Suzuki Verona Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.23/5 Average
212 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 11 through 20 of 212.00
  • Big bang for my buck - 2004 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    My 2004 Verona has been my favorite car purchase in over 30 years. I really enjoy this car. It is thrifty and money wise, this car out shines any other midsize sedan for its features, comfort and style. I have the all leather interior and always get a "wow, nice car", when folks get in. I have had no problems mechanically and am very satisfied with this heavily optioned but lower priced car. I had one small front end collision, which was a bit of an issue. A replacement hood was not readily avaliable, it had to come from Korea. The shop time was a whopping four weeks. After the first year of ownership, my gas mileage fell and I found that a sensor had gone bad. Once it was repaired the mileage returned to normal, aproximately 20-24 mpg.

  • A lot for the money!!!! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    The 2004 Suzuki Verona is a good, reliable car It has a good quiet ride and handles well on the road with good passing power. Its controls are easy to access. It does not have much horsepower, but the torque kicks in at the right time

  • A Great Value - 2006 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    After looking at all midsized models, I couldnt find another that offered as much for the price. Now, after 15,000 miles, it still runs great and the engine is very quiet on the road because of the 6-cylinder engine. It does not have lots of power, its but sufficient. Ive been getting about 27- 28 mpg on the road. My Verona has no problems at this time and I still think it is one of the better looking vehicles on the road. It has good legroom in backseat.

  • overall review - 2004 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    very well put together vehicle, roomy comfortable and best of all lots less then a honda or toyota. better warranty!

  • My Verona - 2005 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    Great styling, roomy interior, power tilt-and slide sunroof, heated seats, heated power mirrors [a must when you winter in Iowa!], love the day/night mirror which removes headlight glare, super sound system-CD/cassette player with 6 speakers, arm rest with cup holders [for the backseat] a very nice touch, European styling without the price of a Europeam sports car, keyless remote entry with trunk release, 8-way power drivers seat, power windows and doors, leather interior, plus leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, dash has a sports car style. Drives great and the price range is excellent!

  • Great Value - 2005 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    I looked long and hard to find a car that would give me room, economy, and style and I found it in the Verona. It has more room than Camry and priced thousands less. It also comes standard with a V-6.

  • Luv It - 2004 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    Super Sedan at great pricing...Luxurious and a head turner eveywhere I drive. People I do not know say A Suzuki ?? WOW.My 2 young sons equate the Suzuki name wGran Tourismo for Playstation.Fog lights a great plus

  • Decent Car for the value - 2006 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    I found my Verona to handle fairly decent on the highways. It sits well and it feels a lot heavier than any economy car out there. When driving at high speeds the Verona is as good a ride as you will get with some of the better known sedans. Additional interior features like stereo controls in the steering provide an added bonus to owning this car which lacks popularity and resale value. However, I have to admit that the transmission shifts awkwardly when decelerating sometimes and its really not that great on gas. Overall this car is a decent buy if you can get a great deal on it. Otherwise, if you have a few hundred dollars extra to spend, Id suggest you get a more renowned car.

  • Great Economical Car - 2006 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    You get a lot for your money with this car. No, it doesnt have the greatest pick up but, the ride is smooth and quiet. It handles well on the curves also. The interior is plush and comfortable. Great car for the price.

  • WOW - 2004 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    I really dislike this car. It has power underneath the hood, I cant deny, and I am aware of the cars age. However, I have had this car for half of a year and have spent over $1,000 replacing and fixing parts that my dealer should have himself. The sunroof and heated leather are quite nice, but this car is noisy and is in no way a smooth ride. I was generous with the review I left, and I am in a hurry to get myself out of this vehicle and situation. It may just be the very unreliable and deceitful dealer I purchased this from (Autoworld of Conway, SC).

Suzuki Verona Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area