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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 212.00-
Verona - A good car for the money - 2006 Suzuki Verona
By M Covich - Tampa, FL - August 25 - 11:43 pmSo far Im pleased with my new Verona - I was considering a Toyota Camry and a friend said check on the Verona - for the money the Verona is a much better deal - I love all the options.
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Ill Never Buy A Suzuki Again! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By VeryUnhappy - July 24 - 4:06 amThe drive of the Verona is OK and the fuel economy is fair. However, tthe back seat is uncomfortable and the paint job duled way too fast, even with routine detailing. I have had this car in the shop at a minimum once a week every month for the last four months for : a blown engine (2.5 weeks), two water pumps (at least onw week, still in the shop for second) and AC problems (one week for diagnosis), which the dealer can never find the solution to. Can anyone suggest a nice cliff to watch this one go over? Just kidding. Ill never buy another Suzuki again!
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The BEST value in a mid-size car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By Brainfertilizer - July 22 - 8:06 pm4000 miles so far, no problems. Smooth, responsive, comfortable, and the clear equal to Accord and Camry for the price of a Civic (if not cheaper). Heres the thing. Most reviewers assume that you want a 4-cyl for fuel economy and a 6-cyl for power, so they knock the Verona for not being either one. But Suzuki chose a 6-cyl that was as small as the average 4-cyl on purpose: smoothness and even power. It cruises over Rocky Mountain passes at 75 mph without straining at all. Ill probably spend only $1000 more in gas over the 5 years Ill own it, but I saved $4-5k on the sticker price similarly-equipped Accord or Camry. It looks better, too. Test drive one before deciding.
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Sold on Suzuki - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By gale - July 16 - 7:50 pmThis is my third Suzuki vehicle since 1985 and have been more than satisfied with each and every one. The first was a world car bought over seas, the second was a 1994 Swift which has close to 200,000 miles on it and my son still drives it, and now I have the Verona. The Verona is very comfortable in front and back. It has plenty of leg room for everyone, This car is so comfortable that my elderly mother would rather ride with me than any of my other siblings.
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I love this Car!!! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By Zetta - July 12 - 10:00 amthis car has the smoothest ride and it is beautiful inside and out
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Great Vehicle - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By Sandra London - June 16 - 2:00 amWhat a great car.......the exterior of the vechicle is great. Beautiful car. The inside of the vechicle is designed like a lincoln or cadillac with the features that are used (plus), anyone looking for a car should test drive this one first....havent driven a car with such great features....not an extra either, comes standard. The engine has such a purrr...to it. Anyone looking for a car should try this one before they anything else....It will speak for itself!!!!
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Smart People Drive Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By sailor6322 - June 13 - 1:23 pmThis is one great car. More features than most others at a much lower price with great warranty. The only real difference between this auto and others is name recognition. Test drive one before you buy any other car in this class and you wont be disappointed.
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Suzukis answer to the Toyota Camry - 2005 Suzuki Verona
By ivan g. - June 13 - 12:50 amThe Verona is a great come up for Suzuki. They needed this car a long time ago. The features that comes with it are great. Also, this car has great handling. Test drive it and you will love it. $20,000 for a brand new luxury car is straight.
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Suzuki Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By JEGK1971 - April 23 - 10:00 amI previously owned a 2000 Stratus ES-- very nice optioned car---leather, alloys, V6. I traded it in on the Suzuki. I liked the style and all the options that came on the Suzuki as standard epuipment---it was loaded. Two things that I dont like is the gas mileage and the poor get up and go--- once it hits 20-30 mph its pretty peppy. I wish I had researched it on the internet before I bought---seeing how it is a rehashed Dae Woo---I might still have bought it, but I would have thought about it for a while. All in all, it is a lot of car for the money and is a pleasure to drive--- I am a salesman and I an constantly in and out of the car.
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The style is nice, but thats it. - 2004 Suzuki Verona
By esalazar - March 31 - 12:10 pmThis car I only had for 1yr 9 mos. Been in the shop 5 times. I filed a claim under the lemon law. I turned in this car on May 16th, 2007 with 37,332 miles on it. I got it with only 23,900. Its a really nice car, and I got lots of compliments on it. Considering the motor, the suspension and the lack of speed. it was not nice enough to keep and deal with. It would be nice though, if Suzuki can fix the problems on the Veronas, they are very nice. The first car I have ever really liked turned out to be a lemon.