2005 Suzuki Verona New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Suzuki Verona?
Suzuki sprinkles a few changes on its midsize Verona this year, such as iridium-tipped spark plugs for the standard V6; a new standard tire pressure monitoring system; a weight-sensing, passenger-side airbag; and side-impact airbags. The mid-level Verona LX now comes with a standard sunroof, and Champagne Beige Metallic joins line up of exterior colors.

Advantages of the 2005 Suzuki Verona:

• Seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Quality interior materials
• Comfortable front seats
• Well-equipped for the price
• Smooth ride
• Standard side-impact airbags

Objections to the 2005 Suzuki Verona:

• Engine is noisy and could use more power
• Mushy handling

Editor's Advice:
Suzuki is positioning itself as a value-leader, and the Verona is the company's flagship sedan, intending to battle the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry by offering exceptional feature content wrapped in stylish sheetmetal for a low sticker price. Assembled by GM-Daewoo in South Korea, the 2005 Suzuki Verona comes extremely well equipped for less than $20,000. The Verona is comfortable, offers a smooth ride and is constructed with quality materials. However, the V6 engine is not particularly powerful, barely matching the output of the four-cylinder models sold by competitors. Also, handling is just so-so and fuel economy is nothing to brag about. With so many excellent midsize sedans on the market, we think Suzuki will need to heavily market the Verona to keep it on consumer radar screens.