Overview & Reviews

No matter how you slice it, the departed Suzuki Reno was basically a Suzuki Forenza wagon with a slightly more stylish body. It shared that car's basic architecture, engine and transmission. A four-door compact hatchback, the Reno should make for an affordable used car with plenty of interior space and lots of features. Don't expect class-leading performance, however, as the Reno lagged behind the competition in virtually every driving-related category -- even fuel economy.

Most Recent Suzuki Reno

The Suzuki Reno debuted for the 2005 model year. With its emphasis on value, the Reno's long list of standard features took center stage. Many modern compact cars come standard with power door locks and windows, a tilt wheel and other convenience features, but the Reno went a little further by offering such features as a micron air-filtration system for the cabin, a CD stereo with MP3 capability and a height- and lumbar-adjustable driver seat -- all without requiring the buyer to check a single box on the options list.

Clearly the Suzuki Reno has excellent value as a used car. Still, "excellent value" doesn't exactly mean comfort or power. While the EX trim level was loaded and included features like leather seats, remote keyless entry and cruise control, the Reno in any trim offered barely adequate performance. This was particularly true in the acceleration department, with subpar fuel economy adding insult to injury. Handling was also less than spectacular, as Suzuki endowed the Reno with a soft, smooth ride at the expense of cornering ability. However, this is a trade-off that the average consumer will likely appreciate.

Because the 127-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has to work so hard to keep up, a good deal of engine noise makes its way into the cabin. Competitors like the Mazda 3 are more refined and quicker by comparison.

The Reno's interior came up short as well when compared to other domestic and import-branded small cars. The materials were of low quality and many panels simply didn't fit correctly. We suggest that shoppers looking for an inexpensive used hatchback skip the Reno and check out more viable choices.

Changes were minimal during the Suzuki Reno's run. Model year 2006 brought the addition of a standard tilt steering wheel and new seat fabrics, while '07 saw the inclusion of a standard tire pressure monitoring system for all trim levels. Unfortunately for audiophiles, the formerly standard eight-speaker stereo was dropped altogether for '08, leaving a meager four-speaker unit in its stead.

User Reviews:

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  Reno-The most overlooked compact - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Tony123 - December 13 - 5:20 am

  Suzuki makes a great car. The build quality, fit and finish a reliability challenge the best compacts out there. But it seems that the rest of the world sees Suzukis as "bottom of the barrel" cars. This is definitely not true. I have been so pleased with my Reno. My gas mileage is better then what the sticker stated. I average 32-34 mpg with local driving. The car is extremely roomy and comfortable. The transmission is smooth and easy-maybe not as refined as a Sentra or Corolla - but better than any Focus, Cobalt or Elantra. I just bought my wife an XL-7, she loves it. If you like the European style and the practical benefits of a hatchback, test drive a Reno-you will be pleasantly surprised.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By T Moores - December 9 - 3:13 am

  Ive been driving my Reno for just over a year. The more I drive the more I respect this car. Whats not to like? Consumer Reports doesent like it. I used CR for years to research items. Their review of this car is wayy off. This is a darn good commuter vehicle. Its solid, safe, has a comfy ride, and is nice to look at. The warranty is one of the best things about it.

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  My Little Tomato - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By little red tomato - October 9 - 6:56 pm

  I like my little red tomato. Its great on gas, I went from Patchogue to Riverhead everyday and it costs me $20 - $25 filling at 1/4 tank, depending on the gas prices for the week. For the price its a good car, I havent had any problems.

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  A Great Overlooked European Designed Car - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By B E - September 28 - 2:43 am

  When I came home with the Suzuki Reno, most people asked "What is that?" The first comment made by most people is "It looks very European." It truly is one of those cars that makes an appearnce in every French film. This car is a hidden treasure, consider that power windows, locks, mirrors, an am/fm/cd/ tape palyer, heated mirrors and side airbags all come standard on the base model! The 5 speed manual transmission is smooth, buttery, and matched to the 1.8 liter engine makes for a peppy little car!

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  Worst car ever buyers beware - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By dk676 - August 21 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased my car because i needed a four door due to having a child & i wish i never had! I had over $600 in work done and was told it should help the gas mileage it made it worse. Now they tell me its normal. They dont tell you about recalls until you call for other issues or hear about it from someone else. I had the transmission replaced & that took over two weeks & 2 different transmissions. The dealer never called me i had to call them to check on the car. My brother also has one and he has had his in the shop more than he gets to drive it. My suggestion is dont ever buy a suziki they are the biggest piece of crap ever made & they dont care as long as you are making your payments!

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  Should have had recalls - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By clover5 - July 27 - 2:45 am

  I bought mine new and have always had an issue with it having gaps in acceleration. Dealer said nothing wrong. Clutch worn very fast 35 k or so. Dealer said I had to replace I still have not 142 k. My major problem is it has always had poor gas mileage and codes it is not running effiecient. I have replaced the throttle body and sensor since you cant get just the sensor, O2 sensors, plugs wires etc. It has had all normal and regular maintenence. The "gaps" are getting worse and it is not an automatic. The automatic ones just shift gears at any time. No problems with these have ever been a recall. I owned a KIA before and never had any issues. I can see why these cars are gone !

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  The best car ever! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Johana Flores - July 4 - 3:06 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for about seven months, and they have been great! The car handles beautifully and I love the sound of the engine reving up. In the city I cant drive so fast but on a recent trip to Las Vegas I had fun! Handles curves nicely, great on inclines, and great mileage for gas!

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  Love My Reno - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By devbot - June 1 - 3:56 am

  I purchased my Reno as a birthday present to myself. I love my car, and how it hasnt broken down yet. Ive owned mine for about six months now. The interior is very roomy, and the instrument panel is very simple and logical. Styling is very European, and theres plenty of space in the trunk. My only real complaint about it, is that I wish there were a more powerful engine option. I know this is an economy car, but I really wish that it had like the SX-4 engine option. The suspension could be a little stiffer, I mean it handles well, but Id like less body roll. Again I know this is an economy car, but sometimes you may have to do some avoidance maneuver.

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  Great Commuter - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By golf4frek - April 1 - 4:26 pm

  Great little car that is inexpensive and fun to drive! If youre looking for an inexpensive / economical yet stylish little car I highly recommend it Mileage has been about 30 in combined highway / city driving and as high as 33 in straight highway. Thats not to shabby. Power is average but adequate and I concur with the professional reviewers that recommend the 5 speed over the automatic, it couples the power to the wheels much better than the auto. Styling does turn some heads and Ive been asked about it from a few people. Interior is good and functional. List of standard features is great but has no cruise control standard which is strange. Im pleased, this is a great commuter car.

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  Not too Shabby - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By tiffany - February 25 - 11:30 pm

  I bought this car new after months of looking online at CPO / used cars. I actually got it for well below invoice price, which was one major reason that I purchased it. I am pleasantly surprised by the quality and performance of it. The interior is simple yet stylish, and has plenty of room. The exterior is a sleek, European hatchback look. There are great features included for the price. I am actually pretty happy with my purchase. The only thing I am disappointed in is the fuel economy. A car this small should be able to get more than 22 mpg (city). My 03 Honda Civic gets 29 mpg.