2005 Suzuki Forenza LX 2.0 from North America

Summary:

The best looking car for the price (and runs OK too)

Faults:

Check Engine and Airbag lights have come on repeatedly. Dealer keeps checking, but finds nothing actually wrong and turns lights off.

General Comments:

Generally, a comfortable ride.

I don't care for the auto trans - downshifts too quickly.

Mileage is OK for such a small engine at 25-30 miles per gallon.

Interior space is adequate.

The styling, interior and exterior, is my favorite part.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th September, 2007

2005 Suzuki Forenza LX Wagon from North America

Summary:

I like the car very much, but would not buy another Suzuki

Faults:

THE ONLY thing that is ANNOYING to me that the ENGINE LIGHT. The last couple months (6), it has been turning on and off. I brought the car to the dealer the first time it came on, and they told me that it was inaccurate information, the computer did not detect any problem. They rebooted the computer, and everything was fine for a couple more weeks.

Then it comes on again, and this time it's time for 30K, they fixed it again.

One month later, the light is ON again. I brought the car yesterday (August 24) to the dealer. This is what they told me: There is a problem with the software of the computer, the technician from my dealer service called the HOT LINE from Suzuki, and they informed them that Suzuki is working on the software to correct this glitch in the software. It will take a couple more weeks until it will become available for the Suzuki owners. Meanwhile, I am to be running my car as usual, and not to worry about it. I questioned back: "what if there is a problem and I will not know, because the car has the light on all the time". The technician told me that I will notice a malfunction on the car, despite the light.

I AM NOT SATISFIED with this situation, and I am sure that other people would not be as well. It makes me wonder if it was a good deal having switched from VW to Suzuki.

Adriana Potter, SPT

Class 2007 - NUPTHMS

adriana-potter@northwestern.edu

adrianapotter@earthlink.net

General Comments:

We bought a Suzuki - Forenza, model 2005. I love this car despite what people say about the take off. Yes, it can be slow to take off (the Ford Focus or VW Golf are much better in this regard). However the car is very spacious, and the trunk is unbelievably big, with hide away compartments, and the roof of the car can also accommodate more luggage, as we added a made for this purpose bag.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th August, 2007

2005 Suzuki Forenza Standard Wagon 2.0L from North America

Summary:

If you're a small wagon lover, this thing is mega bang for the buck!

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

Lots of room for people and luggage.

Drives and handles superbly, excellent for cross-country travel.

Comfortable cab and sensible instrument panel layout.

Good looks and good color selection.

Lots of extras for the price (very reasonable), and the warranty is one of the best out there.

Hey Suzuki, bump up that gas mileage! 29-30 highway and 24-25 town.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th August, 2006

2005 Suzuki Forenza S from North America

Summary:

Great value for the money

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

So far I am very pleased with the Forenza wagon. To begin with, there are few wagons in the market; none in this price range. You get a lot for your money, and the warranty is very good. My mileage has been improving as I drive the car. During a recent trip to Florida I averaged 32-35 miles per gallon on the highway. My car has an automatic transmission.

In my opinion, the only thing missing from the S model is cruise control.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2006

2005 Suzuki Forenza s from North America

Summary:

Excellent car for the money!

Faults:

Nothing, so far!

General Comments:

This is a nice, comfortable car... tight fitting, solid feel. The interior appointments are thoughtful and convenient, although a locking glovebox and lighted visor vanity mirrors would be a welcome touch. Beyond that, you get a lot of good features standard for a reasonable price.

I am happy with this purchase, and would recommend the Forenza to a first new car buyer... it is a great, roomy wagon with a bit of style!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd May, 2006

2005 Suzuki Forenza LX WAGON 2.0 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Very nice small wagon for a decent price

Faults:

None so far. Car has been running excellent.

General Comments:

Very nice looking for a wagon, and comfortable.

Fuel Mileage is OK (24 mixed and 29 highway) so far.

Excellent fit and finish and interior materials of decent quality.

Decent performance. One thing that these cars do is to down shift out of overdrive automatically when you coast downhill. Not sure many folks will like that feature.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2006

24th Aug 2006, 13:54

Update on the Forenza LX Wagon:: So far so good...9500 trouble free miles. Average gas mileage around 25 MPG and on a trip right at 29 MPG... Nothing done to the vehicle so far except routine oil/filter changes every 3K miles and rotated the tires.

14th Mar 2007, 07:42

Just received a letter from the manufacturer informing me that some 2004/2005 Forenza's and Reno's need to have the timing belt/water pump inspected. Apparently there may be an issue with the water pump flange damaging the timing belt. This inspection/repair will be done free of charge. If you own one of these vehicles, you may want to contact the dealer to see if your vehicle needs to be inspected. Other than that, no issues so far woth the 2005 Forenza Wagon.

3rd Apr 2007, 13:01

Update on the water pump/timing belt inspection: It looks like some water pumps were incorrectly assembled resulting in the pump drive pulley's flange wearing out and damaging the timing belt. The result could be the cams jumping time and bending valves etc... In my case, the dealer replaced the water pump and installed a new timing belt. This was all done under "warranty". It took the dealer approximately 4 hours to complete the inspection/repair.