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2004
Suzuki Forenza

Starts at:
$12,499
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New 2004 Suzuki Forenza
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Not rated
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn S Manual
    Starts at
    $12,499
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn S Auto
    Starts at
    $13,299
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LX Manual
    Starts at
    $14,399
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LX Auto
    Starts at
    $15,199
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn EX Auto
    Starts at
    $15,999
    22 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Notable features

Italian styling
126-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder
FWD
Optional antilock brakes
Manual or automatic

The good & the bad

The good

Value-priced
Appealing design
Six-window visibility
Fuel economy

The bad

Unproven new model
No side-impact airbags

Expert 2004 Suzuki Forenza review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Bob Golfen
Full article
our expert's take

Compact sedan proves that cheap doesn’t mean junk

The compact Suzuki Forenza offers a high level of amenities at a budget price. Its interior offers leather seating and a full complement of standard features.

Suzuki’s new compact sedan, Forenza, proves that a car can be cheap without being chintzy.

Starting at $12,499, Forenza comes well-equipped with a full load of power and convenience features as standard equipment contained in a sleek, nicely finished body. Competing directly with such compact leaders as Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus and Mazda Protege, Forenza gives up nothing in style or amenities.

Drivers may find performance lackluster, however, with a suspension that is too soft and poorly controlled and an engine with mundane acceleration.

Even though it wears a Japanese nameplate, Forenza comes to us by way of South Korea. Forenza is the second Suzuki product to be made by the defunct Daewoo Motors, which also makes the midsize Suzuki Verona. The bankrupt South Korean automaker was bought by General Motors, which also owns a hunk of Suzuki.

So it would seem that the collapse of Daewoo was the best thing that could happen to Suzuki. Now the small automaker, best known for its sterling line of sport motorcycles and the unfortunate Samurai rollover controversy, has a full line of products: the subcompact Aerio, Forenza and Verona automobiles and Vitara, Grand Vitara and XL-7 sport utilities. All but Forenza and Verona are made in Japan.

GM also sells a Daewoo product, the subcompact Chevrolet Aveo. Daewoo never made much of an impact in the United States, so it’s hard to judge how reliable the sedans might turn out to be.

What it is
Another Suzuki made by Daewoo, Forenza is an attractive compact sedan that offers a lot for a little. The test car was the top model, an EX that came complete with all the trimmings, including leather seats, for $15,999.

Performance
The four-cylinder engine was upgraded midyear to 126 from 119 horsepower, giving the lightweight car enough acceleration for all practical purposes.

The car feels quick off the line but gets bogged down in midrange.

The 2-liter mill is fairly sophisticated with dual-overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, and it runs smoothly and competently. Acceleration is loud, typical of a small four-banger, but settles down to a polite hum at cruising speed.

The EX comes standard with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the base S and midgrade LX models come standard with a five-speed manual with automatic optional.

The automatic works well and transmits enough power to the front wheels, but I always prefer a stick shift in a small, four-cylinder car.

Drivability
Forenza is one of those cars that would benefit immeasurably from a decent set of shock absorbers. As it is, the suspension is too soft a nd springy, with the rear end feeling mushy over dips and heaves.

It was a brand-new sedan that felt like it had 50,000 miles on the suspension.

Body sway was noticeable in sharp turns. The handling overall was nimble enough but unimpressive. The speed-sensitive power steering was responsive but numb.

Four-wheel disc brakes with antilock come standard.

The ride was comfortable, though road and wind noise were evident at freeway speeds.

Styling
The sharply faceted body styled by Italian designer Pininfarina is sporty and attractive, and the fit and finish are impressive, considering the price range. Styled alloy wheels and fog lamps on the EX didn’t hurt.

Still, I think it would have been beneficial for Suzuki (or Daewoo or Pininfarina) to have pushed the envelope on styling, maybe taken some chances that would get Forenza more notice. As it is, the good-looking little car is not much different from similar products by other automakers and fades into traffic unnoticed.

Interior
Surprisingly roomy, considering Forenza’s small exterior dimensions, loaded with features and well-finished. This is a livable sedan with a much higher level of features than you’d expect for $15,999.

Power windows and mirrors, remote locking, an eight-speaker audio system with CD changer, leather seating and steering-wheel cover, cruise control, climate control, steering wheel audio controls, power sunroof, all standard.

Pricing
Everything on the EX comes standard.

No options, no charge for shipping. The base price and the total price are the same: $15,999.

Bottom line
On the plus side, Suzuki offers a lot of style and content in the Forenza EX for the price of most bare-bones competitors.

The sedan looks good, has enough room, is comfortable and drives well enough.

On the minus side, the drivability is not as good as similar products from Japan or from South Korean competitor Hyundai, which also offers decent small cars loaded with features at a reasonable price.

Also, there’s the question of Daewoo, which has yet to establish a solid reputation in this country, so you may be taking a chance on reliability.

There is a strong warranty that somewhat mitigates that concern: seven years or 100,000 miles.

Suzuki Forenza EX
Vehicle type:
Five-passenger, four-door sedan, front-wheel drive.

Base price:
$15,999.

Price as tested:
$15,999.

Engine:
2-liter inline four, 126 horsepower at 5,400 rpm, 131 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission:
Four-speed automatic.

Wheelbase:
102.4 inches.

Curb weight:
2,756 pounds.

EPA mileage:
22 city, 30 highway.

Highs:
Budget pricing.
Well-equipped.
Sharp styling.

Lows:
Mushy suspension.
Mild acceleration.
It’s really a Daewoo.

2004 Suzuki Forenza review: Our expert's take
By Bob Golfen

Compact sedan proves that cheap doesn’t mean junk

The compact Suzuki Forenza offers a high level of amenities at a budget price. Its interior offers leather seating and a full complement of standard features.

Suzuki’s new compact sedan, Forenza, proves that a car can be cheap without being chintzy.

Starting at $12,499, Forenza comes well-equipped with a full load of power and convenience features as standard equipment contained in a sleek, nicely finished body. Competing directly with such compact leaders as Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus and Mazda Protege, Forenza gives up nothing in style or amenities.

Drivers may find performance lackluster, however, with a suspension that is too soft and poorly controlled and an engine with mundane acceleration.

Even though it wears a Japanese nameplate, Forenza comes to us by way of South Korea. Forenza is the second Suzuki product to be made by the defunct Daewoo Motors, which also makes the midsize Suzuki Verona. The bankrupt South Korean automaker was bought by General Motors, which also owns a hunk of Suzuki.

So it would seem that the collapse of Daewoo was the best thing that could happen to Suzuki. Now the small automaker, best known for its sterling line of sport motorcycles and the unfortunate Samurai rollover controversy, has a full line of products: the subcompact Aerio, Forenza and Verona automobiles and Vitara, Grand Vitara and XL-7 sport utilities. All but Forenza and Verona are made in Japan.

GM also sells a Daewoo product, the subcompact Chevrolet Aveo. Daewoo never made much of an impact in the United States, so it’s hard to judge how reliable the sedans might turn out to be.

What it is
Another Suzuki made by Daewoo, Forenza is an attractive compact sedan that offers a lot for a little. The test car was the top model, an EX that came complete with all the trimmings, including leather seats, for $15,999.

Performance
The four-cylinder engine was upgraded midyear to 126 from 119 horsepower, giving the lightweight car enough acceleration for all practical purposes.

The car feels quick off the line but gets bogged down in midrange.

The 2-liter mill is fairly sophisticated with dual-overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, and it runs smoothly and competently. Acceleration is loud, typical of a small four-banger, but settles down to a polite hum at cruising speed.

The EX comes standard with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the base S and midgrade LX models come standard with a five-speed manual with automatic optional.

The automatic works well and transmits enough power to the front wheels, but I always prefer a stick shift in a small, four-cylinder car.

Drivability
Forenza is one of those cars that would benefit immeasurably from a decent set of shock absorbers. As it is, the suspension is too soft a nd springy, with the rear end feeling mushy over dips and heaves.

It was a brand-new sedan that felt like it had 50,000 miles on the suspension.

Body sway was noticeable in sharp turns. The handling overall was nimble enough but unimpressive. The speed-sensitive power steering was responsive but numb.

Four-wheel disc brakes with antilock come standard.

The ride was comfortable, though road and wind noise were evident at freeway speeds.

Styling
The sharply faceted body styled by Italian designer Pininfarina is sporty and attractive, and the fit and finish are impressive, considering the price range. Styled alloy wheels and fog lamps on the EX didn’t hurt.

Still, I think it would have been beneficial for Suzuki (or Daewoo or Pininfarina) to have pushed the envelope on styling, maybe taken some chances that would get Forenza more notice. As it is, the good-looking little car is not much different from similar products by other automakers and fades into traffic unnoticed.

Interior
Surprisingly roomy, considering Forenza’s small exterior dimensions, loaded with features and well-finished. This is a livable sedan with a much higher level of features than you’d expect for $15,999.

Power windows and mirrors, remote locking, an eight-speaker audio system with CD changer, leather seating and steering-wheel cover, cruise control, climate control, steering wheel audio controls, power sunroof, all standard.

Pricing
Everything on the EX comes standard.

No options, no charge for shipping. The base price and the total price are the same: $15,999.

Bottom line
On the plus side, Suzuki offers a lot of style and content in the Forenza EX for the price of most bare-bones competitors.

The sedan looks good, has enough room, is comfortable and drives well enough.

On the minus side, the drivability is not as good as similar products from Japan or from South Korean competitor Hyundai, which also offers decent small cars loaded with features at a reasonable price.

Also, there’s the question of Daewoo, which has yet to establish a solid reputation in this country, so you may be taking a chance on reliability.

There is a strong warranty that somewhat mitigates that concern: seven years or 100,000 miles.

Suzuki Forenza EX
Vehicle type:
Five-passenger, four-door sedan, front-wheel drive.

Base price:
$15,999.

Price as tested:
$15,999.

Engine:
2-liter inline four, 126 horsepower at 5,400 rpm, 131 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission:
Four-speed automatic.

Wheelbase:
102.4 inches.

Curb weight:
2,756 pounds.

EPA mileage:
22 city, 30 highway.

Highs:
Budget pricing.
Well-equipped.
Sharp styling.

Lows:
Mushy suspension.
Mild acceleration.
It’s really a Daewoo.

Safety review

Based on the 2004 Suzuki Forenza base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
3/5
Side rear passenger
3/5

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
3 years
Powertrain
7 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Consumer reviews

3.1 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.7
Interior 3.7
Performance 3.5
Value 3.7
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 3.5

Most recent

  • Best car I've ever owned.

    Incredible gas mileage , never has failed me I have put 30,000+ miles in it in a little over a year. Well worth every penny plus.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • ?Linen ?

    Unfortunately we bought two (2) of the 2004 forenzas, they both are a piece of }?~^~�. Both of them have to be repaired before passing smog, the Check Engine light come on randomly making it impossible to pass smog check without a trip to the dealer for costly repairs.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great car for the price.

    Perfect starter car. Great value for the price. I have enjoyed my time with this vehicle. Both of my car seats fit fine in the back seat.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Awesome Gas Saver

    Very nice and would buy one again. I would recommmd this car for a younger college student. The car is by far the nicest car I've drove.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • love it love it!

    I have owned my 2004 suzuki for 9 yrs and it is a good car, I can not complain it rides great it looks great, I have all the bells and whistles and they all still work lol, I recommend it, I don't think you will regret it.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • CAR EXCEED WHAT I PAID FOR IT

    I AM THE OWNER OF THIS CAR AND LET ME TELL YOU THIS CAR HAS BEEN GREAT FOR THE SEVEN YEARS I'VE OWNED. IT HAS ALL OF THE BELLS AND WHISTLES STILL IN GREAT WORKING CONDITION- NO ISSUES. I'VE DILIGENTLY KEPTED UP ON ALL OF THE MANTENANCE. MY PARENTS TAUGHT US HOW TO LOVE AND RESPECT OUR THINGS & THE PAY OFF WOULD BE GREATER & LAST LONGER. MAKE AN APPT TO SEE THE CAR-I PROMISE YOU WON'T BE SORRY. IT REALLY IS A GREAT CAR.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • No problems with Forenza 2004

    I bought my Forenza used, 90.000 miles, two years ago. I am still with the car and will keep it, at least, for two more years. The car never broke, no mechanical problems. The only regular expense is the oil change. I don't understand of people complaining about changing tires, air filters or checking brakes. I did that for every car I had before and the Forenza is no exception. But I can't count that as a bad thing. Looks like in the US the cars had to come from God himself and never have anything to do for years and years. This is not real anywhere and wouldn't be real here.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Wrong investment

    There are bunch of problem going almost every day. Check Engine Light come at 32,000. It coming and coming back at the same time, June each year. I fix everything through the dealership, they are nice people, and that is not their fault, there is Suzuki quality. Overall, that is the WORST car that I had in my life, 8th or 10th car. Do not buy it! FORENZA is a biggest scam that I have in my life. (It?s sad, since I bought this junk only because I had Esteem, which was a extremely good car.)
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
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  • the worst car I have owned

    purchased the vehicle in 2006. In July 2007 it started having a hard start problem. Took it to two dealerships and contacted Suzuki manufacturer, and they are still unable to fix it. It is now February 2008 and I am stuck paying for a car that does not run. Customer service is of no help.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Amazing Car

    I test drove the vehicle just the other day, my thoughts during the entire ride were wonderful handling, very comfortable, and defaintly a car my friends and family would be proud to ride in. Great car the whole way around.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Nice Car

    My mother has a 2004 Forenza and its a cute little thing although it is very roomy inside. She does not have all the features but who needs them. It also makes for a very smooth ride.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Bad Car

    Car does not have cruise control and always breaks down. Had to replace whole transmission after two weeks on road 1,000 miles. I always had to take it into the shop. After almost two years of ownership I had to replace timing belt, waterpump, brakes, tires, etc. Do not recommend buying!!!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 Suzuki Forenza?

The 2004 Suzuki Forenza is available in 3 trim levels:

  • EX (1 style)
  • LX (2 styles)
  • S (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2004 Suzuki Forenza?

The 2004 Suzuki Forenza offers up to 22 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2004 Suzuki Forenza reliable?

The 2004 Suzuki Forenza has an average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Suzuki Forenza owners.

Is the 2004 Suzuki Forenza a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Suzuki Forenza. 66.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.1 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.7
  • Interior: 3.7
  • Performance: 3.5
  • Value: 3.7
  • Exterior: 4.0
  • Reliability: 3.5
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