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2008 Suzuki Forenza Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Suzuki Forenza Review:
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Suzuki Forenza Full Review
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2008 Suzuki Forenza Review
The 2008 Suzuki Forenza is largely unchanged for what is likely this compact car's final model year. Forenza comes as a 4-door sedan or wagon in Base, Convenience, and Popular trim levels. All have a 127-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Manual or automatic transmission is offered. Available safety features include ABS and front side airbags. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, and heated power mirrors are standard. Convenience models include cruise control and remote entry. Populars have a sunroof.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
News
Suzuki says its subcompact Swift hatchback will return to the U.S. in 2010, highlighted by a hybrid version. The Swift was last sold here in 2002, but has since been redone. The coming model will be a next-generation design. A sedan version is the rumored basis for the hybrid.
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2008 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. 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.
| 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
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.
| Base sedan, manual | Base wagon, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.4 |
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
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.
| 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
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.
| Base sedan, manual | Base wagon, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
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
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.
| 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
Clear gauges are nicely lit. Audio and climate controls are simple to use, but they're mounted a bit low for quick, easy access.
| 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
Switchgear has a quality feel. Use of quality plastics and solid assembly quality belie Forenza's low price.
| 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)
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.
| Base sedan, manual | Base wagon, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
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)
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.
| Base sedan, manual | Base wagon, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 |
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
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.
| 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
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.
| Base sedan, manual | Base wagon, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 6.1 |
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 | 58.2 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 71 |
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2008 Suzuki Forenza Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/14/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 4-door sedan, manual | $14,249 | $13,679 | $625 |
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| Base 4-door sedan, automatic | $15,349 | $14,735 | $625 |
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| Base 4-door wagon, manual | $15,149 | $14,543 | $625 |
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| Base 4-door wagon, automatic | $16,249 | $15,599 | $625 |
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| Convenience 4-door sedan, manual | $14,649 | $14,063 | $625 |
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| Convenience 4-door sedan, automatic | $15,749 | $15,119 | $625 |
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| Convenience 4-door wagon, manual | $15,549 | $14,927 | $625 |
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| Convenience 4-door wagon, automatic | $16,649 | $15,983 | $625 |
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| Popular 4-door sedan, automatic | $16,349 | $15,695 | $625 |
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| Popular 4-door wagon, automatic | $17,249 | $16,559 | $625 |
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, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-side height and lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer (wagon), floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails (wagon), 195/55R15 tires, wheel covers.
Convenience adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, remote keyless entry, steering wheel radio controls.
Popular adds to Convenience:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Optional Equipment
Safety |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Antilock brakes
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Convenience, Popular
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$500
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$480
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2008 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. | 2756 | 2855 |
| 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. | 127 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 131 @ 4200 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 20/28 |
| 4-speed automatic | 19/28 |
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 Forenza 4-door sedan | Suzuki Forenza 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Suzuki Forenza Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Suzuki Forenza Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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