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2005 Suzuki Forenza Full Review
Date Published: 7/15/08
Also in the 2005 Suzuki Forenza Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2005 Suzuki Forenza Review
Station wagon and 4-dr hatchback body styles join the sedan version of this compact car for 2005. The sedan and wagon are badged Forenza. The hatchback wears the Reno label. All come in S, LX, and top-line EX models. Their only engine is a 126-hp 4-cyl. S and LX come with manual transmission. Automatic transmission is standard for EX, optional for S and LX. All have front side airbags for 2005. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard. ABS is optional. Also standard are air conditioning, power windows/locks/heated mirrors, tilt steering wheel, CD stereo with steering-wheel controls, and 15-inch wheels. LX adds cruise control and keyless entry. EX has leather upholstery instead of cloth. Like other Suzukis, the factory warranty for Forenza and Reno includes roadside assistance and transferable 7/100,000 powertrain coverage with provision for a free loaner car.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.
Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
News
Sources see no immediate changes for these South Korean-sourced Suzukis. A redesign could come for 2009.
2005 Suzuki Forenza Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Instruments/controls | Acceleration (automatic transmission) |
| Cargo room (wagon) | Ride/handling |
| Noise | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
With automatic transmission, good progress from a stop fades to modest acceleration as speed rises. Transmission downshifts very quickly for more power, but requires a hard shove on the throttle and results in more noise than progress at higher speeds. Acceleration livelier with manual transmission, though passing power lacking.
| Forenza LX sdn, man. | Forenza EX sdn, auto. | Forenza EX wgn, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
With automatic transmission, good progress from a stop fades to modest acceleration as speed rises. Transmission downshifts very quickly for more power, but requires a hard shove on the throttle and results in more noise than progress at higher speeds. Acceleration livelier with manual transmission, though passing power lacking.
Fuel Economy
Not outstanding for small, 4-cyl cars. Test EX sedans with manual transmission averaged 29.5 mpg in mostly highway driving, but just 17.8 with automatic in mostly city driving. Test automatic wagon averaged 26.9 mpg. Extended-use-test Reno LX with manual transmission averaging 24.4 mpg over its first 7318 miles.
| Forenza LX sdn, man. | Forenza EX sdn, auto. | Forenza EX wgn, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Not outstanding for small, 4-cyl cars. Test EX sedans with manual transmission averaged 29.5 mpg in mostly highway driving, but just 17.8 with automatic in mostly city driving. Test automatic wagon averaged 26.9 mpg. Extended-use-test Reno LX with manual transmission averaging 24.4 mpg over its first 7318 miles.
Ride Quality
Generally comfortable on broken surfaces, especially among the compact class, though bigger bumps jostle occupants. Less settled on rough roads than segment-leading Honda Civic, Mazda 3.
| Forenza LX sdn, man. | Forenza EX sdn, auto. | Forenza EX wgn, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Generally comfortable on broken surfaces, especially among the compact class, though bigger bumps jostle occupants. Less settled on rough roads than segment-leading Honda Civic, Mazda 3.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Light, responsive steering, but noticeable body lean even at modest cornering speeds. Four-wheel disc brakes as standard a nice plus in this price range, provide fine pedal feel. ABS availability on all models another laudable asset for the class.
| Forenza LX sdn, man. | Forenza EX sdn, auto. | Forenza EX wgn, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Light, responsive steering, but noticeable body lean even at modest cornering speeds. Four-wheel disc brakes as standard a nice plus in this price range, provide fine pedal feel. ABS availability on all models another laudable asset for the class.
Quietness
Engine roars intrusively during acceleration, turns buzzy at higher speeds. Some suspension pounding over bumps. Substantial wind rush at freeway speeds.
| Forenza LX sdn, man. | Forenza EX sdn, auto. | Forenza EX wgn, auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Engine roars intrusively during acceleration, turns buzzy at higher speeds. Some suspension pounding over bumps. Substantial wind rush at freeway speeds.
Controls
Clear gauges nicely lit. Audio, climate controls simple to use and understand, though mounted just a bit low. Switchgear has quality feel. Materials impress for the price.
| Forenza LX sdn, man. | Forenza EX sdn, auto. | Forenza EX wgn, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Clear gauges nicely lit. Audio, climate controls simple to use and understand, though mounted just a bit low. Switchgear has quality feel. Materials impress for the price.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plenty of head and leg room, even for taller folks. Standard tilt steering wheel and height-adjustable driver seat appreciated. Visibility better than average in all body styles, though some testers say rear headrests interfere with over-the-shoulder view.
| Forenza LX sdn, man. | Forenza EX sdn, auto. | Forenza EX wgn, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Plenty of head and leg room, even for taller folks. Standard tilt steering wheel and height-adjustable driver seat appreciated. Visibility better than average in all body styles, though some testers say rear headrests interfere with over-the-shoulder view.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Adequate head, leg, and toe room for adults as long as front seats aren't more than halfway back. Entry/exit good for a compact.
| Forenza LX sdn, man. | Forenza EX sdn, auto. | Forenza EX wgn, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Adequate head, leg, and toe room for adults as long as front seats aren't more than halfway back. Entry/exit good for a compact.
Cargo Room
Sedan has wide trunklid, low liftover, capacity slightly below average for the class. Wagon and Reno have usefully larger cargo holds and generous liftgate openings.
| Forenza LX sdn, man. | Forenza EX sdn, auto. | Forenza EX wgn, auto. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 7 | 3.9 |
Sedan has wide trunklid, low liftover, capacity slightly below average for the class. Wagon and Reno have usefully larger cargo holds and generous liftgate openings.
Value within Class
Forenza and Reno fall behind most class rivals in refinement and fuel economy, and in acceleration with automatic transmission. Plus, Suzuki resale values don't yet match those of more-established Japanese makes. But these relative newcomers supply an impressive list of standard features for attractive prices, and they outpace most rivals for interior room.
| Forenza LX sdn, man. | Forenza EX sdn, auto. | Forenza EX wgn, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 5.8 |
Forenza and Reno fall behind most class rivals in refinement and fuel economy, and in acceleration with automatic transmission. Plus, Suzuki resale values don't yet match those of more-established Japanese makes. But these relative newcomers supply an impressive list of standard features for attractive prices, and they outpace most rivals for interior room.
Total Score
| Forenza LX sdn, man. | Forenza EX sdn, auto. | Forenza EX wgn, auto. | Class Average |
| 46 | 44 | 50 | 48.6 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 34 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 63 |
2005 Suzuki Forenza Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/09/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Forenza S 4-door sedan, manual | $13,449 | $12,776 | $545 |
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| Forenza S 4-door sedan, automatic | $14,349 | $13,631 | $545 |
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| Forenza S 4-door wagon, manual | $13,949 | $13,251 | $545 |
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| Forenza S 4-door wagon, automatic | $14,849 | $14,106 | $545 |
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| Forenza LX 4-door sedan, manual | $15,349 | $14,581 | $545 |
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| Forenza LX 4-door sedan, automatic | $16,249 | $15,436 | $545 |
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| Forenza LX 4-door wagon, manual | $15,849 | $15,056 | $545 |
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| Forenza LX 4-door wagon, automatic | $16,749 | $15,911 | $545 |
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| Forenza EX 4-door sedan, automatic | $17,049 | $16,196 | $545 |
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| Forenza EX 4-door wagon, automatic | $17,549 | $16,671 | $545 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
S
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-side height and lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer (wagon), floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails (wagon), 195/55R15 tires, wheel covers.
LX adds to S:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power sunroof.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, alloy wheels.
EX adds to LX:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery.
Optional Equipment
Safety |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Antilock brakes
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|
EX, LX, S
|
$500
|
$475
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2005 Suzuki Forenza Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Suzuki Forenza 4-door sedan | Suzuki Forenza 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.4 | 102.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.2 | 179.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.9 | 67.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.9 | 59.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2701 | 2849 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.4 | 61.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 39.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 | 42.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 39.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.7 | 36.7 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /122 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 126 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 131 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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|
| 5-speed manual | 22/30 |
| 4-speed automatic | 22/30 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Suzuki Forenza 4-door sedan | Suzuki Forenza 4-door wagon |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 7/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 3/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
South Korea
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2005 Suzuki Forenza Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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