Used 2005 Suzuki Forenza Consumer Reviews
Best Car Ever
I love this car. I have never had a problem with it and it has been driven back and forth across the country five times. My husband is an auto tech and is still surprised at the little amount of work that has had to be done. I have only had to have regular oil changes done.
Best Wagon for Your Buck
My experience with this wagon has been marvelous. It is sturdy and very reliable on long trips. It is the best value for the money compared to any other brand. It is very economical it gives me 31.27 mpg on highway. It is highly underrated.
- S SedanMSRP: $2,9991,773 mi away
Great Hauler
I bought this wagon when my pick up died (of course in front of the dealership). I looked really smart because the price of gas went through the roof right after I bought it. The only problems I have had was first it eats tires which I remedied by going to a 60 series tire instead of the 55 that it comes with. The other problem was when a critter ate the wire harness. The dealer fixed and was able to get most of the cost covered under warranty. I get over 30 mpg and drive the care everyday to work and to drumming jobs. The car holds so much that we take on our vacations even though my wifes car is bigger. It is great car but too bad Suzuki has discontinued it for 09.
Served us well
We bought our Forenza new and have been driving it for 5 years. Its not as comfortable as our older bigger car but we expected that. Its always been reliable, no issues. Never noticed a problem with the power and I spend a lot of time on freeways. Dealerships keep selling out and we end up making a day trip to get checkups, warranty stinks - charge an arm and a leg just for normal stuff thank God nothings gone wrong.
Very Satisfied
I bought this car almost two years ago and am closing in on the 36,000 mile mark. It had a few minor initial quality problems that the dealer happily fixed in the first month. Since then it's been flawless. It is a great value, and is comfortable for a big tall guy like me. It hauls a big load without complaining and it has a great stereo and nice styling. Its handling, acceleration, and fuel economy are adequate, but not stellar. High speed highway cruising is fine though. The automatic transmission shifted harshly at first, but a simple reprogram has it shifting like butter. Overall this is a nice car, I wish it was more popular.
Janet's Forenza
My Forenza is eye catching, the ride is good, the handling is good, the interior is good, but the engine performance is lacking. Plus it onlu has average fuel ecomomy. Its feels more comfortable crusing at high speeds. The car has been in the shop twice, other than for regular service; once for the driver's side air bag light, and the second time for the driver's side air bag light and for an entire A/C system failure.
A Sleeper that's a Flat-out Steal!
We absolutely love this car! And I hate cars (where's those jet-packs that those futurists said we'd have by now?). Anyway, after extensive internet research, my wife and I decided this was it (first ever new one). It looks great, drives great, feels great, and it didn't break the bank. Though it's only got 30,000 miles on it, it has not let us down once nor has it been in a shop except to get oil and tires changed. It has plenty of room (hauls an upright bass just fine), has great safety features, has a decent stereo., and has plenty of power. It's a superb, solid highway cruiser! Folks, if you want an inexpensive wagon that sure doesn't look and feel like one, the Forenza is it! O.K., here's an update after driving the Forenza wagon for these last 15 years. 207,000 miles and the engine still doesn't use any oil unless it's pushed hard (i.e. 80-85 mph across Montana in mid-summer), but still doesn't use much even then. With regular maintenance, it still feels solid and runs great. No leaks, no noise, everything inside still works...it is impressive. However, and this is a big however....it's a clutch-eater. And I've driven sticks since the 70's so I'm confident to say it's not operator error. It is now on its 4th clutch, which includes the one from the factory. And that only lasted 94,000 miles. The second clutch went quick, and I suspected mechanic incompetence with that one. But other than that, I'm still happy with it. It's just a great, no-frills car that has never left us stranded regarding the engine or the electrical system. Luckily when the clutches went, we weren't out in the middle of nowhere. Other than that, can I still recommend one of these? You bet. Even with a manual transmission as my problems may have been a fluke. I can't vouch for the automatic transmission, though, although I have read some mixed reviews. You can pick these up cheap with reasonable amounts of miles on Craigslist and such. But I'm driving this thing until it totally and finally gives up the ghost. And it looks like that may be a while! Looks like the good folks at Edmunds would like me to update my last update! Well, since Covid hit, the car has only been driven about 5,000 miles more (I get to telework) and it still runs like a champ. So at 212,000 miles, I can still say I'm pretty darned happy with its performance. Simple and reliable (clutch still doing fine), good gas mileage, still doesn't seem to use oil unless I push it hard for a long period of time (as mentioned earlier....80-85 across Montana on a 100 degree day with just a teeny level drop on the dipstick). I'd take this car anywhere without hesitation. I think what's really helped is I just do simple maintenance like checking and topping off fluids, changing the air filter, changing oil (5,000 miles), keeping the battery clean, keeping tires rotated (at the tire shop).....just basic stuff like that that doesn't take a lot of effort. And I can barely use a screwdriver so I don't/won't try to do anything more. Fortunately I have good, honest mechanics for that. I'd still recommend this car for good, simple and cheap transportation. Like I mentioned earlier, you can find these for reasonably low prices on Craigslist. However, for disclosure, we did buy ours new and have kept up with all recommended maintenance from Suzuki (well, pretty much). And I can't vouch for the ones with automatic transmissions. However, if you can find a wagon with a stick for cheap (and preferably with reasonably lower miles), do give it some serious consideration, as I think these cars are vastly undervalued and underrated. And that's a big plus for anyone shopping for a car (especially a wagon) with limited finances. Here's my final review, as we no longer have this car. I misjudged the miles between changing the timing belt, and I paid the price several years ago. In the middle of nowhere eastern Montana at 2:00 am. Interference engines don't fare too well when the timing belt goes, so a junkyard outside of Livingston gave me a few dollars for it. The engine at that time had 228,000 miles and up until that point, still running strong with very little oil used between changes. Everything worked on it and body was solid. So, here's my final pro and con assessment: Pro: solid body, solid trouble-free engine, simple control panel that always worked, decent gas mileage, handled well. Con: Poor and inexcusable clutch design (maybe, or possibly poor replacement installation?), somewhat weak heater and a/c. So would I buy another one? Yes, if mileage was low and in good condition, and cheap enough. The clutch problem on ours may have been an isolated/unlucky situation, I just don't know. These are hard to find these days and will occasionally show up on Craigslist, but usually in poor condition due to neglect.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Keep the Gas Stations in view
Nice package with all the LX or EX models. In a real city , Chicago, with the 4 speed auto trans, keep your wallet and gas stations in view. Gas mileage miserable at 13.5 to 14.5 mpg. This is a real shame for otherwise a nice vehicle and what could have been an excellent value. Forenza Wagon LX with 4 speed auto and 4 wheel abs.
Excellence and Practicality
What a deal. To get a beautiful car that is comfortable, fully equipped, and convenient, not to mention the fantastic gas mileage that it gets. I will never buy another American made auto. I got a100,000 mile warranty, which is unheard of in the American car market and the equivalant American car was $10,000 more expensive.
Fun to Drive/ Huge leg room
It has huge leg rooms in both front and rear seats. It is very comfortable to drive with less noise. It's been a real great car for its price. The problem is this one's strengths are not well publicized in the market yet...
Great car for the price I paid
A lot of features is standard in the car, as a 4 wheel disk brakes, power mirror, windows and lock, roof rack. 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG in the freeway, I did many travel on this winter and the average was 30 MPG (5 speed).
Not an Econo Auto
The Forenza is not a bad car. However the gas mileage is not good. In the city the best I was able to get was 15 MPG.
Great Car for the Price
The 2005 Suzuki Forenza is well made and fun to drive. It is a surprisingly nice vehicle for the price. It comes standard with many options that are cost extra on many other cars, cush as power windows and door locks. I have owned a number of Hondas and this car is right up there with the Civic.
It's a Chevy ...
I was driving it for some time ... so far I have to be in the dealership once every 4 months ... something is wrong and needs fixin. I'm used to Nissan QUALITY!!! Now I understand why this thing is so cheap! I'm disregarding the airbag light all together - after a dealership it's off for about a month ... then on again. Do I have to pay $300 each quoter or do I ignore it ... transmission is another common problem ... If you want to see a lot of lights on the dashboard all the time - this car is for you, if not - choose a different manufacturer.
Dont Buy
In this case my car is a lemon. A few months after i purchased the power steering rack went out covered under a warranty. Dec 09' Bolt in idler pulley snapped which caused my timing belt to shred which caused 12 valves to bend. Need a new motor $3,000.00 later. Valve cover leaks a little bit of oil. Other than that the car is great. But needless to say once i pay it off im not going straight to a suzuki dealership.
73
very good car all the way around fun to drive nice ride good inside and out side look to the car could be better gas miles to it
Good bang for the buck!
It has the style and standard features of cars costing 3 or 4 thousand dollars more. Very comfortable ride for this size of car. This is my first foreign built car and am well pleased.
Surprised by Suzuki
Being in a labor Union (local 1175 baby!) comes with it an unspoken rule to buy american. I went to dodge, ford, and chevy looking for a compact car to fit my needs (being 21, my dream vette is still a bit out of my league). After thorough review, I ended up in a suzuki dealership. The warranty alone justified me buying brand new (upgraded to 7/100k bumper2bumper) but the car itself was full of options! I couldnt make myself go back to the other dealerships and pay more for less!
Suzuki Forenza
The Suzuki Forenza is one of the best vehicles I have owned or driven. It is very comfortable to ride in and to drive. The vehicle looks like a top notch ride, but it comes at a fraction of the cost. The interior comes with plenty of places to store any items that might need to be placed out of the way. In all, this is a very roomy and comfortable vehicle to own.
2004 Suzuki Forenza
My 2004 Suzuki Forenza is a great car. Make sure you buy it from a repudable Suzuki dealer though because the dealer I purchased my Suzuki at later decided to stop selling them and now I have to drive half an hour away to the next closest Suzuki dealer for maintence. So far after 6 months and nearly 8,000 miles this car is running great. I have had a few problems, but overall the car handles great and is fun to drive. The car guzzles gas, but thats because I drive it almost a hundred miles a day. I highly recomend this car. It can be a little noisy but overall it is a great machine.
Forenza Review
The car is roomy in the front but less leg room in rear seating area. Easy to handle and rides very smooth. One drawback on the interior is the steering wheel blocks the speedometer. The seats adjust easily and are quite comfortable. Controls are easy to reach and use. Gas mileage is great I get around 34-35 hwy. It is an attractive looking car with many pluses when you compare it with the price of the vehicle. It handles well in heavy traffic and stopping is not a problem and has a good turn radius. Easy to parallel park. Overall the best vehicle I have owned and really liked the price.
Economically priced
I figured the Suzuki Ex for the price of $13,800 and some change out of the door (OTD) the gamble is worth it. The vehicle is loaded with leather seats, front and back airbag, power windows, full fledge alarm system, Cruise control, AM/FM CD/ Cassette player, Sun roof, Fog lights and audio control buttons located on the steering wheel. It also has 3 years of road service, 7 years warranty on major mechanical components, for that price I really cannot complaint. I was driving this vehicle for a week and a half and it give me better gas mileage than my Sienna LE.I owned Town & Country Crysler and they brought nothing but stress and nightmare.
Decent Car
The Suzuki Forenza is a good value and a great looking car. It's gas millage would be better if a more powerful engine is in place.
Hit or Miss
Problems are minor so far. Bought it almost brand new with 4k miles on. AC needs repair every summer, but was covered by warranty so were some recalls. Fuel economy is fair but should be a lot better. Lacks power but overall good value for the money.
My bad experience with Suzuki cars
I purchased a Suzuki Forenza new and have had nothing but problems, brake lights staying on, windshield pops and cracks, seats upholster coming undone especially front seats (been fixed twice), a problem with the power windows, hard to start on cold days, does not get mileage it should, boggs down, engine idles too fast, hard to get in reverse. The dealership tears it up more each time it is serviced. By the way, the joke at the 4 wheeler suzuki dealer is that you should buy the 4 wheeler because it will get you where you're going, even if Suzuki's cars are "falling apart."
Nice, but work on MPG
I bought the 2005 Suzuki Forenza S. I think the main reason I bought this car was because of the 100,000 mile warrranty with full transfer to the next buyer. The gas mileage on mine around town and a little freeway is about 25-27 mpg in Utah. My 2002 protege gets about 29 avg. so they need to work on that. The car has very good standard features that most base models do not come with. Mine is having some issues with the air bag sensor and some dashboard noise while diving. All and all, this is a great car for the price!
Not too bad a car
Well, I have owned my car for one month right now and I have to say that I am rather happy. Did have one minor glitch my clock did not work-service said fuse blew out- just did not know how that could have happned. Anyways, rides fine, has good pickup when giving it the gas, sound system is great, didn't really find the leg room space as others have found. I had an orginal 1986 Pontaic Grand Am which I found to just as have as much leg space as this car but the backseat is more comfortable to sit in as my friends report.
Suzuki Forenza
I love my Forenza. I've had it for almost six months now and everything about it is great. I feel like it has a good amount of power, especially in the higher gears and at higher speeds. This car is everything I needed in a car.
Heather's Review
My experience my 2005 Suzuki Forenza has been great. I love it. It's my second vehicle and I wish it had been my first vehicle because I love it so much!
This is a good car
The Forenza has pretty good performance, a very good body style, an excellent stereo, stops on a dime, and comes with lots of extras that other models of this type do not have. Go with the LX or EX model and you get what you pay for. They say it has a lot of wind noise, but when the windows are up this car is very quiet and smooth.
New Car
I recently traded in my honda civic. I love my suzuki.
Forenza "S"
The car isn't too fast on accelration, it crusises well at 70-80 mph. I' mdisappointed the "S" model I bought didn't come with cruise. The next model up is well worth the money, I also felt I got a great deal on the car. $12,000 for the 05 model and the selling dealer told me he still made $2000. on the sale.
Good ride
I bought my car in December, '05. I love my Forenza. I drove it from Louisiana to Colorado and had great gas milage. I bought it to commute to school and it has served that purpose well. If you need a car to get around town or are a college student, get this car!
Rides too low
The Suzuki Forenza rides very low, plus there is a obvious lack of respect from other drivers on the road. I feel inferior. The gas mileage is disappointing at 24 mpg overall. I expected 27-28. If I had a do over, I would have purchased a Suzuki Aerio SX. It is really nice and is much taller and made better, in the US instead of in Korea. Or perhaps I would have bought a Toyota Matrix. Also, I have learned that Suzuki dealerships, I have gone to three of them, are not very professional or knowledgeable about their vehicles. I had questions about synthetic oil and some other stuff and they gave me the wrong info. I tried to trade my Forenza back in after only four months and Suzuki wouldn't give me anything for my car. They did not want it back.
Outstanding Value
I can not believe how much car and extras were delivered for the price that I paid for this vehicle. I expect that it will go up in price just due to how well it has performed compared to other vehicles in its class that cost much higher. I have been very pleased so far!
Gas a Holic
Purchased a Forenza LX Wagon , auto trans and all the bells and whistles. While I did realize the vehicle was no penny pincher in the fuel economy arena, I am disappointed in the fact I am averaging only 13 to 14 MPG in City driving. Automakers need to meet actual fuel economy estimates and not be allowed to sell vehicles that do not meet the advertised specifications. Hoping MPG will increase, and I won't be disappointed in my first foreign auto.
Bad Tranny, Shocks, & Gas Mileage, but Good Looks
I bought this car to commute to work and got decent gas mileage on highway, but horrible in town mileage of less than 20 MPG. At less than 30,000 miles, the transmission went bad and the rear shocks are knocking and rattling! Note this car was purchased to commute to work via a one hour drive on the interstate, so most of it's mileage is highway! With a bad tranny and rear shocks at under 30,000 miles (most of which were highway) and very poor in town gas mileage, you're better off buying something else! I'm buying a Honda next time, or anything else, for that matter!
I Love My Suzuki
The Forenza has plenty of power, awesome stopping ability, and a great suspension.
Would I buy a Forenza again?
As I take the Forenza to the shop AGAIN, I ask myself if I would buy this one again. No. Not likely. This car has cost us more in the time we have owned it (purchased new) than any other we own or have owned. MPG says 21-22. Have RARELY gotten 20 (more often 16-18). DON'T try to drive in slippery conditions (rain or ice), because you will likely need to be pushed out of the way. I have had equivalent Toyotas in the past, and NEVER had a question about use in winter. Not so, the Forenza. Also, tires are NON-STD size ($$), 7yr/100k warranty is severely limited. It drives ok, but would I get another Suzuki product based on our experience? Sadly, and very disappointedly, No.
slow at start; good final speed
Well put together. Slow pick-up; 110 +- mph top speed. Automatic Transmission not that hot. Comfort not that good. Lots of pockets for storage. Ergonometrics excellent. Excellent turning radius. Gallons per miles poor. Beautiful design in and out. Good value. Lots of extras for the $. Good sound equipment. Good stability for a wagon.
Decent car/ great price.
I bought the car because it was so cheap. i received a killer warranty and great service from the dealer. I financed the car for 60 months, but as long as i owe money on it it is covered because they gave me a 7 year/100000 mile bumper to bumper. who could beat that. it gets good mileage and is a fairly decent looking car. They beat everyone elses price by thousands and gave me a car easily as nice.
Baby Bert
Excellent little car to drive and fun too. I've only found one drawback to the car, when driving,if your passenger who is sitting in the front seat happens to raise up off the seat for a few seconds, the air bag will turn off. This little design flaw could be fatal if the air bag sensor does not reset itself properly. My Forenza only resets when the car is turned off and then restarted.
You won't pass any gas stations
Purchased 2005 Forenza LX wagon with 4 speed AT & 4 wheel abs. Like the style size and features with the vehicle. Like the small engine , I have a new driver in the crew and figured the meek acceleration would be a plus. The car is embarrassing for a 2005 model year vehicle , gas mileage in the city is 13.5 to 14.5 mpg. If you live in a rural area may be an excellent purchase for those of us in city driving the gas mileage makes this vehicle a mistake to buy. First foreign car purchase and it looks to be very disappointing.
A car you love to drive
I just love the five speed manual transmission, it really takes the corners like a sports car, when you down shift too third gear and then up to fourth gear arounding the corner. I have been truly happy the car all around. I'm a big guy about 280 pounds and don't have any trouble with getting in and out.
forenza wagon review
best buy wuth looks and mileage
goodcar
good car for the money that i paid for the car i am very happy and my wife is also happy with are car
love this car
i got this car little over year now and i love it ...
So far So good
I bought my 2005 Suzuki Forenza and the dealership failed to give me a car fax and tell me it had been in a tiny wreck prior to purchasing it. I have spent money on it for 60K tune up, cost me 2K, at least that and the tire rims well they bend easily and cost 150 bucks each and can only be purchased at the dealership. But it's paid for and NO I will not buy another one. I want a Ford or a Honda next time. My car makes odd sounds and groans like I do when I have to go to work. But at 116K miles and going and the gas mileage is excellent 35+ on the highway, I will not give her up unless my little silver money drainer dies first.
Bang for your Buck
Great price on a well built sedan. We were reluctant at first even consider a Suzuki, but after taking it on a long road trip, we were pleasantly suprised about how well it handled, gas mileage, and it's smooth ride. The only drawback is the lack of cruise control. By far, you get a lot of car for your money. Very satisified with this purchase.
What a steal
I can't believe what I paid for this car and what the options are. Very quick, no power problems. I just talked my mother in law into the forenza station wagon. Don't spend the extra money on the Honda or Toyota you would just be throwing it away. Two children fit nicely into the back with the travel tv, have taken long trips with no probs and how about the warranty? I paid more for a new car in 1991 that didn't have half the options. Wife loves it and we will be looking at the XL 7 to replace the grand cherokee because of the quality and cost of our first suzuki.