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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  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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  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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  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!!!

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  Great car for the money! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By arfle - September 8 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a well- appointed, attractive vehicle and dont want to break the bank this is it! The Verona wont break any land speed records but does just fine getting up to and maintaining legal highway speed. Gas mileage has been disappointing but Ive read it gets better as the engine breaks in. Interior on the EX trim model is awesome and the exterior styling is classy yet tastefully understated. Trunk is a bit small. Overall the vehicle has been great.

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  I love it! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Gerardo1967 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  September 2004. We choose this car mostly for the price/features offered. We already put 3500 miles on it and is great!. At first the transmision drove me crazy but after a while, it "learned" and is working fine now. Gas mileage is another history. Driving Hwy between 80 and 90 miles/hr cant get more than 21MPG.

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  poor building/customerservice - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By naomi hunter - August 29 - 5:50 pm

  I have had this car since2005 ,ivehad motor rebuilt,electricty problems and 5times check engine light on. took to dealer .took to dealer one week to look for diagnosis.left withno transportation and the warranty allways not covered these problems.will be notifying bbb