Nothing -- the car is still new (only about two months old) and so far has been flawless.
This car is an excellent, welcome surprise. The result of a collaboration between GM, GM Daewoo of Korea, and Suzuki, the Reno is a stylish, spacious, great-handling hatchback with a long list of standard equipment, great fuel mileage, and plenty of street cred.
I was looking for a practical four-door hatch with good mileage, but which wasn't ugly. After looking at what Honda, Toyota, Scion, and Hyundai had to offer, I leapt at the Reno. Not only is its price lower, but the car has a higher-quality feel, with excellent dash materials, controls that click precisely, steering that's precise, and a tight jewel-box feel that inspires confidence.
Add in Suzuki's 10 year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty (with no deductible!), the standard front driver/passenger airbags, the standard SIDE airbags for driver and front passenger, the excellent 8-speaker sound system, and the dealer's excellent sales and service experience, and Reno outpointed the competition by more than a mile.
People have questioned the Daewoo bloodline of this car (it was designed in Daewoo's design facility), but a quick look and drive of this car -- plus the generous warranty -- alleviates those concerns. The Australian-built GM engine gives good economy and is a proven, reliable powerplant. The gated-shift automatic is also a proven GM design, which bodes well for reliability.
It's hard to think of a better value in its class. Dealers will sell you this car at invoice price -- for a tick over $13K, you get a loaded, spacious, fun-to-drive, economical hatchback with a great warranty. You cannot go wrong. Your open mind will result in a delightful experience, and you'll rest easy knowing you've got more equipment, more space, and a better warranty than people who paid thousands more for a Matrix or Civic hatch.
It is doubtfull you will enjoy this vehicle after it has reached 50k miles and above. Possibly designed by Daewoo, it may sport similar issues as other Daewoo models, however...based on one's oppinion. I don't necessarily care for Asian designed vehicles, however, my Toyota is still up and running.
Actually this car was designed by Italdesign, in Italy. GM and Daewoo built everything except the design. Keep in mind that Ital design has been known to design Ferrari's and many other high end cars throughout the globe. As for the Koreans, who else can build such a cheap and reliable car? if you don't like it, then go spend your money elsewhere and perhaps you shall realize that there is nothing elsewhere for this price brand new... except other Korean cars..
Sorry maybe a dodge neon...
I'm the author of this review, and I have owned Korean cars in the past -- I had a 2000 Hyundai Tiburon which was an excellent, reliable automobile which gave me over 90,000 miles of trouble-free service before I traded it in.
The Reno's long warranty ensures that even if something goes wrong after 50,000 miles, major systems are covered. And the quality of this car speaks for itself. Just climb in and close the door. Pop the hood. Look at the fit and finish of the dashboard, notice that even after 6,000 miles or so there aren't any buzzes, rattles or squeaks from the interior.
I'm quite happy with my decision. This is the best-built and highest quality car I've ever owned -- and far from the most expensive car I've ever owned. I've had a Sebring 2.7 convertible which was a troublesome piece of trash, an LH sedan (Concorde) which couldn't match the Reno for quality, a Tiburon which was reliable, but didn't have the substantial feel of the Reno, and a GM Grand Am (less said about the dozens of major failures there, the better). Every single one of those cars cost more than the Reno and delivered less.
The Reno is a fantastic bargain. It has lots of standard equipment, looks great, drives nicely, is quiet and spacious, feels substantial, gets decent mileage, and has street cred. Period. If you're in the market for a small car go and check it out, rather than sneering at the Daewoo involvement in the design. You'll find your biases will have changed significantly.
Was that a review or a manufacturer approved advert?
Yes, I can't help, but feel that the guy who owns this car works for GM/ Suzuki or Daewoo. Chevy entered the UK market with these cars, bad move, as for a new brand name in the UK marketplace and with products that are sub standard, I don't think Chevy will be staying long.
Suzukis warranty is 7/100k, not 10/100k.
Also korean cars are not trash, my 3 year old kia spectra has 100k plus miles and has been a great car. only had normal brake wear and a few problems fixed dur to me being hard and rough with the car.
"feel that the guy who owns this car works for GM/ Suzuki or Daewoo"
I am the author of this review and I do not work for any of the three companies mentioned. If you have some SPECIFIC comments where you disagree with me, by all means, post them. If your only comment is going to be "all Korean cars suck," and questioning my integrity, then do everyone a favor and don't post.
We are currently buying a 2006 Suzuki Reno Base model. It is super red with 12 miles on it and a 5 speed! I was shocked at how nice the car was. NO I AM NOT A DEALER, just surprised that this car is not as popular as the toyotas, hondas and others. It won't be long.
I am a 6'6" 210 pound man and cringed when I saw the car thinking I would not be able to sit in it comfortably. I quickly found out I was wrong. I can even sit in the back seat and be comfortable.
The model we are getting has an MP3, (not on the base model list), and cruise control! It is a 5 speed standard and zips around. We had a Ford Explorer and we are glad to be getting out of it. Gas guzzling Ford piece of junk. At 80,000 miles the head gasket went.
This car also has a 7 year warranty on it and a year of roadside assistance and that was awesome for us. Considering we are using MILES and we have a 5 year loan we will have it paid off before the warranty runs out. That is pretty cool.
It comes with AC, tilt steering and while it is not the fastest car, it has a neat little 4 cylinder.
I guess cars are like the PC's. Some few get good ones, others get bad, some get minor problems, some have to get new systems rebuilt. I just hope this lasts, we are actually excited about it.
No I am not a dealer or work for suzuki. Just thought I would offer an average Joe review other than the other bashing that goes on here with the sole intent of just posting garbage.
If you do not like the car fine, but at least voice your concerns. If you do not own or have even driven the car, how can you make an honest opinion?
Update: I am the writer of the original review.
The car has continued to perform very well. I have only had one problem so far, which I brought into the dealer. One day, the engine was running rough. They checked the system and mentioned that there's a recall on the ECM (computer) and throttle body in a couple of these vehicles (including mine).
The dealer did a computer test to confirm, and ordered the parts. I drove off without difficulty, came back a week later and waited about an hour while the parts were replaced. Now the engine runs more smoothly and I'm getting even better fuel economy.
Overall, no complaints. Suzuki service was great, and while it would be better if the computer had been OK out of the factory, they fixed it quickly and smoothly. The dealer was professional, Suzuki customer service was good, and this car continues to delight.
The other thing I cannot get over with this car is the fact that it's now been mine for about a year, and it still doesn't have a single creak, rattle or buzz as cars often do after being driven for a while. It's very solidly put together. I'd still recommend it and the Suzuki dealer, and the best thing is, this car will still be under warranty after I've finished making my last payment. Awesome!
My opinion on this car is you get what you pay for. First of all I bought my 2005 new and have had it for a year and have about 6500 miles on it.
The car has a good warranty and I believe you will need it the whole time you own it. I have to take the car in again as I am writing this because the check engine light came on again. The first time it had something to do with the fuel system. A few times the car has acted like it wants to stall, the idle drops to a few hundred rpm's then it clears up on it's own and runs fine for a while. My average gas mileage is in the low 20's which I believe is poor for this class of car.
Other issues which are not as much of a concern, but still should be mentioned are: The shifter is best described as a "wet noodle" in feel and 9 out of 10 times I need to double clutch to get the car into reverse. The car has more body roll than an old pickup truck. We get a lot of snow where I live and the traction was not too good, but I guess factory tires could be the biggest factor and I acknowledge that.
I saved a few thousand over a Civic, but I fear I will need to spend more in the long run because I will need to get another car before the warranty expires on this one. I feel I made a big mistake.
The Suzuki Reno is totally unreliable. After I had the car just 5 days, I began to have problems starting my 2006 Reno every morning. (They call it “hard start”.) After 2 ½ weeks with the car in the shop, the dealer put me in a 2007 Reno, which had “hard start” issues, again after I had it for just 5 days. In both cars, the “passenger airbag off” light stayed illuminated regardless of my having a passenger. This problem seems to coincide with the “hard start” issue, although Suzuki told the service center the problems were unrelated. The dealer then put me back in the original Reno, claiming it’s been fixed, which I do not trust yet. At no time did Suzuki return my several phone messages. Their customer service is non-existent. One would hope that by the third model year of a vehicle, the bugs would have been worked out. They still claim (through the dealer, since no one at Suzuki would talk to me directly) that the “hard start” problem is limited to the ’06 and the ’07 I got was a fluke. If I could get them to void my contract, I would and I would never again buy a Suzuki or recommend one to anyone, even my worst enemy. Don’t even consider this car!
I am the original author of this review and wanted to come back to report my progress.
My initial impression, which was good, is now wearing off. The Suzuki has been in the shop far more often -- and with more problems -- than is acceptable, in my opinion.
The latest problem is a check-engine light coming on (again) after I was told that this problem had been fixed with a computer replacement. Even though I get a warranty for the car, it's going to be sitting in the shop and not in my driveway taking me places I want to go.
The car also has developed some other faults -- a passenger air bag light that indicates the airbag for the passenger is off even when someone is sitting in the seat (the dealer says they'll try to fix this "common problem"), and occasional rough engine idling.
The fuel economy has also declined precipitously to the low 20s (I am told this is as a result of the computer/fuel injector problems).
Unfortunately, my initial reactions are being tempered by a troublesome ownership experience. Keep that in mind if you find the initial package tempting, and make sure that your dealer offers a free pick-up and drop-off for repair service in case your car becomes as troublesome as this one.
Or, better still, consider a vehicle from another manufacturer. I definitely will be doing so for my next car, which is sad. I had a lot of hope for this perky, loaded little hatchback.
I own a 2005 Suzuki Reno and it has been in the shop the last two weeks. My complaints were the headlights were out of alignment, the passenger airbag light stayed on constantly. Also at certain times it seemed as if the car wanted to die when the RPM meter went almost to zero. My big concern was the fumes that came through the vents when I warmed my car up in the mornings for about 15 minutes, when its real cold outside. It's the 4th time in the shop for that, and now they say they can't find the problem so they are going to drop the gas tank to see if that's the problem. Anyone else that owns a Reno needs to let it sit in idle for about 15 minutes with the heat on, then get inside to see if you smell any fumes. I know a lot of people don't warm their cars up ahead of time, so this might go unnoticed.
I have a 2005 Reno which is only getting 16-18 mpg city. The passenger front airbag does not sense my wife at 125 pounds 5 out of 10 times. The rear washer supply line broke and had to be repaired. The water pump is being recalled and they are out of stock at this time. Not very happy with this car. Sure would be nice to get 22 mpg city.
I own a 2005 suzuki reno purchased new in 2/6/2006.
At 2800 miles the engine cylinder head had to be replaced because of "hard starting". I now own a new car with a rebuilt engine. The mpg on this car is a disaster.
The first 200 miles gave me 19 mpg city/highway.
I now have 6200 miles on the odometer and am getting only 15 mpg city/highway. What a shame for a senior on a fixed income.
Thanks.