Acceleration

Base sedan, manual	Base wagon, automatic	Class Average
4	3	4.9

With automatic transmission, good progress from a stop fades to modest acceleration as speed rises. The transmission downshifts very quickly for more power. A hard shove on the throttle results in more noise than progress at higher speeds. Acceleration is livelier with the manual transmission, though passing power is still lacking.

Fuel Economy

Base sedan, manual	Base wagon, automatic	Class Average
5	5	6.5

Not outstanding for small, 4-cylinder cars. In Consumer Guide testing, sedans averaged a dismal-for-the-class 17.8 mpg with manual transmission in all city driving, 29.5 in mostly highway work. Automatic-transmission models averaged just 17.8 mpg in mostly city driving. Forenza uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Base sedan, manual	Base wagon, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5

Generally comfortable on broken surfaces, especially for the compact class, though bigger bumps jostle occupants. Forenza is less settled on rough roads than the segment-leading Honda Civic, Volkswagen Rabbit.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base sedan, manual	Base wagon, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5.9

Quick, responsive steering, but noticeable body lean is evident even at modest cornering speeds. Standard four-wheel disc brakes are a nice plus in this price range, but Suzuki should make ABS standard on all Forenza models.

Quietness

Base sedan, manual	Base wagon, automatic	Class Average
3	3	4.4

The engine roars intrusively during acceleration and turns buzzy at higher speeds. There's some suspension pounding over bumps and substantial wind rush at freeway speeds.

Controls

Base sedan, manual	Base wagon, automatic	Class Average
6	6	5.7

Clear gauges are nicely lit. Audio and climate controls are simple to use, but they're mounted a bit low for quick, easy access.

Details

Base sedan, manual	Base wagon, automatic	Class Average
6	6	5.2

Switchgear has a quality feel. Use of quality plastics and solid assembly quality belie Forenza's low price.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base sedan, manual	Base wagon, automatic	Class Average
6	6	5.7

Plenty of headroom and legroom, even for taller folks. Visibility is better than average in all body styles, though some testers say the rear headrests interfere with the over-the-shoulder view.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base sedan, manual	Base wagon, automatic	Class Average
4	4	4.1

There's adequate head, leg, and toe space for adults as long as the front seats aren't set far back. Entry and exit are easy for a compact.

Cargo Room

Base sedan, manual	Base wagon, automatic	Class Average
3	8	5

Sedans have wide trunklids with low liftover. Their total capacity is slightly below average for the class. Wagons have a usefully larger cargo hold with a generous liftgate opening.

Value within Class

Base sedan, manual	Base wagon, automatic	Class Average
4	4	6

Forenza falls behind most class rivals in refinement and fuel economy, and, with automatic transmission, in acceleration. It also lacks key safety features such as curtain side airbags and traction control. Suzuki resale values don't yet match those of more-established Japanese makes, either. Forenzas do, however, have an impressive list of standard features, attractive prices, more passenger room than many rivals, and the versatility of a wagon body style.

Total Score

Base sedan, manual	Base wagon, automatic	Class Average
51	55	58.4

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		58
High Score		71