EDMUNDS.COM 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Comfortable, well equipped and solidly built, the Forenza represents a good value for small sedan 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, can''t get side airbags.
What''s New for 2004
The Forenza is an all-new compact economy sedan from Suzuki.
Overview
Introduction:
Ever close to General Motors, Suzuki is reaping the benefits of GM''s purchase of Daewoo Motor Company. One of two new Suzukis introduced at the 2003 Chicago Auto Show, the Forenza compact sedan is essentially a replacement for the Daewoo Nubira sold in the U.S. from 1999 to 2002 and is built by GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Company in South Korea. Suzuki has long been a back marker in the race to build good, affordable compact cars, but a recent effort that yielded the Aerio sedan and wagon showed that the company is giving it a serious try. In the midst of the highly competitive economy sedan segment, Suzuki''s homegrown and distinctive-looking Aerio is a decent car in need of additional polish. In the meantime, it beckons buyers with a powerful four-cylinder engine, available all-wheel drive and a spacious interior. Knowing this, one can''t help but wonder if the segment has room for yet another entry, as solid offerings from Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Toyota make it tough for newcomers to gain a foothold. Suzuki hopes to set the Forenza apart with European-inspired styling penned by Italian designer Pininfarina, a roomy interior and a host of standard features. To our eyes, the Forenza''s sheet metal does little to distinguish it from other economy cars, but it''s certainly inoffensive. In terms of interior dimensions, this new Suzuki stacks up favorably on paper, edging out the competition in rear legroom and shoulder room. And where features are concerned, the Forenza scores again, as even the base model comes with body-color bumpers and door handles; four-wheel disc brakes; a height-adjustable driver seat; a padded center armrest; air conditioning; an eight-speaker, 140-watt stereo with a CD player and steering-wheel audio controls; and power windows, mirrors and locks. For power, the Forenza offers a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine rated for 126 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. Compare that to the Aerio, which starts just $500 higher than the least expensive Forenza and makes 155 hp. Nevertheless, the Forenza gets around as well as any Civic or Corolla and, when equipped with a manual transmission, rarely feels underpowered. Unfortunately, refinement is not a strong point of this engine, nor is fuel economy. With a mileage estimate of 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway, the Forenza is one of the thirstiest budget sedans on the market. Driving dynamics are better that you might expect, as the Suzuki rides smoothly, handles predictably and stops well. Its reflexes are no match for those of the Ford Focus, Mazda 3 or even the Civic, but much like Hyundai''s Elantra, the Forenza is well suited for point-A-to-B driving. Along with the recently introduced midsize Verona, the Forenza is one of nine new vehicles Suzuki will bring to the U.S. in the next five years in an effort to triple its sales. Without question, the Forenza is an important vehicle for Suzuki. And save for side airbags, it has all the right features, along with a comfortable, solidly built cabin. The driving experience is fully acceptable as well -- the Forenza offers adequate power and confident handling. Finally, consider the price: The smallest Suzuki puts it all together for a sticker price no other economy sedan can touch, except the Hyundai Elantra. If value is your biggest priority in shopping for a small sedan, the Forenza is worth a test-drive.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Forenza is available as a four-door sedan in one of three trim levels -- base S, midlevel LX or high-line EX. Even the S is well equipped, offering such features as body-color bumpers and door handles, four-wheel disc brakes, a height-adjustable driver seat, a padded center armrest, air conditioning, an eight-speaker stereo with a CD player, steering-wheel audio controls and power windows, mirrors and locks. Next up is the LX, which adds alloy wheels, foglights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a sunroof, cruise control and a remote keyless entry system. The top-level EX adds leather seats and a standard four-speed automatic transmission. Antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution are optional on all Forenzas.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Forenza comes with only one engine -- a 16-valve, DOHC, inline four-cylinder making 126 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on S and LX models. A four-speed automatic is standard on the top-level EX and optional on the other trim levels. Mileage is rated at 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway with either transmission.
Safety:
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard, and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution is optional on all trim levels. Front-seat occupants get seatbelt pre-tensioners and height adjusters, while rear-seaters get a full set of head restraints and three-point belts. Dual-stage airbags and daytime running lights are also standard. Side airbags are not available.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
To liven things up a bit, designers used plenty of metallic accents throughout the cabin and an attractive set of gauges. Several features not normally found on a car in this price range include cabin air filtration and an eight-speaker, 140-watt stereo with steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The driver seat is well contoured, and thanks to its two-way seat-bottom tilt, most people will be able to find a comfortable driving position. A padded center armrest provides a comfortable place to rest an elbow on long trips. In back, passengers are treated to competitive amounts of leg- and shoulder room, along with a fold-down center armrest. The rear seat offers a 60/40-split folding arrangement and trunk capacity comes in at 12.4 cubic feet.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Although 126 horsepower doesn''t sound like much these days, the Forenza has no difficulty keeping up in traffic, and if you equip it with the manual gearbox, you''ll rarely wish for more power. You may wish for more refinement and better gas mileage, though. Ride quality is smooth over most surfaces, while handling is soft yet predictable in the corners. More expensive economy cars offer more in the way of behind-the-wheel entertainment and overall polish, but the Forenza is well suited for buyers who want a low-priced sedan that can take on the daily commute without fuss.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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