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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  You Cant Go Wrong With This Car! - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Trevon M. - June 3 - 5:36 pm

  My fiancee and I were looking for a new car and were actually were looking at a Kia Optima. But once he offered to let us test drive a 2005 Suzuki Verona, we both were drawn to it because of its design and features. It shares its lines with Toyota Camry, but is indeed a Suzuki! I was impressed with the woodgrain accents, as well as the placement of the easy to use controls in the cars interior, but was even MORE impressed with the cars handling during the test drive. It has plenty of power and a very smooth and quiet ride. The keyless entry and trunk release built into the key itself are also a plus. This is a must have ride! This comes from a die hard GM owner, whos just been turned to imports!

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  Suzuki Verona - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By allonmyon - March 31 - 4:00 am

  I love the Suzuki Veronas great feel. It has a great ride and a great price. It just needs a little more power and youll have a great car.

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  Nice car - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By john315 - January 5 - 7:20 am

  I bought my Verona last year and I now have about 9,000 miles and I havent really had any problems. Its only been back to the dealership for scheduled maintenances and once because the transmission had to be replaced. The car used to spuck and skit all over the place until the transmission was replaced at 3,000 miles at no extra cost. Now it runs like a gem. It has a smooth, quiet, relaxing ride, with a fairly responsive inline-6. The interior has high quality materials with a pretty decent 6-speaker audio. If you are looking for a midsize sedan and cant go over $20,000, I dont think it gets much better than this.

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  not bad but could be better - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By No - December 29 - 6:33 am

  My 2004 Suzuki Verona LX has a smooth ride, but does not deliver enough power. I cant wait for the 2007 model.

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  THIS CAR OFFERS MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By dibick99 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON THE 21ST OF OCTOBER 2003 AFTER TAKING A TEST DRIVE AND AFTER 2 WEEKS OF CHECKING IT OUT. YOU CANT BEAT THIS CAR FOR THE MONEY. IT MAKES TOYOTA AND HONDA LOOK SICK. SUZUKI WENT ALL THE WAY ON THIS ONE.IT HAS FEATURES THAT YOU CAN ONLY PAY EXTRA FOR ON THE CAMRY AND ACCORD. WHERE WAS SUZUKI ALL MY LIFE

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  A new Option by Suzuki.. - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By sleek1 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  It looks like a winner! Suzuki has done its homework with a mid size option that doesnt cost the earth but has lots of features with no extra cost. The Verona surprised all with its roominess and neatly laid out controls on the dash. The Cars inline rides ever so smooth that youll wonder if its moving. The power on the car is OK but it does feel torquey. The design looks euro and unique and is generally liked by all. A very good option that you must test ride.

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  2004 Verona EX - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Ladyb - November 20 - 6:46 am

  I love this vehicle, I did have an issue with it stalling on me, however, my dealer, especially the service dept go above and beyond to correct the problem. They make sure each time it is there whether for inspection of general maintenance, that they check the whole vehicle.

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  Very Happy - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By KP - October 30 - 8:30 am

  Fantastic value--I paid $14,999 for my EX. You just cant get more for your money than that. Interior is as fine as anyone needs, really nicely trimmed with high quality materials. Performance is exciting for someone used to a minivan. Lots of big car features. City mileage so far is about 21.5 mpg, a little better than the EPA estimate of 20. Car even looks better in person than it does in pictures. Exterior door handles are made of metal, not plastic--nice quality touch.

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  Best Ride for the Best Price - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By K Williams - September 18 - 11:03 pm

  I had not heard of the Suzuki Verona before going to the dealership. Once I saw the cars exterior, I knew I just had to take it for a test drive. It drives very smoothly. It feels like you are riding on air! The interior of the car is the best Ive seen in midsize cars. It has many safety features to accomodate children and the child at heart. I have been so pleased with my Verona I tell all my friends to test drive one for an experience of a lifetime. I would buy another Suzuki in a heartbeat!!!

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  Best Ride for the Best Price - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By K Williams - September 18 - 6:20 pm

  I had not heard of the Suzuki Verona before going to the dealership. Once I saw the cars exterior, I knew I just had to take it for a test drive. It drives very smoothly. It feels like you are riding on air! The interior of the car is the best Ive seen in midsize cars. It has many safety features to accomodate children and the child at heart. I have been so pleased with my Verona I tell all my friends to test drive one for an experience of a lifetime. I would buy another Suzuki in a heartbeat!!!