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2006 Suzuki Reno Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 Suzuki Reno Review:
5. 
Suzuki Reno Photos

6. 
Suzuki Reno Full Review

7. 
All Suzuki Renos

8. 
All Suzukis


2006 Suzuki Reno Review
Suzuki sells three compact cars: Aerio, Forenza, and Reno. Forenza and Reno sharing engines and chassis. The Forenza comes as a 4-dr in sedan or wagon form and the Reno comes only as a 4-dr hatchback. Like the Forenza, Reno comes in base and Premium trim. Reno is also available in midlevel Convenience form. The only engine is a 126-hp 4-cyl. Five-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions are available. All Renos have front side airbags. ABS is standard on Premium models and unavailable on the base and Convenience Renos. Standard are air conditioning, power windows, power 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.

News
Tipsters say Reno will add a sportier model for 2007 with a "high-performance" engine. 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 Reno Road Test
Pros Cons
Instruments/controls Acceleration (automatic transmission)
Cargo room Ride/handling
Noise
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Reno LX hatch, man. Class Average
4 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

Reno LX hatch, man. Class Average
7 6.7

Not outstanding for a small, 4-cyl car. Extended-use-test Reno LX with manual transmission averaged 23.4 mpg over 10,094 miles. Reno runs fine on regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

Reno LX hatch, man. Class Average
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

Reno LX hatch, man. Class Average
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

Reno LX hatch, man. Class Average
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

Reno LX hatch, man. Class Average
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)

Reno LX hatch, man. Class Average
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, though some testers say rear headrests interfere with over-the-shoulder view.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Reno LX hatch, man. Class Average
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

Reno LX hatch, man. Class Average
6 4.7

Reno has usefully cargo hold and large hatch that makes loading big items easy. Interior storage generous for a small car.
Value within Class

Reno LX hatch, man. Class Average
5 6.2

Reno 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. But Reno has good interior room for the class, sports an impressive list of standard features, and is priced attractively.
Total Score

Reno LX hatch, man. Class Average
51 52
Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score
37
Average Score
52
High Score
64
2006 Suzuki Reno Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/13/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 4-door hatchback, manual $13,199 $12,671 $580
Base 4-door hatchback, automatic $14,099 $13,535 $580
Convenience 4-door hatchback, manual $14,149 $13,583 $580
Convenience 4-door hatchback, automatic $15,049 $14,447 $580
Premium 4-door hatchback, manual $15,299 $14,687 $580
Premium 4-door hatchback, automatic $16,199 $15,551 $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, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
195/55R15 tires, wheel covers.
Convenience adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette/CD/MP3 player.
Premium adds to Convenience:
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear spoiler, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2006 Suzuki Reno Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Suzuki Reno 4-door hatchback
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. 42.1
Rear Head Room, in. 37.9
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 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.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Suzuki Reno 4-door hatchback
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 Reno Review:
5. 
Suzuki Reno Photos

6. 
Suzuki Reno Full Review

7. 
All Suzuki Renos

8. 
All Suzukis


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