2 Star Reviews for Suzuki Verona

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 1 through 10 of 212.00
  • 2005 Suzuki Verona EX - 2005 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    My 2005 Suzuki Verona EX is my second Suzuki. I have experienced the same problems in both my previous Forenza now this 2004 Verona. They seem to want to hide the fact that the tachometer surges. Ive stalled at the least safe times in BOTH makes, getting onto freeways or trying to pass. You will love the warranty until you try to USE it and then try to get a "loaner" when they keep it over night. You will be stuck. this is my last Suzuki purchase ever, its a cheap car, and mom always said, "you get what you pay for", listen to your mother.

  • Ill Never Buy A Suzuki Again! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    The 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!

  • Unhappy - 2006 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    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.

  • Dont buy it - 2004 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    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.

  • poor building/customerservice - 2005 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    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

  • JUNK - 2006 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    This car is junk! The cruise control does not work it jerks. The dealer cant find a problem. The CD player broke, the gas cap broke and now at 41,000 the ABS system went out and is another $2100. RUN away from this junk!

  • This car is good looking but is bad - 2004 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    The first major repair bill cost me almost $400 for ABS Wheel on my drivers side front and it has been downhill all the way.

  • This Car Stinks - 2005 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    I purchased my Verona on 1/31/05. I had to go back to the dealer because the engine light kept coming on. The engine was eventually replaced. When I put the car in gear and pressed the accelerator it hesitated before it actually moved with jerking motions. It went back to the dealer again and I have been going back time and time again with no solution. Im told the car is operating as it is should. If this car is operating as it should it is a piece of junk. I would never buy a Suzuki again or recommend anyone to do so. By the way I called the manufacturer in California and the response was as great as the cars performance.

  • Lemon - 2004 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    I purchased this vehicle due to its smooth design and affordability. Now I understand why it was so cheap. I am on my third engine now due to "out of the blue" stalling. The dealership was so patrinizing and rude. The entire experience left a poor taste in my mouth for Suzuki and the dealership that sold the car to me. I know of at least two other Suzuki owners who had very similar experiences with their cars - stalling and rude dealership staff. The only helpful person was my lemon law lawyer.

  • Disappointed - 2004 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    The Verona seemed like a great buy, almost luxurious with the leather, heated seats but in 2 short years I am now waiting for a buyback on it. In January (this is April)the engine and transmission were replaced; it is now sitting because of the same major problems and no doubt needs a new engine again. The transmission is erratic and also clunks into gear. The engine leaks oil into places they can not fix - such as the pistons. I didnt have the heart to even trade it in for another car, I didnt want someone else to be stuck with it. My suggestion - dont buy one!!

Suzuki Verona Reviews By Year:
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