all - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By lakerfootball - January 5 - 11:33 am

  I was not sure I would like this car at first. I am in sales and need a car with some room. I had a Chevy Camero Conv. before this car. So the power was not there I was used to. But, this car offers great comfort, ok gas milage and a nice look in and out. I wish the tail light we designed differently but oh well. I have had no problems with the car but low miles and not all that old. I just wish the dealer was closer. I would recommend this car to someone.