Suzuki Forenza

Introduction

The Suzuki Forenza, produced between 2004 and 2008, was a compact sedan and wagon developed in partnership with GM Daewoo. It was marketed in North America as an affordable, practical family car. Known for its value-oriented approach, the Forenza provided good space, reasonable comfort, and competitive pricing, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Exterior

The Forenza featured a simple and conservative exterior design with smooth body lines and a balanced profile. Its front grille and headlights reflected a straightforward look, while the wagon variant added extra utility with more cargo space. Alloy wheels and chrome accents on higher trims gave it a touch of refinement.

Interior

Inside, the Forenza offered a spacious cabin for its class, seating up to five passengers comfortably. The dashboard design was functional, with clearly arranged controls and durable materials. Features included air conditioning, power windows, a CD player, and in some trims, leather upholstery. While not luxurious, it provided practicality and ease of use.

Safety Features

The Suzuki Forenza came equipped with dual front airbags, ABS brakes, and side-impact door beams as standard safety measures. Later models added side curtain airbags and traction control. Its safety performance was in line with other compact sedans of the mid-2000s.

Engine Trims

The Forenza was powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder petrol engine producing around 126 hp. It was paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, delivering adequate performance for daily commuting and family use.

Maintenance

Maintenance of the Forenza is relatively affordable, though some parts can be harder to find due to its limited production run. Regular servicing of the engine, brakes, and transmission ensures reliability. Its GM Daewoo origins mean some components are shared with other models, improving parts availability in certain markets.

Competitors

The Suzuki Forenza competed with compact sedans such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Ford Focus. Its key appeal was affordability and decent interior space, though it struggled to match the refinement and reputation of its rivals.