Reader Review of the Week: 2007 Suzuki Forenza
When you think of Italian designer Pininfarina and its lengthy resume of exotic cars, including many Ferraris, Suzuki probably doesn’t come to mind. But, surprisingly, the Suzuki Forenza was partially designed by Pininfarina. Go figure. Also surprised was the author of our most recent Reader Review of the Week, aptly named “Surprised to be a Suzuki fan,” who after a recent unfortunate incident with a previous car looked to buy a used vehicle, but ended up with a new 2007 Suzuki Forenza. Read the full review below and if you want to write your own consumer review just go here.
"I am the proud owner of a 2007 Suzuki Forenza. I totaled my Toyota Camry and am a full-time college student with a full-time job that requires me to drive nearly 700 miles a week. I was in the market for a car with low miles and a low price tag. Fully expecting to buy a used vehicle, I visited several dealerships before a friend suggested I test drive a Suzuki. Now, if you are anything like me the name “Suzuki” does not exactly bring to mind a car that I was wanting to drive. After all, I had no intention of driving a "matchbox car." However, after driving several other used vehicles, I decided there could be no harm.
"When I first got to the dealership, I noticed a cute little car with excellent styling. The salesman informed me it was a Forenza, and after driving it only a few miles (with my mom beside me, who has Cadillac taste, by the way), I was hooked! The interior was far roomier than I was expecting, and the seat comfort exceeded my expectations. Matter of fact, I would say that could be the theme of my Forenza — exceeded expectations! The ride is very smooth (even on the rough country roads I have to drive), the handling is wonderful, visibility is superb. This car may not win any 0-60 races, but you will have no trouble zipping around slower vehicles. I have been asked what kind of car I drive more than ever. People can't believe it's a Suzuki. Overall, an incredible car for the money!
"Pros: Smooth exterior styling, impressive sound system, passenger room, trunk size, handling, MP3 connection and seat comfort.
"Cons: The road noise can be a bit much, but only if you have the radio off (which I never do). I do wish the tires had a better-looking rim. Such a stylish exterior is sold short by the hubcap-style tires. Gas mileage is good at 27 mpg, but still not as good as I had hoped (I'm just being nitpicky now)."
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Nice review, I concur. I had an '06 Forenza for about a year. Bought it new and got a huge discount. Roominess and lots of standard features were a definite plus. Big minus was engine and road noise on the highway. With a 5 speed, the engine was turning 3000 rpm at 70 mph. Got tired of the racket and traded in for a used Grand Marquis. Big shocker was the massive depreciation on the Suzuki.
I rented one of these about a year ago and drove it about 600 miles. It already had 30k miles and was pretty abused. All in all, it wasn't too bad. It accelerated pretty well, was comfortable for my 6'5'' frame, had a huge fuel range before getting empty (I wish I had recorded the fuel economy) and did look nice for a generic compact car.
I'm very weary of the Forenza and Reno for being Daewoo products. I owned an Aveo and it's reliability was horrible which was a shame because it was otherwise a good car. The Forenza had a lot of the same touches and cheap feeling bits as the Aveo inside, which leads me to be concerned about corner cutting elsewhere mechanically.
But as showroom presentations go, it is a nice car and seems like a better choice than several other compact competitiors. Especially with the price and Suzuki's extensive warranty. Lets hope you don't need it!