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2008
Suzuki Forenza

Starts at:
$14,489
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New 2008 Suzuki Forenza
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Not rated
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn Man
    Starts at
    $14,489
    19 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Man Convenience Pkg
    Starts at
    $14,989
    19 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn Man
    Starts at
    $15,389
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Man Convenience Pkg w/ABS
    Starts at
    $15,489
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto
    Starts at
    $15,589
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn Man Convenience Pkg
    Starts at
    $15,889
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto Convenience Pkg
    Starts at
    $16,089
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn Man Convenience Pkg w/ABS
    Starts at
    $16,389
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn Auto
    Starts at
    $16,489
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto Convenience Pkg w/ABS
    Starts at
    $16,589
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto Popular Pkg
    Starts at
    $16,789
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn Auto Convenience Pkg
    Starts at
    $16,989
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn Auto Convenience Pkg w/ABS
    Starts at
    $17,489
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn Auto Popular Pkg
    Starts at
    $17,689
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2008 Suzuki Forenza 2008 Suzuki Forenza 2008 Suzuki Forenza 2008 Suzuki Forenza 2008 Suzuki Forenza 2008 Suzuki Forenza 2008 Suzuki Forenza

Notable features

Italian styling
Sedan and wagon body styles
127-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder
FWD
Manual or automatic

The good & the bad

The good

Value-priced
Appealing design
Ride comfort

The bad

Unknown long-term reliability
Resale value, especially of sedan

Expert 2008 Suzuki Forenza review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Forenza, which targets value-oriented buyers, was partially designed by Pininfarina in Italy. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder is rated at 127 horsepower, and rivals include the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla.

Seat-mounted side-impact airbags were installed in all models for 2005. Fresh front-end styling, a new wheel design and a revised interior marked the 2006 Forenza. A tire pressure monitoring system and warning light were added as standard equipment for 2007, and remote keyless entry with remote trunk release was optional. For 2008, the Forenza is mostly unchanged, other than added Bluetooth connectivity in both the sedan and wagon body styles.
(Skip to details on the: Forenza Wagon)

Exterior
Suzuki touts the Forenza’s “gracefully curved roofline and uniquely free-flowing silhouette,” noting that it provides maximum visibility. Clear, oversized taillamps complement European-style dual cylindrical halogen headlights, and the side molding is color-keyed.

The Forenza features pull-out door handles, and fog lamps are available. Speed-sensitive power steering and all-disc brakes are installed. Measuring 177.2 inches long overall, the Forenza rides a 102.4-inch wheelbase and stands 56.9 inches tall. Steel or aluminum wheels hold 15-inch tires.

Interior
Up to five occupants can fit inside the Forenza. The instruments are rimmed with metallic silver accents, and the panel emits a jade-green glow for night driving. Equipped with three head restraints, the 60/40-split rear seats fold flat.

Height and lumbar support adjustments for the driver and a tilt steering wheel are included. The padded front center armrest contains a storage compartment. Trunk space totals 12.4 cubic feet.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning with micron air filtration, heated mirrors, and power windows and locks. A standard in-dash CD/MP3 stereo system includes eight speakers. Suzuki’s Convenience Package adds cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, and an antitheft alarm. Suzuki’s Popular Package adds front fog lamps and a power sunroof. Antilock brakes are optional.

Under the Hood
The Forenza’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 127 hp and 131 pounds-feet of torque. Either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission can be installed.

The Forenza is estimated to get 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Safety
Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are optional. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags are standard. Each rear occupant gets a three-point seat belt.

Forenza Wagon
Late in 2004, a Forenza Wagon joined the original sedan in Suzuki’s lineup. Like the sedan, the wagon uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops 127 hp and 131 pounds-feet of torque. Cargo space totals 19.3 cubic feet with both rear seats up.

All-disc brakes, side-impact airbags, roof rails, air conditioning, an eight-speaker CD/MP3 stereo system and a 60/40-split folding rear seat are standard. Wagons can be equipped with either the Convenience or Popular option package.

Except for a couple of ergonomic annoyances, including the steering-wheel radio controls, the Forenza Wagon is enjoyable to drive. Performance with the automatic transmission is satisfactory — even a touch spirited — though acceleration yields typical small-car engine blare.

Ride comfort is quite nice and generally smooth even in the city, with few unpleasant motions. Steering and handling are typical compact-car, but visibility is excellent. The seats are comfortable, and there’s plenty of space in the front. Backseat room isn’t bad, either. Cargo space is ample, and items are easy to load. Back to top

2008 Suzuki Forenza review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Forenza, which targets value-oriented buyers, was partially designed by Pininfarina in Italy. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder is rated at 127 horsepower, and rivals include the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla.

Seat-mounted side-impact airbags were installed in all models for 2005. Fresh front-end styling, a new wheel design and a revised interior marked the 2006 Forenza. A tire pressure monitoring system and warning light were added as standard equipment for 2007, and remote keyless entry with remote trunk release was optional. For 2008, the Forenza is mostly unchanged, other than added Bluetooth connectivity in both the sedan and wagon body styles.
(Skip to details on the: Forenza Wagon)

Exterior
Suzuki touts the Forenza’s “gracefully curved roofline and uniquely free-flowing silhouette,” noting that it provides maximum visibility. Clear, oversized taillamps complement European-style dual cylindrical halogen headlights, and the side molding is color-keyed.

The Forenza features pull-out door handles, and fog lamps are available. Speed-sensitive power steering and all-disc brakes are installed. Measuring 177.2 inches long overall, the Forenza rides a 102.4-inch wheelbase and stands 56.9 inches tall. Steel or aluminum wheels hold 15-inch tires.

Interior
Up to five occupants can fit inside the Forenza. The instruments are rimmed with metallic silver accents, and the panel emits a jade-green glow for night driving. Equipped with three head restraints, the 60/40-split rear seats fold flat.

Height and lumbar support adjustments for the driver and a tilt steering wheel are included. The padded front center armrest contains a storage compartment. Trunk space totals 12.4 cubic feet.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning with micron air filtration, heated mirrors, and power windows and locks. A standard in-dash CD/MP3 stereo system includes eight speakers. Suzuki’s Convenience Package adds cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, and an antitheft alarm. Suzuki’s Popular Package adds front fog lamps and a power sunroof. Antilock brakes are optional.

Under the Hood
The Forenza’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 127 hp and 131 pounds-feet of torque. Either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission can be installed.

The Forenza is estimated to get 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Safety
Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are optional. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags are standard. Each rear occupant gets a three-point seat belt.

Forenza Wagon
Late in 2004, a Forenza Wagon joined the original sedan in Suzuki’s lineup. Like the sedan, the wagon uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops 127 hp and 131 pounds-feet of torque. Cargo space totals 19.3 cubic feet with both rear seats up.

All-disc brakes, side-impact airbags, roof rails, air conditioning, an eight-speaker CD/MP3 stereo system and a 60/40-split folding rear seat are standard. Wagons can be equipped with either the Convenience or Popular option package.

Except for a couple of ergonomic annoyances, including the steering-wheel radio controls, the Forenza Wagon is enjoyable to drive. Performance with the automatic transmission is satisfactory — even a touch spirited — though acceleration yields typical small-car engine blare.

Ride comfort is quite nice and generally smooth even in the city, with few unpleasant motions. Steering and handling are typical compact-car, but visibility is excellent. The seats are comfortable, and there’s plenty of space in the front. Backseat room isn’t bad, either. Cargo space is ample, and items are easy to load. Back to top

Safety review

Based on the 2008 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
4/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

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

3.6 / 5
Based on 13 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.0
Interior 3.6
Performance 3.3
Value 3.3
Exterior 3.5
Reliability 3.3

Most recent

  • Good Car

    This car did meet all needs, plenty of leg room, inside gas/trunk ejected from inside, gas saver. Great car to get you where you need to be.
    • 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
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I had a very bad experience with the car

    engine got overheated and after a pause on starting a strange sound emanated from the engine. its was quite a bad experience for me. being a first timer in suzuki
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Had the car for a year in a half. It has never let

    I love that I was able to drive to Milwaukee and back. Which is about an hour drive. It's my mom car sense if fits so much.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Good for the value

    Suzuki is a good brand and reliable except for the performance. But nothing that doesn?t justify the value
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Terrible Car with Everything Going Wrong

    At 109,000 miles my Forenza had basically died. The tire pressure light would go on and off, the antifreeze was leaking out of the water pump (which had been changed recently) or head gasket, the throttle body was shot, and it had a hard time starting whenever it got muggy or wet outside. The only good thing about this car is that it was hard to lock your keys inside.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A Value Pack

    Roomy, Dependable, Comfortable, Fun to Drive , Cheap to Buy and Run Interior is great, Exterior is Great, Mpg is disappointing however but considering the value additions you tend to forget that
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Take Care of your car, it will take care of you.

    I bought the 2008 Suzuki Forenza July of 2012 with only 61k miles on it, now it almost has 80K miles on it. This is my first car that i bought, i've been drawn to the Forenza mainly because there isn't very many of them around. This is a GM Daewoo car branded as a Suzuki, its also branded as a Chevy, Holden, & Daewoo. I checked the CARFAX and its been well maintained. I upkeep the maintenance by getting regular oil changes and tire rotations. This car has been really good for me and is very reliable, never had a mechanical problem. I do alot of driving in the car since i do transporting, sometimes driving 400 miles in half a day or driving 1000+ miles for nearly 15 hours straight. This car handles driving 75mph on these TX highways with no problems. From a full tank to half quarter tank i manage to squeeze out 280 miles on its range (going 75). Doing the math is about 28 mpg, it may not be impressive today but for me its no big deal and im glad that it runs well and im not too harsh on it for that. Everything inside the car works as it should with no complaints, the A/C is freezing cold and the steering wheel is kinda small. The cruze control works perfectly for those long trips. It is a great car, they are cheap and many have low mileage. I really enjoy driving the Forenza. You know having the windows rolled down, music playing, wind brushing through the car....there is nothing like the feeling of cruising down the highway with the sun setting in the west, just you, your car, and the open road. Its an experience. Take care of your car and it will take care of you. I hope to drive this car for more years to come.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • 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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  • transmisson mess

    Bought the car with 9,000 miles on it. Within a year had to have the transmission rebuilt.(Warranty) Then AGAIN right after the warranty was up (of course) it starts skipping third gear just as it did before.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Decent Car for the Price

    I brought this car from a dealer with 36,000 miles on it and it runs decent. No problems so far. Wont recommend it for long trips, since its not getting more than 30mph.....
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most disappointing New Car I've ever bought

    The Easy Care Gold Warranty is not worth the paper it is written on and it cost me 1200.00 -the car had 5 miles on it & was purchased new. If you want to throw money to the wind buy a Suzuki, Forenza. The dealership went out of business within a year - the only people that work on it are limited. The transmission started slipping at less than 44,000 miles - its now in the shop at the time of this review -the warranty covered the sensor 144.13 and my portion is 354.00. I bought a car with warranty so that if something sucah as this happened - the expense would be minimal. But that didn't occur. When this car is paid off - needless to say it will be out of my yard. This has been a really learning experience.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Quality

    Nice quality car to get you from point a to b. Gets ok gas millage. I average about 26 mpg. I like the overall ride of the car, but it has a lot of road noise. it comes with a very good sound system. these cars don't hold there resale value, so its best to buy one used.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • good for what i paid

    I paid $9000 with 12km on it. I love it. Seat is very comfortable. I slept in for 13 hours and I did not have back pain when I got up. I did same with Lexus LS 430, I had major back discomfort that required accupuncture treatment.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • 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 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza?

The 2008 Suzuki Forenza is available in 4 trim levels:

  • (4 styles)
  • Convenience Pkg (4 styles)
  • Convenience Pkg w/ABS (4 styles)
  • Popular Pkg (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2008 Suzuki Forenza?

The 2008 Suzuki Forenza offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 28 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 2008 Suzuki Forenza reliable?

The 2008 Suzuki Forenza has an average reliability rating of 3.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2008 Suzuki Forenza owners.

Is the 2008 Suzuki Forenza a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza. 69.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.6 / 5
Based on 13 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.0
  • Interior: 3.6
  • Performance: 3.3
  • Value: 3.3
  • Exterior: 3.5
  • Reliability: 3.3
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