2007 Suzuki Forenza Review
The Forenza is a compact car that first debuted in America in 2004. It replaced the Suzuki Esteem. Available as a hatchback or sedan, it had already been introduced to the rest of the world a year before America. The Forenza is a rebadged Korean Daewo Lacetti, which is widely available around the world in a number of makes and models. The Forenza received a new exterior and upholstery for 2006.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Suzuki Forenza is a very affordable little car, and we like the fact that it comes as either a sedan or a wagon. While it may have initially wowed the automotive press with its low price and feature list, it’s no longer as impressive. Several new kids on the block, such as the Honda Fit, make the Forenza seem pathetic by comparison. The fact is its low gas mileage is simply unacceptable for a car its size, and there’s simply no excuse for its poor crash test scores.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Forenza 2 stars for overall mechanical quality and 3 stars for overall design quality. Problems that affected the 2004-05 Forenzas include brake noise, cold start issues, damaged electrical insulation, and harsh shifting. It was recalled once in 2004 for malfunctioning brake lights. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Forenza earned 4 stars in government crash tests. During testing, the left passenger’s head was struck by a C-Pillar. The IIHS gives the Forenza an “Acceptable” rating in frontal tests, and “Poor” in side and rear tests. Front side airbags are standard. Anti-lock brakes are optional.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Available as a wagon or a sedan
+ Inexpensive
+ Good reliability record
Cons
– Poor safety
– Terrible gas mileage for its size
– Poor value
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Honda Fit has standard anti-lock brakes, more cargo space, and gets up to ten more miles to the gallon, at the same price. The Kia Rio SX costs $500 less and gets five to ten more miles to the gallon, at the cost of power accessories. The Nissan Versa costs $550 more, but offers a CD changer, six-speed transmission, and four to seven more miles to the gallon.
What Others Are Saying:
“As a car the Forenza is just OK, but as a wagon it’s wonderful. The cargo area isn’t quite as generous as wagons like the Ford Focus and VW Jetta, but it offers more room than the new generation of “sport wagons” such as the Toyota Matrix — and besides, it clobbers ’em all on price.” – About.com
“Driving the Forenza reminded me of walking through Wal-Mart and marveling at how cheap everything is: a CD boom box for $29, DVD players for $49. Suzuki’s version of the low-cost revolution is an economy car packed with electronics and other features that not long ago were off limits to bargain hunters.” – U.S.News & World Report
“All told, we spent $501 on scheduled service for the Forenza. That’s $54 more than we spent on our long-term 2000 Ford Focus SE wagon.” – Car and Driver
Read more about the 2007 Suzuki Forenza at the Suzuki manufacturer web site.
