Used 2004 Suzuki Forenza Consumer Reviews
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Easy to find any parts!!
I have researched, and you can buy almost all parts for this car at rockauto.com. you don't have to use a dealer. Thanks
headaches!
I was so excited when i first bought this car. it was my first brand new car and i was excited that i got such a great price...unfortunately all that changed 2 years into owning it. the check engine light had been an on going problem since the beginning. multiple small problems arose in between then and now. the pickup in the car when accelerating is very slow. as for the last 2months. i have had the car in the shop more than ive had it at home. it has not been able to pass inspection for the THIRD time. lets see its had, a head gasket replaced, antifreeze leak fixed, serpentine belt replace 2x, new thermostat 2x, new pcm ,still not fixed now. buyer beware!
Great Car
I bought this car because it looks good and the warranty is great, and when we test drove it we like the how it drove. After 43,000 miles, we can say it has been very dependable and caused us no problems. This one is going to our daughter next year for school and we will likely buy another for the wife.
Bad Company
We bought 2 Suzuki Forenza's from Dealership in New Smyrna Beach, FL. the first brand new and the second used. The A/C climate controls broke on both, only 43,000 miles on the second one! Right after warrantys were over of course! A $300.00 part! Had to pay the Dealership $90.00 to look at it and say "yep its broke" so they could send a report to the Manufacture in the hopes of fixing it free of charge or some kind of help? But of coarse they declined to help at all! This Multi Million Dollar company screwed over a loyal customer for $300.00!! The Dealership has never been very helpful or that friendly after you buy! I Would highly recommend everyone to stay away from Suzuki!! Built cheap!
Decent Ownership
I bought mine new in '04, have been blessed with only minor items.Overall experience has been great. At 57,000 miles I need to spend $1200 on "normal" things like a water pump,struts, transmission flush, and timing belt. I cannot complain.
Poor Choice for Your Kids
This car has been a real dog from the beginning. The only good thing is it's under warranty for 9,000 more miles. However, I doubt we will keep it that long. We have had repeated problems with three different sensors and had to issue a complaint to obtain a car to drive while mine was being serviced because of its poor quality. You couldn't give me one of these things.
Loved my Forenza (yes LOVED)
I bought my Forenza new and have had little problems with it. Replaced the headlights within two years and just recently one taillight. The reason I say loved, is that I totalled it this past weekend. I was involved in an accident and the whole front end of the car whas demolished. Yes this is good news, the whole passenger compartment was fine. The officer said he was amazed that the four of us walked away. I've heard good things about Suzuki's safety and now I can say that they are true.
Don't Buy One
This car was purchased primarily because of the cheap price & options. If only I had been wiser. It worked well for about the first 2 years. However, city MPG is usually 20 or less, which doesn't make much sense for a car of this size/class. I've had numerous issues with the car alarm randomly sounding & the engine not turning over at all. At one point, it took over 30 attempts to turn the engine over. It was in the shop 5 times, yet the Suzuki dealer couldn't solve the problems. Go figure. The paint job is cheap & chips/scratches way too easily. Buyer beware: you can get a brand-new used Corolla for about the same price as a new Forenza. Get the Corolla, avoid the hassle.
Very Good Car So Far
The poor Forenza takes so much abuse. I don't doubt that these problems do indeed exist for its owner's but I have had only two problem's with mine. The CD player usually takes 10-15 insertion's before it will play. This is the second one and it is as bad or worse than the first. It was replaced under warranty. The second problem is an erratic idle. Sometimes it will idle at 2,000+ RPMs at start-up or even after driving on the freeway and exiting, but I found a fix for this 98% of the time. At 15+ MPH come to a HARD stop (no skid) and wait 3-4 seconds. Why doe's this work? I have no clue. Otherwise I have has no problems. Also, performance tires make a HUGE improvement in the handling. I love mine.
A Lot Of Car For The Money
My fiance and I were in the market for a new car when we stumbled across the Forenza. We began to research it and others in its class. We were amazed at how many standard features came with the S! No matter which car was compared (again, in its class) with the Forenza, time and again the Suzuki won hands down. It's a sprightly little car that's fun to drive. Really. Even with the auto. This will be our first car together and our first Suzuki. Needless to say, we bought the S and can't believe how much we saved over the competitors!
Always in the shop!
Bought this car to have a new reliable way to get to work (100miles/day). Within the first 5,000 miles we got a rattle in the dash, now at 30,500 it still is not fixed after 5 trips to the shop!, We also have had 5 check engine light experinces, replaced throttle body and control arm bushings. The car is at the dealers more than my driveway. I got a lemon off the lot! Will never buy another Forenza. even the floor mats wore out in less than 20,000 miles
Great Car
I thought I would give the Forenza a shot when I bought it. The stereo was good and was the most comfortable out of all the cars I test drove. This is my work vehicle so comfort is important. I have over 106K miles and the only thing I replaced is the brake switch. It took two days to get from the dealership and cost me $15.00. I replaced myself in their parking lot. It is not a luxury car but it has definately met my needs. It will run for another 100K miles.
My Suzi
I got my Suzi at 35k. I love my car. It has a sunroof and other cool stuff. The engine has its own quirky sound. It's the perfect family car for 4. The sunroof button is starting to stick. I would never trade it.
Just Fun and it is About Time!
This car is like a fun little James Bond car! It is always easy to drive and fun to get around in. Everything about this car is ergonomically correct. The design under the hood and inside the car are too cool!
Can't fFnd Parts!
I've put about 36,000 miles on this car and would have recommended it to anyone looking for economical yet fun transportation. That is, I would have right until I found out nobody sells parts for them but the dealer. Before you buy one of these give your local parts store a call and ask if they carry Forenza parts. Anything beyond something simple like an oil filter and it's back to the dealer you'll go, and you know the prices they charge. Yup, I love the car all right, but the lack of repair parts means I'll get rid of it soon, and I won't buy one again unless that changes. Too bad...
Great car for the money
This is an exellent car for the money overall but with a few obvious, easily corrected, cheap details. It's ride and handling were superb even at higher speeds. Interior was quiet and the ride well controlled. Fit and finish were generally on-par with the class. Very good mid-size car at an economy car price, though resale value is still questionable.
Good car for low budget buyers!!
I'm using this car for the last 4 years. I drove 62000 miles on it. Running good, never gave me any trouble. I'm glad that I chose Suzuki Forenza.
not impressed
I had a 100,000 mile or 7 year warranty. Right after 100,00 miles everything broke! I have to get new struts on all 4 wheels, new wheel bearings, the electrical is bad and the cigarette lighter is broken, It's going to cost thousands to repair, and of course not under warranty anymore.
Don't buy this car!
When I bought this car new, it didn't seem too bad, but man was I mistaken! This car is rough and shoddy. After the initial 500 miles were put on, any semblance of confidence in it was worn off. I'll spare the details and just go on to two main points. First, the value has dropped like a rock. Second, anytime something needs done to this car, you better be ready to wait for the part to come in and be ready to pay through the nose for it. I just got the brakes done - discs were $90/each and I had to wait a week. Call your tire stores and find out how many of them stock 195/55R15 tires. Few, if any will I'm sure. Save some dough and frustration: buy a 5 year old Civic.
not so good...do your research: recalls, reliability, parts
You would be better off investing in a good, credible, affordable vehicle. Suzuki no longer makes cars; therefore, the parts are difficult to find and most of their car dealerships are few and far between (in other words, very few exist to service those with Suzuki cars.) I purchased a 2004 Suzuki Forenza in 2006, and it had about 20, 000 miles on it. It stopped working in June 2013 because it needed a new PCM ($1,230 to repair) and it had about 103,000 miles. However, between the time that I had it and the time that it died, the car had major issues with gasket, valve, oil, trans sensor. Also, it had at least 4 recalls on parts so be sure to do your research.
Love my car
I have been searching for an affordable vehicle for the past two months. Most of the time if a car was affordable you would be driving a box. The Hyundai Elantra made me feel claustrophobic. When I took the Forenza for a test drive I knew that it was the right vehicle for me. It is roomy and classy at the same time with a great price tag. My last vehicle was a Toyota Camry so you know that I already had high expectations.
nice car
Liked price and looks and features and price,real sporty. Just got and having fun .One nightmare was the only way to get it was the high financing for 66 months of 296.00 and 100.00 down ..What happened to the advertized low payments ,this is going to turn off my friends who like my car, can anyone help on a better rate. I pay my bills.
good car for the money..
this car is really nice for the entry level cars compared to it... it is my first new car and i love it
Great quality for the price!
This car is incredible (especially for being a suzuki)! I was skeptical when going to test drive it but when I did it amazed me. The variable power steering is awesome and gives you alot of control over the car. Even though it only puts out 126 horses, it really wants to get up and go. The interior styling is superior over its opponents. Over all the egronomics of this car (being a suzuki) leave me flabbergasted!!
Forenza
I love driving my 2004 Forenza the only thing I wish was different is its mpg. I feel like I am constantly putting gas in it.
Fabulous and Affordable
Lots of room, comfortable , cute and affordable. I Love my new Forenza. Great gas mileage and lots of trunk space. The armrest with the cupholder on the backseat is great for kids to put drinks in. Less accidents. Very family and Pocketbook friendly car.
Fun commute
An easy to drive, well handling car. Contrary to what I've read, the engine has plenty of pep. So far I'm averaging 29 mpg on mostly rural/in town driving.
Acceptable: Speedometer dislike
For the most part it is an acceptable vehicle. The speedometer is the only thing that I dislike about the Forenza.
Exceeding expectations
After careful comparison shopping to the point of driving every car salesman in town crazy, I chose the Forenza LX . The fit & finish are better than the Nissan Sentra & the Honda Civic in this class. The refinement of the ride and smoothness of the engine, along with lower levels of wind & road noise, made the choice a no-brainer. I found the Sentra too cramped, the Civic was too sparse & noisey for the $$$. Standard 4wheel discs & steering wheel mounted audio controls are a big plus. Interior design & plastics are first rate. The Corolla was lighter on features for the price. Suzuki is well equipped to gain loyal repeat customers along the way.
a lot of car for a little money
Shockingly, this is a lot of car for $13,500. At first I was looking at the Verona, but I saw the Forenza in a brouchure. I loved its look better than its older brother and kept asking when it would be available. It just so happens that the first shipload came in the next week. So instead of buying the Verona, I saved a couple thousand and bought what I liked better. Now I'm eagerly waiting for aftermarket products to personalize my Forenza.
Can't get more for your dollar
From the styling to interior comfort, it's been a real joy to own. It would be hard to find more for the price paid, and I'm very happy driving it!
my Suzuki
I love this car! It's easy to drive ,handles great, and gets great gas mileage! It's a great first new car!!!! The cassette/cd player,and speaker system is awesome!along with the controls for them on the steering wheel. What more can I say!
great
rides great and is a solid car, great value for money
Fusion Red Forenza of Hi Quality
- The safety rating is highest - Love the ext. look produced by Italian Pininfarina + the Fusion Red color. - Interior f+r l+h spaces roomier than Corollas Civics Sentras. Interior materials great quality. Drivers seat has nice side & adjustable lumbar support, nice for aching lower backs - Engine is torqy, 126 hp & 131 ft/lb, silent, smooth & enjoyable ( someone with new Mitsubishi Galant tried to race me, but lost ;-)) - Standard design features good, 195R5515 Kumho tires, good in cornering, Porche-Opel suspension, claimedly tweaked by Lotus, giving definitely good drive - OK 8 spkr cd/cas/radio, pwr: door locks, mirrors, windows, trunk
My White Forenza
The handling at high speeds is superb, very tight. The gas mileage is as expected on highways. The Exterior is great, looks similar to the Corolla S, also has Altezza like tail lights. The interior design does not look cheap at all.
WOW
Great car. More upscale features than you would expect for the sticker price. Great warranty.
great automobile
I have been looking for some time for a new vehicle and this one is a great buy. It is great on fuel mileage, it is very comfortable to ride in, and it has a classy look to it.
Forenza is good
Great car. Great for first car, even if you are 35 like me. I bought the car after having a Honda Civic, a 99. I like this car much better, has more features, and less noise, with as much pickup.
Check Out The Forenza
This Suzuki is pretty nice. Euro styling in and out, looks better than most of competition. Also the good price doesn't hurt.
Big Bang for your buck
A lot of car for a very reasonable price. Packed with features that are optional on other cars. Great ride and handling and plenty of power for me.
Great Buy!!!
I was at a car show and was not really looking to buy. After seeing many cars and not being to impressed, I saw the Forenza. I ended up buying the car that night. The overall design of the car was very appealing to the eye. All the standard features was a big plus. All the other cars were very basic and kinda plain inside. The price was right and also good gas mileage. Having great fun driving. My first new car in 20 years.
Brand new
My husband and I just purchased this vehicle and we think that it will be a great car. We bought it first for its fuel economy. But it has a great design and lots of fun colors. He likes it because the manual is very peppy. It also has a dash board that does not reflect sunlight which i think is one of the coolest features along with the cd player and the drl and the seatbelt in the back that does both cross and lap belts. It also has one of the highest safety records. I would recommend this car to anyone who is thinking about
daughters car
purchased the lx auto. handles and acceleration is very good for a small car even a 70mph. interior is nice and roomy with a exterior that is well finished (i am 6'2" 240lbs). according to my daughter sound system is very good. under the hood everything is easy to find. plugs and wires can easily be replaced. oil and filter is ok to change.
Suzuki, for the price - good car
Bought the car for price/gas mileage. For 12K (tax,title,interest on loan included!) great value for the $$ Only one problem with the gas pedal being a little sticky otherwise not too bad. did get hit by someone going about 10 mph and it ripped the bumper off but still I'm happy overall. Gas mileage could be better with the rubber band they put in for an engine though, I get 25 around town and 30.5 on the open road which to me is not good enough.
Great car for the price
This is a great car to buy for a first time buyer.It has a lot of great features like power windows,locks,it has a CD changer and cassette,controls for the radio on the stearing wear.I also like the brake pad on all 4 wheels instead of drums on the back.I handles great.I would buy another one in the future.
my suzuki
I bought my forenza in march i have had nothing but very good experiences with it. It is fun to drive and very comfortable. It is worth the price asked for it. I get really good gas mileage. It doesnt have alot of horsepower but enough for its size.But I could always increase the horsepower at any time that I please.
good car
I like the car.....its really nice
Forenza2004 awsome car great for anyone
Lovely car, great for anyone of all ages able to drive it. great pick up great breaks. Confortable, and smoth driving. great on gas, great on milolage, it hase a good look to it, casual car. In the lower ranges of expencive cars. I think that anyone who does not wanna have to worry about playing a butt-load on gas then this would be your car:).
Suzuki Foreza
Well it's a fun, affodable vehicle that drives like it has a v6 in it. Get's great gas mileage, which is really good around this time. You will get much more out of this car, than what you payed!!
affordable and sporty
Just a great driving car with everythig at finger tips