Getting firsthand information from an actual car owner is one sure way to get an idea of car performance once it leaves the lot. Autobytel features real consumer reviews that give the unbiased experience of a car.
Pros: spacious back seat
Cons: no sunroof
Advice: only get it if you fall completely in love with it the first time you look at it, not drive it
the test drive was great but after the car was purchased it started falling apart little by littlePros: Torque and Handling
Cons: CD player misses the opening notes of first song when insterting a disc to play. But, otherwise the stereo with CD, Cassette and eight speakers is very nice.
Advice: Test drive the 5-speed!
Since I bought my new 2004 Forenza two years ago, I can say that after 28,000 miles it has been a great car! Gas mileage ranges between 28 and 37 miles per gallon, depending on local or Interstate driving, and I'm amazed how this five-speed will even climb steep hills in fifth gear! It also handles well on slippery or snow covered roads and accelerates quickly when downshifting to pass. The main reason I bought this car was for all the standard features at a cost of only $11,000.00. It was the last 5-speed Forenza on the lot, so I'm glad I decided to purchase it when I had the chance. Prior to owning this car, I bought a new Volkswagen Golf in 1985 which I had for 15 years, 215,000 miles, and its original clutch. I probably would have bought another VW, if I wouldn't have had to pay seven or eight thousand dollars more than the cost of the Forenza, but I can honestly say I'm very impressed with the Forenza for the cost! I've had no major problems, except it sometimes idles high in cold weather before it warms up, but that's to be expected of any car if you don't give it time to warm up. I haven't decided if I'll keep the Forenza for 15 years, like the VW, or if I'll look for something else with even better gas mileage when it becomes available? I have another year or 8,000 more miles on the Bumper to Bumper warranty and five more years or 72,000 more miles on the Powertrain warranty. In any event, I'd say I'm very pleased with this purchase and I'd surely consider buying another Suzuki when shopping for a car.Pros: The variety of standard features.
Cons: The brakes sometimes feel as if they accelerate slightly before kicking in.
Advice: Go for it
A pleasure to drive, handles well, comfortable, great features. Overall, a great low-budget car with style.Pros: handling
Cons: no aftermarket parts
Advice: Great purchase for general use
Just bought this car 3 weeks ago, everything about it is great except for two small things. First thing that bothered me was the shifter location, but thats just a personal opinion. The other thing that I didn't like was something going on with the rpms spinning down slow. Apparently this has something to do with a UD pulley, still researching it. Great car unless you want to modify it, overall I am rather pleased with the purchase.Pros: THE STEREO SYSTEM
Cons: the instrument dials
Advice: Take a close look at this car
The car handles well for a small car. It is very roomy and comfortable...has many features that more expensive cars don't have. The interior, and exterior seem to be high quality. The stereo system is nothing short of AMAZING.The car has an excellent warranty program...and overall is a very nice car.Pros: I've yet to find one
Cons: All the time I spend in a rental car!
Advice: DON'T BUY THIS CAR!!!
I purchased mine in 2004, within first year it stalls while driving, engine light on, all 4 (discontinued) tires replaced, engine replaced, cd player skips, transmission hard shifts, dash replaced for bubble, etc! these cars are junk!!! DON'T BUY! I don't care what warrenty they offer, the service people just run you around anyway. Ask them for a list of what's recalled. You'd be shocked! They are told to tell you things like they can't duplicate the problem so they don't have to fix stuff! Watch your milage when they tell you they drove your car to try to duplicate the problem, it won't change from when you took the car in.Pros: car has lots of space inside
Cons: quality of the car
Advice: never buy the car
hi, I bought 2004 suzuki forenza s in july 2004. From the day I bought it, I found numerous problems with coolent and engine. I got it checked 3 times for over heating problem and seems like it is never ending.