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2006 Suzuki Forenza Full Review
Date Published: 10/19/07
Also in the 2006 Suzuki Forenza Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2006 Suzuki Forenza Review
Suzuki sells three compact cars: Aerio, Forenza, and Reno. Forenza and Reno share engines and chassis. The Forenza comes in 4-dr sedan and wagon form. The Reno comes only as a 4-dr hatchback. Forenzas come in base and Premium trim. The only engine is a 126-hp 4-cyl. Five-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions are available. All have front side airbags. ABS is standard on Premium models and optional on the base Forenza. Standard are air conditioning, power windows/locks/heated mirrors, tilt steering wheel, and 15-inch wheels. A sunroof is a stand-alone option.
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 Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.
News
Tipsters say Forenza will get a freshening for 2007, which likely means a few styling changes and perhaps a new feature or two. We should be learning more soon, so keep checking back with us. Meantime, Suzuki says the subcompact Swift hatchback will return to the U.S. market in 2010, the same year the company promises a hybrid car. The Swift was last sold here in 2002, but has since been redesigned. The coming model will be a next-generation design. A sedan version is the rumored basis for the hybrid.
2006 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 | 4.4 |
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
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.
| 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
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 | 4.9 |
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
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.
| 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
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 | 4.2 |
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 | 5.9 |
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)
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 | 5.5 |
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 | 3.9 |
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
Sedan has wide trunklid, low liftover, capacity slightly below average for the class. Wagon has 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 | 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 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.
| 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 |
2006 Suzuki Forenza Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/13/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 4-door sedan, manual | $13,699 | $13,151 | $580 |
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| Base 4-door sedan, automatic | $14,599 | $14,015 | $580 |
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| Base 4-door wagon, manual | $14,399 | $13,823 | $580 |
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| Base 4-door wagon, automatic | $15,299 | $14,687 | $580 |
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| Premium 4-door sedan, manual | $14,999 | $14,399 | $580 |
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| Premium 4-door sedan, automatic | $15,899 | $15,263 | $580 |
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| Premium 4-door wagon, manual | $15,699 | $15,071 | $580 |
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| Premium 4-door wagon, automatic | $16,599 | $15,935 | $580 |
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
Base
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 trunklid 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.
Premium adds to Base:
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Safety |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Antilock brakes
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|
Base
|
$500
|
$480
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|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Power sunroof
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||
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Premium
|
$600
|
$576
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2006 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
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 23/30 |
| 4-speed automatic | 22/31 |
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.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Suzuki Forenza 4-door sedan | Suzuki Forenza 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 |
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 2006 Suzuki Forenza Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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