Acceleration

Forenza LX sdn, man.	Forenza EX sdn, auto.	Forenza EX wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	3	3	4.4

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

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 averaged 17.8 mpg with manual transmission, 29.5 mpg in mostly highway driving, and just 17.8 with automatic in mostly city driving. Forenza runs fine on regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Forenza LX sdn, man.	Forenza EX sdn, auto.	Forenza EX wgn, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.9

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

Forenza LX sdn, man.	Forenza EX sdn, auto.	Forenza EX wgn, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5.6

Light, responsive steering, but noticeable body lean even at modest cornering speeds. Standard four-wheel disc brakes a nice plus in this price range, provide fine pedal feel.

Quietness

Forenza LX sdn, man.	Forenza EX sdn, auto.	Forenza EX wgn, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	4.2

Engine roars intrusively during acceleration, turns buzzy at higher speeds. Some suspension pounding over bumps, substantial wind rush at freeway speeds.

Controls

Forenza LX sdn, man.	Forenza EX sdn, auto.	Forenza EX wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.9

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)

Forenza LX sdn, man.	Forenza EX sdn, auto.	Forenza EX wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.5

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)

Forenza LX sdn, man.	Forenza EX sdn, auto.	Forenza EX wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	3.9

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

Forenza LX sdn, man.	Forenza EX sdn, auto.	Forenza EX wgn, auto.	Class Average
2	2	7	4.7

Sedan has wide trunklid, low liftover, capacity slightly below average for the class. Wagon has usefully larger cargo holds and generous liftgate openings.

Value within Class

Forenza LX sdn, man.	Forenza EX sdn, auto.	Forenza EX wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	4	5	6.2

Forenza falls behind most class rivals in refinement, fuel economy, and acceleration with automatic transmission. Plus, Suzuki resale values don't yet match those of more-established Japanese makes. Still, Forenza supplies an impressive list of standard features for attractive prices, and outpaces most rivals for interior room.

Total Score

Forenza LX sdn, man.	Forenza EX sdn, auto.	Forenza EX wgn, auto.	Class Average
46	44	50	52

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		52
High Score		64