2010 Suzuki Swift? No…But The Feds Say So!
The next-generation version of the Suzuki Swift, due out next year, isn't quite a sure thing for the U.S. market; but we've been told it's been engineered this time with federal regulations in mind. If the 2011 Suzuki Swift does come to these shores, it would take on the growing segment of sporty subcompacts, including the 2011 Ford Fiesta, 2011 Mazda2, and 2011 Volkswagen Polo.
But might it be coming early? Heard of a 2010 Suzuki Swift x? We haven't, and we'll bet most U.S. Suzuki dealerships haven't either.
It's easy to get confused. If you value fuel economy and are browsing through the EPA's fuel economy ratings, whether on FuelEconomy.gov or in the 2010 Fuel Economy Guide, you might notice that the Swift x is one of the more fuel-efficient vehicles this year.
While a spokesman for Suzuki said that the Swift definitely isn't due for 2010, it's in there, with EPA ratings of 27 mpg city, 35 highway with a manual transmission. The feds are listing the Swift x as having a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.
Spoiler alert: Turns out all those figures--including those for passenger and cargo volume--do apply to the Daewoo-built Suzuki 'Swift +' that's sold in Canada and closely related to the Chevrolet Aveo....NOT the supposedly U.S.-bound, next-generation Swift.
In the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide, the Swift x hatchback is listed as the "2010 Suzuki Swift +" and carrying the EPA SmartWay designation and certified for federal Bin 4 emissions standards, again with the same levels of specific pollutants as the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo.
Yet it's more than a little odd why a Canada-market vehicle would show up on the U.S. listings. We haven't seen it before, so it's likely someone submitted the paperwork with the feds. In previous years there was no Volkswagen City Jetta on the list, nor the Pontiac Montana, a vehicle that continued for several more model years (through 2009) in the Great White North.
Suzuki sold a previous version of the Swift in the U.S. through 2001, and many years before that, Chevrolet (and then Geo) sold versions of the Swift--badged the Sprint--that have been coveted in recent years by frugal high-milers. Meanwhile, the current generation of the Swift has received a strong reception in Europe and is lauded for its design as well as for the way it drives.
It seems unlikely that Suzuki would have brought the dowdier Swift + to the U.S. anyway, seeing that the brand has just launched the excellent 2010 Kizashi, and U.S. company officials admit that its previous Daewoo-built vehicles weren't up to the same standards as those built in-house. The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo can't quite measure up to most other models in its class, according either to TheCarConnection.com or most other major review sources.
No formal announcement has yet been made for the U.S. But for now, we'll hold on and take this as an affirmation that the Suzuki has smartly decided to green-light the car that will boost, not potentially bruise, their image.
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2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Suzuki Grand Vitara in order to give you an expert opinion in this Bottom Line. Then TheCarConnection.com researched available road tests pertaining to the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara to help you get the most information as you shop for a new vehicle.
Likes
Nice, upright driving position
In-town maneuverability
Off-road capabilities
Dislikes
Spare tire on the back
Bouncy suspension
Drinks too much fuel for its size
The five-passenger Grand Vitara compact SUV is reasonably civilized on-road, and it has the goods to perform decently off-road--including such features as a ladder frame and truck-style four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. The redesigned unibody construction, along with a fully independent suspension, results in a kinder, gentler ride and handling characteristics in the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara than the previous truck-based generation could muster.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is available with a choice of engines for the 2009 model year. The new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and should deliver EPA fuel economy estimates of around 19 mpg city, 26 highway. The new 3.2-liter V-6 engine, replacing the 2.7-liter V-6 and available in the Grand Vitara XSport and Luxury models, produces 230 horsepower and 213 lb-ft of torque. Despite its 45-horsepower increase, the new V-6, according to Suzuki, is 20 percent cleaner than the old V-6 and delivers better fuel economy.
Also new on the 2009 Grand Vitara is the front bumper design and grill and interior enhancements, including illuminated steering wheel controls, a sliding front center armrest, visor extenders, HVAC controls, an upgraded audio system, and updated cloth upholstery.
The high seating position, combined with good forward and side visibility and especially precise, direct steering, makes the Grand Vitara surprisingly convenient and maneuverable on tight city streets, with a footprint for parking that's about the same as the smallest sedans. The ride quality is decent, but it can deteriorate and get bouncy over choppy pavement. Outside city limits, the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara doesn't handle or brake as well as expected--partly due to its heavy 3,700-pound curb weight--and the high seating position exaggerates the modest body lean in sharp corners.
Cargo space is a letdown; the cargo floor is higher than expected, and the heavy, old-style side-opening tailgate can be difficult when parallel-parked or when you're trying to hold on to grocery bags with one hand. The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara also has front seats that are a little short in proportion for taller occupants, but the backseat has enough legroom for adults--only two though, as the body is quite narrow.
Unlike its competition, the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara has the underpinnings for serious off-roading. An available, dual-range, Four Mode four-wheel-drive system includes a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing for off-road use--or a fully automatic single-mode version.
Front-side and side-curtain airbags are standard on the Grand Vitara, along with anti-lock brakes and stability and traction control systems. The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara earned four-star ratings in frontal impact and five stars in side impact from the federal government, but it hasn't been tested by the insurance-supported IIHS.
The XSport features keyless entry and start, fog lamps, roof rails, alloy wheels, and an upgraded sound system. The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury adds heated leather seats, a hard-shell tire cover, and wood-grain trim. New features on all models include automatic climate control and a remote fuel-door release.
The Bottom Line: The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara is more maneuverable than larger rugged SUVs, but there aren't many other reasons to recommend it.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara, also consider:
- Jeep Liberty
- Toyota RAV4
- Kia Sportage
- Ford Escape
Reason Why:
For the price of a similarly equipped four-cylinder compact SUV, the Grand Vitara offers a V-6. But the Jeep Liberty is a the better choice for demanding off-roading or towing, while the RAV4, with its especially useful third-row seat, is a top pick for those who plan to stay mostly on-road. The Liberty's interior is quite cramped, though. The Sportage, RAV4, and Escape all benefit from carlike handling to bring more security to curvy roads, but none of these models are very proficient in towing. Then there's the Grand Vitara's cumbersome spare tire on the back hatch, which handicaps cargo loading (and visibility, slightly); the RAV4 also follows this silly arrangement. Value for money is a real selling point for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Buying Tip
Suzuki's own XL7 is the better choice for nearly anyone who doesn't plan to go off-roading. The roomier XL7 gets better fuel economy than the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara--and has a similar price. From TheCarConnection.com's real-world driving experience, we recommend driving the XL7 before making a decision.
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2009 Suzuki SX4
TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the new Suzuki SX4 in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com has also researched road tests and firsthand reviews of the new 2009 Suzuki SX4 to produce this conclusive assessment.
Likes
Great value
All-wheel drive (hatchback)
Quiet interior
Easy parking
Sporty driving feel
Dislikes
Excessive engine noise
Surprising thirst
Suzuki claims that the SX4 is the best priced Crossover with all-wheel-drive and for 2009 Suzuki sweetened the deal by including a touch-screen navigation system as standard equipment.
The Suzuki SX4 is available as a sedan as well as a Crossover version. Suzuki's Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (I-AWD) system is standard on the Crossover and optional on the sedan Sport. Both versions come standard with a 143-horsepower version of Suzuki's 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.
The SX4 doesn't take well to enthusiastic driving, when its engine gets boomy and the body leans a fair amount. The 2009 Suzuki SX4 comes across as smooth and zippy in normal, relaxed driving, with enough torque from the engine to feel responsive with either transmission, though the manual gearbox seems especially sporty. Wind noise is notably absent, too. But fuel economy remains a weak point. With the more economical front-wheel-drive sedan, it's still only rated at 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway--not much better than a mid-size sedan.
The 2009 Suzuki SX4 offers a spacious and well-designed interior. The instrument panel is styled simply but attractively, and materials look and feel like those of more expensive vehicles. The seating design is especially nice and upright, and the seats are better and better bolstered than those of rival inexpensive cars. In back, theater-style elevated seating allows more legroom and a less claustrophobic feeling.
The newly standard navigation system is supplied by Garmin and called the TRIP (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play). The unit features a removable, flip-up 4.3-inch touch screen display, is preloaded with mapping software with millions of hotels, restaurants, gasoline stations, ATMs, etc. and is fully integrated into the SX4's audio system. An optional upgraded TRIP system includes Bluetooth hands-free calling, on-screen and audible text messaging plus other features.
Options are grouped into two large packages; the Convenience Package picks up heated mirrors, steering-wheel audio controls, cruise control, and automatic climate control, while the Touring Package adds to that electronic stability control, a SmartPass entry system, roof rails, fog lamps, and an upgraded sound system. The base 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover includes 16-inch alloy wheels, power windows and locks, keyless entry, air conditioning, and a four-speaker CD sound system.
Actual crash-test performance has been middle-of-the-pack, with four out of five stars in the federal tests for frontal and side impact. However, the 2009 Suzuki SX4 really piles on the standard safety features, including anti-lock disc brakes, front-seat side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes; electronic stability control is part of the top Touring Package option.
The Bottom Line: The 2009 Suzuki SX4 is an amazing bargain, but it might not meet your most frugal car needs at the pump.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Suzuki SX4, also consider:
- Toyota Matrix
- Subaru Impreza
- Dodge Caliber
- Nissan Versa
Reason Why:
The Toyota Matrix, which, although an aging design for 2009, is a good, practical alternative that may have higher resale value. The Matrix is a bit more expensive though. Like the Suzuki SX4, the Subaru Impreza comes with standard all-wheel drive. But the Impreza hatchback starts more than $2,000 higher than the SX4 hatchback. Arguably, the Impreza feels a little more substantial, but it doesn't have any more usable interior space. Those torn between the sedan and hatchback might consider the Dodge Caliber, a hatchback with a more sedan-like profile and some useful convenience options. However, all-wheel drive is only available on the Caliber in the top-of-the-range R/T model. The Nissan Versa is an especially low-priced model that comes well equipped and has a roomy, comfortable interior.
Buying Tip
The 2009 Suzuki SX4 is built by Suzuki in Japan, and already has a better reputation for reliability and durability compared to Suzuki's now-discontinued small-car models made by GM Daewoo, the Reno and Forenza.
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2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
The experienced automotive reviewers at TheCarConnection.com have looked to some of the best sources on the Web in compiling this; and to make the review especially insightful, TheCarConnection.com's editors interwoven their own firsthand driving observations.
Likes
-Tough off-road ability
-City-friendly maneuverability
-Good, upright driving position
Dislikes
-Engine lacks torque for heavy loads
-As thirsty as larger SUVs
-Bouncy ride on rough pavement
-Spare tire arrangement makes cargo access cumbersome
The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara slots below the XL7 crossover utility vehicle in size but has a decidedly more rugged focus. A 2006 redesign made the five-passenger Grand Vitara compact SUV more civilized on-road, but it still has the goods to perform decently off-road as well--with features like a ladder frame and truck-style four-wheel-drive with low range gearing.
The redesigned unibody construction, along with a fully independent suspension, makes for kinder, gentler ride and handling characteristics in the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara than the previous truck-based generation could muster.
Power comes from a 2.7-liter V-6 engine that generates 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with a choice of a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara doesn't feel any faster than rival four-cylinder models, though, and the lack of torque leaves the engine in its noisy high-rev range on long grades or gentle passes; shifts on the automatic transmission can be rough. With a full load, the powertrain feels overtaxed, and fuel economy is disappointing for its size at only 16 mpg city with the manual gearbox.
The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara also doesn't handle or brake as well as expected--partly due to its heavy 3700-pound curb weight--and the high seating position exaggerates the modest body lean in sharp corners. That high seating position, combined with good forward and side visibility and especially precise, direct steering, makes the Grand Vitara surprisingly convenient and maneuverable on tight city streets, with the footprint for parking that's about the same as the smallest sedans. The ride quality is decent, but it can deteriorate and get bouncy over choppy pavement.
The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara has front seats that are a little short in proportion for taller occupants, but the back seat has enough legroom for adults--only two though, as the body is quite narrow. Cargo space is a letdown; the cargo floor is higher than expected, and the heavy, old-style side-opening tailgate can be difficult when parallel-parked, or when you're trying to hold on to grocery bags with one hand.
Unlike most utility vehicles its size, the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara has the hardy underpinnings for serious off-roading. An available, dual-range, Four Mode four-wheel-drive system includes a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing for off-road use--or a fully automatic single-mode version.
The mid-range Xsport gets alloy wheels, roof rails, fog lamps, keyless entry and keyless start, and an upgraded sound system. The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury adds heated leather seats, a hard-shell tire cover, and wood-grain trim. New features for the 2008 model year on all models include automatic climate control and a remote fuel-door release.
The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara earned four-star ratings in frontal impact and five stars in side impact from the federal government, but it hasn't been tested by the insurance-supported IIHS. Front-side and side-curtain airbags are standard on the Grand Vitara, along with anti-lock brakes and stability and traction control systems.
The Bottom Line:
The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is an old-style compact SUV that favors hauling and off-roading at the detriment of on-the-road performance.
Other Choices
If you like the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara, also consider:
- Ford Escape
- Jeep Liberty
- Kia Sportage
- Toyota RAV4
Reason why
Value for money is a real selling point for the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. For the price of a similarly equipped four-cylinder compact SUV, the Grand Vitara offers a V-6. Unfortunately, performance just isn't on par with that of the V-6 Ford Escape, Jeep Liberty, or Toyota RAV4. The Jeep Liberty has more torque and is the better choice for demanding off-roading or if you plan to tow a boat, while the RAV4, with its especially useful third row seat, is a top choice for those who plan to go mostly on road. The Liberty's interior is quite cramped, though. The Sportage, RAV4, and Escape all benefit from carlike handling to bring more security to curvy roads. Then there's the Grand Vitara's cumbersome spare tire on the back hatch, which handicaps cargo loading (and visibility, slightly); the RAV4 also follows this silly arrangement.
Buying Tip
From our real-world driving experience, the larger, roomier XL7 gets better fuel economy than the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara--and with a similar price it's the better choice for nearly anyone who doesn't plan to go off-roading.
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2008 Suzuki XL7
TheCarConnection.com's automotive experts have looked to some of the Web's most respected automotive sources in compiling this review of the 2008 Suzuki XL7; then the editors at TheCarConnection.com, who have driven the XL7 on several different occasions, have incorporated their own experiences with the vehicle.
Likes
-Very smooth ride
-Quiet, refined cabin
-Strong acceleration
Dislikes
-Third row is very difficult to access
-Only adequate handling
A major redesign for this once-basic (and even primitive) SUV in 2007 transformed it into a sleek-looking, fully modern mid-sized crossover with available seven-passenger seating.
The 2008 Suzuki XL7 is closely related to the Saturn Vue, Chevrolet Equinox, and Pontiac Torrent but is arguably the best equipped of them all. In addition to the handsome new exterior, the XL7 boasts a standard 3.6-liter, 252-horsepower V-6 engine teamed up with a new five-speed automatic with manual shift capability. Front-wheel drive is standard, though the available all-wheel drive system is good for slippery road situations, sending up to 50 percent of power to the back wheels when the fronts slip.
With either drive system, the 2008 Suzuki XL7 has brisk acceleration, compared to other crossover SUVs, with quiet cruising along with quick downshifts for passing power. Suzuki claims the XL7 can accelerate from 0-60 in less than eight seconds--a big improvement over the previous model. The XL7 rides and handles much like a mid-size sedan, with a relatively soft, smooth ride and handling that's safe but not at all sporty. The carlike four-wheel independent suspension uses MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear. Seven-passenger models get a load-leveling Nivomat rear suspension that's useful for those who plan to tow or haul heavy loads; tow capacity rates up to 3500 pounds.
Five- and seven-passenger versions of the 2008 Suzuki XL7 are offered. Seven-passenger models add a 50/50-split folding third-row bench large enough for only small children. Entry and exit is quite difficult, but the third row can be folded flat into the floor when it's not in use. The second row also folds forward, and the front passenger seat's backrest can be folded forward flat for accommodating very long items.
The 2008 Suzuki XL7 is available in base, Premium, Luxury, and Limited trim levels, with standard seven-passenger seating on the Limited. All-wheel drive is optional on all models. All models include automatic climate control, keyless entry, roof rails, and alloy wheels, while at the top of the range the Limited brings many more features including power heated front seats, touch-screen navigation system, a rearview camera, fog lamps, chrome wheels, fog lamps, and a premium sound system.
Standard safety features on the 2008 Suzuki XL7 include electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags, and side-curtain rollover-sensing bags. Crash test results have been very good, with top five-star results in all of the federal government's tests, along with 'Good' and 'Acceptable' results for frontal and side impact, respectively, from the IIHS. Rear impact protection was rated 'Marginal,' however.
The Bottom Line:
The 2008 Suzuki XL7 should be especially appealing to families who want a roomy vehicle with a small third-row seat for occasional use but don't want to pay the higher sticker price or extra fuel expenses of larger SUVs.
Other Choices
If you like the 2008 Suzuki XL7, also consider:
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Subaru Tribeca
- Toyota RAV4
Reason why
The 2008 Suzuki XL7 is part of a growing class of crossover utility vehicles that stretch between compact and mid-size, and feature a small third-row seat that's only good for small children--but nevertheless expands passenger capacity to seven. The third-row seat in the XL7 is more useful than the extremely pinched ones in the Outlander and Tribeca, but comparable to that in the RAV4. Compared to these other vehicles, the XL7 has what's perhaps the softest, most comfortable ride, while still allowing decent handling. The Outlander and Tribeca feel much sportier behind the wheel, even though the amount of power they have to haul their weight around is similar. The XL7's engine, a 3.6-liter V-6 made by Suzuki in Japan, is especially smooth. The Santa Fe, Outlander, and RAV4 all offer more economical four-cylinder engines, but in the Santa Fe and Outlander the four-cylinder is only offered with the five-passenger layout.
Buying Tip
Warranty is another big selling point for the 2008 Suzuki XL7. As with other Suzukis, the XL7 is covered by a seven-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty that's fully transferable to subsequent owners.
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2008 Suzuki Forenza
As the auto experts at TheCarConnection.com put together this comprehensive review regarding the 2008 Suzuki Forenza, they combed through the Web's best review sources. And to help make sure the information is useful and up-to-date, TheCarConnection.com's editors included their own driving impressions.
Likes
-Long standard feature list
-Spacious interior
-Available Bluetooth on such an inexpensive car
Dislikes
-Dated design
-Uninspiring handling
-Interior materials and surfaces
-Poor fuel economy
-Safety concerns
The 2008 Suzuki Forenza, built by Daewoo in South Korea, is a small, inexpensive sedan and roomy wagon that were first sold in the U.S. as the Daewoo Nubira, but later updated and sold under the Suzuki brand. For 2008, the Forenza is basically a carryover with only minor changes.
The Forenza's shape was originally styled by the design house Pininfarina. The design is still quite clean and attractive, and wagons have bright roof rails as a functional accent. The interior follows a nice, basic design, but it uses a hodgepodge of mismatched surfaces and hard plastics. Seating is a high point for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza, though. In front, the seats are among the better ones in this especially low-priced car class, and in back there's just adequate legroom for average adults, though headroom might be tight. With the seats folded forward in the wagon, an already impressive 24.4 cubic feet can be expanded to 61.8 cubic feet.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2008 Suzuki Forenza produces 127 horsepower and drives the front wheels via either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, but with either transmission it's just adequate and noisy under moderate or hard acceleration. Fuel economy is poor for such a small car, at 19 mpg city with the automatic.
The 2008 Suzuki Forenza rides on MacPherson struts up front and a dual-link suspension in the rear, with variable-assist power steering and four-wheel disc brakes. The tuning is such that the Forenza has a rather firm, pitchy ride, but handling doesn't feel especially confident either.
Features are a strong point; the 2008 Suzuki Forenza is a very good value, at least in terms of features for the money. Air conditioning, a CD stereo and power locks, windows, and heated mirrors are standard on the base Forenza, with anti-lock brakes, cruise control, fog lamps, keyless entry, and a power sunroof available on the Premium version. Changes for 2008 are limited to new chrome door handles, and standard fog lamps and steering wheel audio controls on the Convenience package. Bluetooth is a new option.
The Forenza received straight four-star ratings in the federal government's crash tests for frontal and side impact, but the more demanding tests conducted by the insurance-affiliated IIHS found the 2008 Suzuki Forenza just 'Acceptable' in frontal impact and 'Poor' both in side and rear impact protection. Front and front-side airbags are standard across the line. Anti-lock brakes are only available, as a $500 option in addition to the $400 Convenience Package, and electronic stability control is not offered.
The 2008 Suzuki Forenza is especially attractive from one other aspect, though: warranty. Suzuki offers one of the best warranties of any manufacturer, with coverage up to seven years or 100,000 miles, and it's fully transferable to other owners.
The Bottom Line
The 2008 Suzuki Forenza still offers a lot of features for the money, but its older design lags in performance, refinement, and safety.
Other Choices
If you like the 2008 Suzuki Forenza, also consider:
-Dodge Caliber
-Hyundai Elantra
-Kia Spectra
-Mitsubishi Lancer
Reason why
The 2008 Suzuki Forenza competes in a class where price, features for the money, and running costs are everything. Of these, the base Elantra and Spectra both come very well equipped; each of these vehicles additionally comes with side-curtain airbags. The Elantra has a much more composed ride than the Forenza, while the Spectra is a little noisier inside but feels somewhat sportier. The new, redesigned Lancer starts around $14,000 and doesn't include a lot of standard features, but it's much more fun to drive than the Forenza and has the roadholding and poise of a more expensive car. Finally, there's also the Dodge Caliber, which starts in a price range that competes with the Forenza but it has a more spacious, versatile interior and hatchback layout. The Forenza wagon stands out in its class; it's one of few small wagons left that hasn't been replaced by a raised-roof crossover vehicle.
Buying Tip
The Forenza has been discontinued for 2009, as it has been made redundant by the SX4 sedan, which is a much better car. Expect to get a good deal on the 2008 Suzuki Forenza.
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2008 Suzuki Reno
The experienced automotive advisors at TheCarConnection.com have assembled this comprehensive review of the 2008 Suzuki Reno, based on some of the best review sources on the Web. TheCarConnection.com's editors also added their own insights to make the review especially useful.
Likes
Long standard-feature list
Spacious interior
Available Bluetooth
Dislikes
Dated design
Uninspiring handling
Interior materials and surfaces
Poor fuel economy
Safety concerns
The Reno is a small, inexpensive hatchback model built by GM Daewoo in South Korea. The 2008 Suzuki Reno is basically a carryover with only minor changes.
The Reno's shape was originally styled by the design house Pininfarina, and it still stands as nicely proportioned next to its peers. The interior follows a clean, simple design, but it uses a hodgepodge of unmatched surfaces and hard plastics. Seating is roomy and comfortable in the 2008 Suzuki Reno, though. In front, the seats are among the better ones in this especially low-priced car class, and in back, legroom is just adequate for average adults.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2008 Suzuki Reno produces 127 horsepower and comes with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, but with either transmission, it's merely adequate and noisy under moderate or hard acceleration. And whichever way, fuel economy is embarrassingly poor for a relatively light, 2,700-pound small car, at 19 mpg city with the automatic.
The 2008 Suzuki Reno rides on MacPherson struts up front and a dual-link suspension in the rear, with variable-assist power steering and four-wheel disc brakes. Those goods usually deliver solid handling, but the tuning is such that the Reno has a firm, pitchy ride combined with heavy, unremarkable handling.
Features are a strong point; the 2008 Suzuki Reno is a very good value, at least in terms of features for the money. Air conditioning; a CD stereo; and power locks, windows, and heated mirrors are standard on the base Reno. Changes for 2008 are limited to new chrome door handles, as well as standard fog lamps and steering wheel audio controls on the Convenience package. Bluetooth is a new option.
The 2008 Suzuki Reno received straight four-star ratings in the federal government's crash tests for frontal and side impact, but the more demanding tests conducted by the insurance-affiliated IIHS found the Reno simply "acceptable" in frontal impact and "poor" in rear impact protection. The Forenza sedan, which has a similar structure, came up "poor" in side impact as well. Front and front-side airbags are standard across the line. Neither anti-lock brakes nor stability control are offered on the Reno.
The warranty remains a major selling point for the 2008 Suzuki Reno. Suzuki offers one of the best from any manufacturer, with fully transferable coverage up to seven years or 100,000 miles.
The Bottom Line: The 2008 Suzuki Reno still looks good against rivals, has a roomy interior, and offers a lot of features for the money, but its aged design counts against it in nearly all other areas.
Other Choices
If you like the 2008 Suzuki Reno, also consider:
- Dodge Caliber
- Kia Spectra5
- Suzuki SX4
Reason why
A well-optioned 2008 Suzuki Reno competes with Suzuki's own SX4, which has standard all-wheel drive, along with better real-world fuel efficiency, handling, and safety than the Forenza. In fact, the Suzuki-made SX4 is better in just about every way but interior space. Kia's Spectra5 is also much more entertaining to drive than the Forenza and has much better fuel economy. Then there's the Dodge Caliber, a more upright design that pays off in a roomy interior; if you're willing to spend more, the Caliber has a wide range of innovative available options, such as fold-out tailgate speakers.
Buying Tip
The Reno has been discontinued for 2009, so expect to get a good deal on any remaining 2008 Suzuki Reno models.
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