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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  Good car for the buck - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By mmb - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Owned it now for about 6 months. Great looks, nicely appointed. Disappointed in overall mpg at about 21. For the money, seems to be a good value. The 2004s are being sold for around 18k after rebate where I live.

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  The Beast with Faults - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By geneo - June 26 - 11:43 am

  The Engine will pass most anything in and out of its class [I used to own an audi turbo] at the front end it has a hesitation. The suspension is too soft and will need to be replaced too soon [100k]. The electrical/indicator system is not the best[my check engine light has been on and off for over 100k and my millage has not changed since day one, and the dealers cannot give me a ration explanation. Car has 150k miles and stops on a dime and has bailed me out of several nasty braking situations!

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  Lots Of Standard Feature For The Money - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Action - June 18 - 1:46 am

  Sluggish Acceleration and Its a Little Heavy Handling Also Gas Mileage Could Be Better. Averages 23-26. 10% Lower than the 28hwy Advertised.

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  Buyers - Beware - Research this Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Kerin - December 21 - 5:50 am

  I purchased this car just a little over a year ago after previously owning a Grand Vitara and an XL-7. This is a beautiful car and you definitely get a lot for your money, but there are so many problems with it (it was a brand-new model in 2004) Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to read all the complaints on this vehicle - definitely educate yourself before you buy! I have to say that the dealership Ive dealt with has been very nice but they keep saying they know theres a problem, but theres no resolution for it - Suzuki needs to do something! Were in the process of starting the lemon law procedures...

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  Great car - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Phil - December 11 - 6:13 pm

  A great car for the money. I bought mine for 1000 below invoice and I love it. It looks and feels fantastic.

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  2004 Suzuki Verona EX - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Stan Smith - July 27 - 10:06 am

  Im pretty pleased with the Suzuki Verona. Ive read the other reviews and I havent had the same number of problems as some of the reviewers. I have only had two problems. The first is that in the city and on the highway I only seem to get 19mpg. The second problem that Ive had is the car occasionally stalling out at red lights. Thats the reason that I decided to post a review. I took the car into the dealership and they told me that they couldnt reproduce the problem but it happend again on the way home. The good news is that I put STP Gas Treatment in the car the next time I filled up and the problem hasnt recurred in 3 months. I suspect it was bad gas or a dirty injector.

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  A Very Nice Ride - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By DRS - July 10 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned over two dozen cars. The Suzuki Verona is a better all around car than most of my previous vehicles. First of all, I have only driven my Verona a few thousand miles, so I cannot comment on long term reliability. That being said, I have had not had to take it to a dealer yet. The 155HP V6 engine does not produce a fast car per say, however it is very smooth and quiet due to its inline design. I still can honestly say it is quicker than the Ford Taurus base V6, and much quieter to boot. This is a family sedan, not a sports car. I love both the unique interior and exterior design. Besides, I paid thousands under sticker price, and the inclusion of a 100,000 mile Suzuki warranty sealed the deal.

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  What Ashame for a Great Looking Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Shaun A Sponagle - July 4 - 5:33 pm

  Ive had this car for about 7 months and have had a number of electronic problems with it. I have started the Lemon Law process and am sad about that because the car is sleak and great looking in design. It has a great looking and very rich interior, but the inline 6 engine and transmision gets shafted by the engines computer which had been recalled. Ive had mine replaced three times. Now for a month, I have had a very loud tapping noise along with the engine bucking and hessitating when power is needed on take offs. I find the Suzuki Rep and the Dealerships (2) the I have dealt with, not very interested in helping or listening to me on my concerns. What ashame for a great, beautiful looking car that would be a great deal

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  Loved Car @ 1st, Now Suffering Many Issues!!! - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By lml215 - June 23 - 2:18 pm

  We loved this car @ 1st. Weve had it 3 yrs. Its an 05 we bought in 07. Shortly after purchasing the back bumper was hit in a parking lot. Instead of only bending the bumper, a 2 1/2 ft. long piece of paint peeled off and fell. The check engine light comes on frequently & took it to the shop the first couple of times, to find out that "nothing was wrong". It still comes on and goes off all the time. A month ago it started jerking while driving, at random times. Sometimes within 5 mins, sometimes we drive all day before it happens, sometimes it wont at all. Now the key wont turn in the ignition 75% of time. After trying several times it finally will. Is this happening to anyone else???

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  Good / OK - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By jim - May 30 - 11:33 am

  The Suzuki Verona is a thrilling car to ride in and see out of. It is a little more rare because you do not see many of them out on the road. All in all I would give this car a 7/10 for performance, a 5/10 for luxury, and a 6/10 for style. So overall, this car gets a 12 out of 20.