Suzuki Forenza

Price Paid:  $16000.00 from Jeff D'Ambrosio

Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 Suzuki / Forenza

Summary:
My wife had this car 3 months, it was only drivable ~ 3 weeks in that timeframe. Electronic throttle controller is defective and no fix for it was available. Had to lemon law it. Agreed to settlement but no money yet. On top of that, Suzuki towed the car from the dealer without telling me and cleaned out all our stuff. We only found out when they called to have us pick up the stuff at the dealer. Then they tried to take away our loaner car and leave us with nothing to drive (and we don't know where they took the Suzuki). Jeff D motors went along with all of it and is totally unreliable.

Strengths:
It looked nice and handled well when it was driveable.

Weaknesses:
Lost power due to repeatedly bad electronic throttle.

Similar Products Used:
Focus, Escort, Civic

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $9500.00 from 2003

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Suzuki Forenza

Summary:
Dont know what everyone else is talking about, but my Suzuki runs really well. Reliable, and affordable. I got the base class for a nice, low price of $9500. Up until now, i have had no need to bring it to the dealership or any shop for problems. Either the reviewers are super unlucky, and most of the Forenzas are actually good, or theyre mostly bad and i just got lucky with a nice one.

Strengths:
-8 Speaker standard
-Edgy/sensitive accelerator pedal, strong brakes
-AWESOME price
-Nice handling (despite what other reviews say)

Weaknesses:
-Well, weak engine. 2.0 liter 127hp wont cut it for a sedan. If it were a coupe, perhaps it would do, but the forenza sedan couldve began with 150bhp.
-Cheap materials (but what can you say? it was a low priced car! you get what you pay for)
-Gas tank aint big enough! or it just guzzles gas. :X

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.63 of 5, 8.00 votes

Price Paid:  $14500.00 from Bill Seidler's Suzuk

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Forenza S / Compact Sedan

Summary:
This car gave us more than other products with similar or even higher cost. Excelent price after $1500 rebate. Very nice noise isolation and smooth running.

Strengths:
7 years warranty, audio system with 8 speakers and CD/Cassette player with on hand controls, 5 headrests, full electric powered controls.

Weaknesses:
ABS system as an option. 2.0 lt. engine has less power than others.

Similar Products Used:
Toyota Corolla Chevrolet Cavalier

Price Paid:  $10500.00 from Johnson's Kia Crysta

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Forenza

Summary:
I like the looks of the car and how it handles. It is fun to drive and has some nice perks, like the C/D am/fm & Cassette and good speaker system. I still have to learn some things about the car.

Strengths:
Great brakes mirrors five great view of whole car. Good air conditioner....

Weaknesses:
Gas mileage is BAD for a 4 cylinder with under 6,000 miles on it. So what is wrong? took it in and no onwonders why so low mileage performance.

Similar Products Used:
Had a '89 Chevy Celebrity that got better gas mileage.....

Price Paid:  $12000.00 from Russ Darrow

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Suzuki Forenza S

Summary:
I got this car as clearance in 2005 with 18 miles on it. In time I've owned it I haven't had a single problem with it. I've owned 'problem' cars in the past but this one is great. Other than regular maintenance its been fine. I'm not too sure on safety of the car. I was in a fender bender and wasn't going more than 10 mph and the whole hood got bent. However that may be normal.

Strengths:
Roominess, reliability so far, color, looks, size, fits all 4 of us comfortable with room for groceries, large trunk.

Weaknesses:
Would have liked more features (cruise, keyless entry) but I got the basic model. MPG isn't impressive.