2005 Suzuki Forenza Review

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Fuel Economy

21 - 22 mpg

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Comfortable, well equipped and solidly built, the Forenza represents a good value for small car buyers on a budget.

Pros

Lots of standard features for the price, comfortable cabin with unexpected conveniences, solid construction, predictable handling.

Cons

Subpar fuel economy, similarly priced Aerio makes more power.

What's New for 2005

A versatile wagon model joins the lineup. Side airbags are now standard on all Forenzas.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Long Travels!

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 6 Fun-to-Drive: 5 Build Quality: 4
Comfort: 6 Interior Design: 4 Reliability: 6
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 5

Vehicle

2005 Suzuki Forenza S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I would have to say that this little car has very good fuel economy (28/31mpg). I bought the car new and have really put it through its paces. I have taken it from southern Kentucky down to Miami at about 1100 miles, three times. Most of the miles put on this car are highway. A/C went out after about 36000 miles with the warranty running out at 35000. The seat cloth pulls away and doesn't matter if you put it back on track or not. Its a five speed so that may be why I am gettting better gas mileage than most of the reviews. I had to take it in for some recalls with the water pump and my dim lights went out because of the wirring harness. Overall not impressed but it's still running.

Favorite Features

Still running but has some bad noises and it looks like a breakdown is in the near future.

Suggested Improvements

Squeeze some more power from the engine. The A/C should be part of the recalls on this car.

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Great Hauler

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 8 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2005 Suzuki Forenza S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this wagon when my pick up died (of course in front of the dealership). I looked really smart because the price of gas went through the roof right after I bought it. The only problems I have had was first it eats tires which I remedied by going to a 60 series tire instead of the 55 that it comes with. The other problem was when a critter ate the wire harness. The dealer fixed and was able to get most of the cost covered under warranty. I get over 30 mpg and drive the care everyday to work and to drumming jobs. The car holds so much that we take on our vacations even though my wifes car is bigger. It is great car but too bad Suzuki has discontinued it for 09.

Favorite Features

The styling and the stereo. Both great.

Suggested Improvements

Should have a little less road noise, but no big deal.

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I love this car

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 10 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2005 Suzuki Forenza EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I love this car. I bought it new in 2005, I saw it on the delivery truck and told the salesman that was the one I wanted. Most people say that was a gamble but I know how great Suzuki's are. I also had a Suzuki Swift that has over 200,000 miles on it and has only had to have oil changes brake pads and such. I tell everyone buy Suzuki.

Favorite Features

My favorite feature is the great gas mileage. City I get about 30 miles to the gallon and interstate about 36. My family and I have just returned from a 980 mile trip and we spent about $90 in gas.

Suggested Improvements

The only thing I would change would be to add an power port for the backseat so the children would not have to run cables through the car.

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Pretty Good For The Money!

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 6 Fun-to-Drive: 7 Build Quality: 8
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 8
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2005 Suzuki Forenza S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

At first I doubted Suzuki's quality but I was wrong. This car has been for the most part reliable. I've had few minor issues but nothing major such as recalls but other than that not much of anything. I found out GM Daewoo created these cars for Suzuki and I guessed there's a pile of junk but I've seen much improvement through Daewoo. For the price you get a decent car with a good amount of features.

Favorite Features

Steering wheel controls, stereo system, exterior & interior design, light assembly. Power windows & locks and the lighted key ignition.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel economy is decent but could be a lot better. More horsepower, a standard keyless entry, more airbags and fix the airbag light indicator.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Worst Car Experience

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 4 Fun-to-Drive: 1 Build Quality: 1
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 5 Reliability: 5
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 5

Vehicle

2005 Suzuki Forenza S 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car has many electrical, and powertrain problems that may not be detected until after the standard and powertrain warranty. There are so many complaints floating around that raises questions about Suzuki Auto's quality control. Not every vehicle is free of problems, but this is ridiculous. My advice, avoid the Forenza at all costs. The 2005 Forenza Wagon and other problematic models should be put out of their misery. Save your money, do your research, and invest in a more reliable auto. Don't even get me started on trying to get repairs done on this. This by far is the worst car experience I've ever had. :(

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Electrical system, Transmission.

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