2008 Suzuki Forenza: Road Test
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2008 Suzuki Forenza ▼
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- MSRP: $14,249 -$17,249
- Invoice: $13,679 -$16,559
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Our road test for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Suzuki Forenza from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza help you decide if a 2008 Suzuki Forenza is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base sedan, manual | Base wagon, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4.8 |
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 | 6.6 |
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 | 5.1 |
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 | 4.5 |
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 | 4.9 |
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 | 6.2 |
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 | 58.7 |
Total Score: 53
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