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2008 Suzuki Reno Full Review
Date Published: 4/11/08
2008 Suzuki Reno Review
The 2008 Suzuki Reno gets no changes of note for what is likely this compact hatchback's final model year. Reno shares its basic design with Suzuki's Forenza sedan and wagon. Reno comes in Base and Convenience trim levels. The only engine is a 127-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Manual or automatic transmission is offered. All Renos have 4-wheel disc brakes. Available safety features include ABS and front side airbags. Convenience models includes remote entry and cruise control.
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.

News
Sources expect Reno to add a sportier model for 2008 with a "high-performance" engine. There may be other changes as well. We should be learning more soon, so keep checking back with us.

Meantime, 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 Reno Road Test
Pros Cons
Instruments/controls Acceleration (automatic transmission)
Cargo room Ride/handling
Noise
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Convenience, manual Class Average
4 4.9

Only Renos with the manual transmission have been made available for us to test so far. They have adequate acceleration, but passing power is lacking. Similar Forenza sedans with automatic transmission have good acceleration from a stop, but progress fades as speed rises.
Fuel Economy

Convenience, manual Class Average
6 6.4

Not outstanding for small, 4-cylinder cars. A manual-transmission Reno Convenience averaged 23.4 mpg during its 10,094-mile extended-use test. Reno uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality

Convenience, manual Class Average
5 5.1

Generally comfortable on broken surfaces, especially among compact cars. Bigger bumps can jostle occupants. Reno is less settled on rough roads than the class pacesetters.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Convenience, manual Class Average
5 5.8

Quick, responsive steering, but there's noticeable body lean even at modest cornering speeds. Standard 4-wheel disc brakes are a nice plus in this price range, but Suzuki should make ABS standard.
Quietness

Convenience, manual Class Average
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

Convenience, manual Class Average
6 5.7

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

Convenience, manual Class Average
6 5.2

Switchgear has a quality feel. Use of quality plastics and solid assembly quality belie Reno's low price.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Convenience, manual Class Average
6 5.6

Plenty of headroom and legroom, even for taller folks. Visibility is better than average, though some testers say rear headrests interfere with the over-the-shoulder view.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Convenience, manual Class Average
4 4

Headroom, legroom, and foot space are adequate for adults as long as the front seats aren't set far back. Entry and exit are good for a compact.
Cargo Room

Convenience, manual Class Average
7 5

Reno has a usefully large cargo hold and a generous liftgate opening.
Value within Class

Convenience, manual Class Average
5 6.1

Reno isn't as mechanically refined as most class rivals. Acceleration is tepid, especially with the automatic transmission. Fuel economy isn't as high as it should be for a compact 4-cylinder car. The more-established Japanese makes beat Suzuki on resale value, too. Reno does deliver an impressive list of standard features for attractive prices, and it out paces many rivals for passenger and cargo room.
Total Score

Convenience, manual Class Average
57 58.2
Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score
50
Average Score
58
High Score
71
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2008 Suzuki Reno Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/14/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 4-door hatchback, manual $13,599 $13,055 $625
Base 4-door hatchback, automatic $14,699 $14,111 $625
Convenience 4-door hatchback, manual $13,999 $13,439 $625
Convenience 4-door hatchback, automatic $15,099 $14,495 $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, interior air filter, 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, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
195/55R15 tires, wheel covers.
Convenience adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, remote keyless entry, steering wheel radio controls.
Optional Equipment
Safety
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Antilock brakes
Convenience
$500
$480
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2008 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. 2745
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. 42.0
Rear Head Room, in. 38.0
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. 127 @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 131 @ 4200
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
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 Reno 4-door hatchback
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4
Rollover Resistance 4
Side Impact, Driver 4
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 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
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