Japanese used car

As upstarts in the auto industry go, Suzuki is a good one. It has been introducing new cars at a furious rate; sales have been climbing every month; and some auto magazines have been praising the Japanese automaker for offering quality compact cars that represent good values – even if some models could use a little more pep.

This week, we’re taking a look at the 2005 Suzuki Forenza EX station wagon, which had a base price of $17,449. Built in South Korea for Suzuki by GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co., it was equipped with a 126-horsepower, 2-liter, four-cylinder engine that is rated 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway.

The only option on my car was a $500 antilock brake system, which with destination charges brought the bottom line to $18,494, well within our $25,000 limit for Wallet Watcher of the Week.

The $18,494 price tag for the 2005 Suzuki Forenza EX station wagon includes features such as alloy wheels, power windows and locks, heated mirrors, air conditioning, side air bags, cruise control and leather seating.
Click photo for larger image.

But here’s where the value equation comes in. That price includes just about everything consumers want: Alloy wheels, full power equipment, heated mirrors, power tilt and slide sunroof, air conditioning, side air bags, cruise control, even leather seating.

You also get a considerable protection package from Suzuki. There’s a 100,000 mile, no deductible, seven-year transferrable powertrain limited warranty – a rarity in this industry and one that is sure to boost resale value by making the car more attractive to used-car purchasers. The Forenza, like other Suzukis, also has a “24/7/365″ roadside assistance program.

It’s hard to say where Forenza fits into the hierarchy at Suzuki. Unlike other manufacturers, which have pretty firm price boundaries for each line of cars they make, prices for many Suzuki models overlap.

So if you are thinking about Suzuki, it is best to think first about what type of car you want. That $14,000 or so could buy you a Reno hatchback, an Aerio crossover or a Forenza sedan or wagon, for instance – all very different lines.

It’s more clear where Suzuki ranks in the compact car field – in the premium end. These aren’t bargain basement cars, not with all the brushed aluminum, leather and chrome rings round the gauges. There’s also more than adequate legroom and space all around.

Altogether, the Forenza wagon comes off well, impressing the driver with its around-town performance, appointments and its fun-to-drive quotient.

The Forenza generally is a treat to drive because it’s peppy around town, corners well and even seems pretty quiet under way. Where you begin to get into trouble, however, is when you’re on the highway. Suzuki needs to provide more power for this car because it seems to strain a great deal when passing on the highway.

But the biggest issue for me was the gearshift and the gate for the four-speed automatic. It is a problem I’ve encountered with every Suzuki I’ve driven.

The gearshift is balky and the gate is an awkward one that requires some pushing and pulling. There are times when you have to remember to push in the head of the shift lever. I’d urge Suzuki to do something about this – quickly.

So is Suzuki’s little baby worth a look? Absolutely. Fit and finish, value, comfort and other factors certainly put it near the top in the compact car field

By Don Hammonds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazett