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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  Annoying Buy - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Justin - February 27 - 1:16 pm

  This car has proven to be a poor choice. Although it has nice styling both on the outside and inside, the constant miniscule problems I have had for the past 4 years have all but driven me crazy. There have been few major problems, except just last week I got it out of the dealership shop for a tapping noise. Thank God for the 100,000 mile warranty, because Suzuki just replaced the entire head, no questions, and it didnt cost me a cent. It continues to be reliable, but I will not purchase another Suzuki.

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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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  Unhappy - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By Unhappy 1 - February 7 - 8:26 pm

  In the shop more than on the road. American Suzuki does not back their vehicle. Too many problems, much more concerning than just loss of power and loses value faster than any car I have ever owned.

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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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  my my my my verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By dave steele - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I beleive my wife and I have bought the first VERONA in Indiana, and maybe in the United States. We purchased (loan agreement) on 09-05-03, 6:00pm, in Muncie, Indiana. This car is freakin awesome. We did compare it to several models elsewhere. This car is a shoe in for the Nissan Altima look-alike, and for us, it was $5,000.00 less than the Altima with the same options. The look has a lot of style and luxury and was very impressive. It handles very nice, and even with only 155 h.p., we found it to be plenty. This car has class and Im very surprised its not selling for upwards of $25-30,000. Good job Suzuki!!!!!!

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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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  good car - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By zgody - November 19 - 9:30 pm

  200 miles and very good

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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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  Dont buy it - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By junit483 - October 22 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased this vehicle after I had my first child. Two weeks after purchase it had to go into the dealership for repair. The rearend came loose. That repair took three days to complete. The next problem was some wierd eletrical disturbnce. The radio would come on and select a volume on its own. Not exactly an easy way to keep an infant asleep. That repair took almost a full week to diagnose and fix. After that the transmission went, Engine blow (note: no oil was missing and after they checked the computer it wasnt abused) no explaination was given to why it went. Between the tranny and engine going the car was in for repairs for over a month and a half. The dealership did get me a rental.

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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.