2005-2008 Suzuki Reno: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room
- Instruments/controls
Cons
- Acceleration (auto. trans.)
- Noise
Vehicle Highlights
Suzuki introduced a 4-dr hatchback version of the Korean-built Forenza compact sedan for 2005. Called the Reno, it came in S, LX, and top-line EX models, all with a 126-hp 4-cyl engine. S and LX came with manual transmission. Automatic transmission was standard for EX, optional for S and LX. All had front side airbags and 4-wheel disc brakes as standard. ABS was optional. Also standard were air conditioning, power windows/locks/heated mirrors, tilt steering wheel, CD stereo with steering-wheel controls, and 15-inch wheels. LX added cruise control and keyless entry. EX had leather upholstery instead of cloth. Like other Suzukis, the factory warranty for Reno included roadside assistance and transferable 7/100,000 powertrain coverage with provision for a free loaner car.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Suzuki Reno hatchback, man. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Suzuki Forenza:
Model names were changed to Base, Convenience, and Premium. The Base model's equipment was similar to that of the former S, but ABS was no longer optional. Convenience added cruise control, keyless entry, and a sunroof, but again, no optional ABS. Premium added ABS, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and alloy wheels. Leather upholstery was no longer available.
2007 Suzuki Forenza:
Reno lost its available sunroof in 2007.
2008 Suzuki Forenza:
The 2008 Suzuki Reno got no changes of note for what is likely this compact hatchback's final model year.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
A Reno equipped with a manual transmission is the only model made available for testing. There's good acceleration from a stop, though less so as speed rises, and highway passing power is lacking. The transmission shifts smoothly but has a rather long shifter throw. The extended-use-test Reno LX averaged 23.4 mpg over 10,094 miles-not great for a small car with manual transmission. Suzuki recommends regular-grade fuel. Reno doesn't match the best in this class for ride comfort, as it's somewhat stiff and bouncy over larger bumps. There's noticeable body lean even at modest cornering speeds, but the steering is light and responsive. Four-wheel disc brakes provide fine pedal feel, but we recommend getting a Reno with ABS, which isn't available on all models. The engine roars under acceleration and turns buzzy at higher speeds. There's some pounding over bumps, and a fair amount of wind noise at freeway speeds. Audio and climate controls are clear and easy to reach and use, though they're mounted just a bit low. Materials befit the car's price. There's plenty of front head and leg room, and the standard tilt steering wheel and height-adjustable driver seat allow most people to find a comfortable driving position. Visibility is generally good, but is hindered to the back corners by the rear headrests and thick roof pillars. In back, there's adequate head, leg, and toe room for adults as long as the front seats aren't more than halfway back. Entry/exit is good for a compact. A generous liftgate opening allows easy access to the cargo hold, which can be enlarged by folding the standard split folding rear seatback.
Value for the Money
Reno offers an impressive list of standard equipment and affords better interior and cargo space than many compacts. It trails top competitors in performance and refinement, but its lower resale values aid those in the used-car market, as does Suzuki's generous transferable warranty.
Reno offers an impressive list of standard equipment and affords better interior and cargo space than many compacts. It trails top competitors in performance and refinement, but its lower resale values aid those in the used-car market, as does Suzuki's generous transferable warranty.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Suzuki Reno hatchback, man. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Suzuki Forenza includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Suzuki Forenza .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brake noise:
Rear brake noises are corrected by installing revised brake pad springs on the calipers. (2004-05)
Cold-starting problems:
The idle may jump to as high as 2,000 rpm when coming to a stop on vehicles with manual transmissions, or it may idle rough or stall with an automatic while the engine is cold after cold soak, requiring a computer flash. (2004-05)
Electrical problem:
The key may not come out of the ignition lock due to a problem with the shifter lever not making electrical contact when shifted into park. (2004-06)
Electrical problem:
Damaged insulation on wiring harness between left fender and its liner results in short or opens, causing various components (from lights, fuel pump, rear defogger, etc.--about 40 circuits in all) to quit working. (2004-05)
Oil consumption:
Excessive oil consumption and blue smoke from the exhaust may be due to a broken or missing PCV restrictor in the valve cover requiring a new valve cover. (2006)
Transmission problems:
Harsh 3-4 downshift on automatic transmission, accompanied by a check engine light, requires reprogramming the transmission control unit. (2004-05)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $600 |
| Alternator | $710 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $3,105 |
| Brakes | $325 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $830 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $930 |
| Exhaust System | $440 |
| Radiator | $650 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $720 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $570 |
Our price chart for this generation Suzuki Forenza details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Reno | $9,800-11,000 | $8,800-9,900 | $5,100-5,700 |
| 2007 | |||
| Reno | $7,600-8,800 | $6,800-7,900 | $3,800-4,400 |
| 2006 | |||
| Reno | $6,000-7,000 | $5,200-6,100 | $2,500-2,900 |
| 2005 | |||
| Reno | $4,800-5,800 | $4,000-4,900 | $1,800-2,200 |
| Reno EX | $5,900-6,700 | $5,100-5,800 | $2,500-2,800 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Suzuki Forenza include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door compact car | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 169.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2739 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 45.4 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.7 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 2.0-liter 126-hp 4-cylinder engine with 131 lb-ft of torque was offered with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 126 | 131 | 5-speed manual: 23/30 4-speed automatic: 22/31 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: South Korea
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Suzuki Forenza include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2004-2006:
2006-07:
The front seat belt tongue will not latch into the buckle and, in rare cases, even the locked tongue will pop out by low stretching force. Dealers will replace the front driver and passenger seat belt buckles with the improved part.
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