2005 Suzuki Reno

It's difficult to be overwhelmed by a simple compact with few frills and modest horsepower, but all things considered, our editors found the Reno did its job quite well. The interior has sturdy, pleasant materials, comfortable seats, and room for four adults. The hatchback design swallowed lots of gear. And the standard audio system furnished surprisingly good sound quality and the ability to play MP3 discs.

Reno wasn't so impressive dynamically. It's not underpowered, but the engine sounds loud and coarse, the manual shift action is rubbery, and modest cornering speeds evoke tire squealing and noseplow. Worse, its 23.4-mpg test average was unimpressive for an economy car. But if Reno isn't as agile or refined as such class leaders as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Chrysler PT Cruiser, it is very competitively priced.

Our well-equipped tester, a 2005 LX model, listed for $16,349, including destination. The equivalent 2006 Reno is the Premium model, and equipped like our test car, lists for $15,879, including destination. That's less expensive than some competitors' base models, and includes front side airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. A 7-year/100,000-mi. powertrain warranty adds to peace of mind.

Editors' Comments

Mark Bilek: It is hard to fault the Reno on value. For just over $16,000, you get a heck of a car with just about everything a shopper in this class might want. I'd like to see Suzuki add curtain side airbags to the standard-equipment list.

Rick Cotta: Save for the rattle I've yet to track down and the high road/
wind/engine noise, I'm rather impressed with this Daewoo.....er......Suzuki. It's also one of the few 4-door hatchbacks at this price level. Problem is, two of the other 4-door hatchbacks are the Ford Focus and Mazda 3, both good (probably better) cars in their own right.

Chuck Giametta: Fuel economy should be better, and there's just too much engine noise. But our test car's list price is just over $16,000. For that, you get a roomy, well-built little hatchback that's easy on the eyes, has a surprisingly comfortable ride, and can be kind of entertaining to drive, if you're in the mood to push it a little.

2005 Suzuki Reno
Bodystyle:	4-door hatchback
Model:	LX
Engine:	126-hp 2.0-liter I4
Transmission:	5-speed manual
Total Miles:	10,094
CG Observed Fuel Economy:	23.4 mpg
Problems During Test:	At 8300 mi., a condensation-filled headlamp assembly was replaced under warranty. Note that the lamp was still operative.
Base Price:	$15,349
Price as Tested:	$16,394
Major Options:	Antilock brakes