Overview:
Well we’re continuing with another fuel-efficient (relatively fuel efficient) 2005 Suzuki Verona EX TC. If this car doesn’t excite you then I’m a little funny… know what I mean. But I fall in love too easily so maybe it’s just me. I like nice looking, fun to drive, enjoy going places with, low maintenance and not to spend-ee. Ok that also fits the description of this car as well. And before you think I’m a cheap date, we need to talk more, perhaps over dinner at Victoria Station. For readers in France or elsewhere, that is a nice restaurant in the high desert of California.
I love the name. I’m Italian and Verona is in Italy. Ok, so it’s a flimsy reason for liking the name, but I bet horses on their names too. It’s as good a handicap method as other systems. But then when you can count the times you’ve been to the track on two hands and one foot, that’s as good a handicapping system I could come up with.
Another reason I like this car is that it is one answer to BMW on my budget. Sweet. I would have to pay twice that for the Beeeeemer. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really not cheap, but rather I have other things I’d rather spend my money on. I’ve enjoyed the Porsche, Lamborghini and Mercedes Benz cars I’ve owned, but now I find travel and good friends more important than dumping lots of money into cars like I used to. Come to think of it good friends have always been more important. I’m reminded of the plaque hanging on my Swedish “second mom’s” kitchen wall that … “Vee Get toooo soon old’t undt tooo late schmart”. I loved that lady.
Handling & Performance:
Wonderful. This really was a pleasure to drive and for the money you’ll be blown away by how well it handles and performs. You’ve gotta wonder why 400 horsepower is so important. And zero to sixty in 4.5 seconds will cost you about $1.50 with gas prices as they are.
Styling:
You be the judge. If you like the styling of BMW and Honda Accord you’ll be impressed by this Verona. And this is a full five-seat sedan.
Fit and Finish:
Very nice and exceptional for the money.
Cost:
… and the money folks – it is also exceptionally competitive. Suzuki is on a quest to be a more serious player and $20,000 for a great family sedan is a great place to start.
Conveniences:
Really great array of things you’d expect to pay a lot more for and only find on more expensive cars. Climate control and moon roof to start with and leather seating as a kicker.
Consumer Recommendation:
The Verona is a must see. This is a stand out car this year.
The Competition:
Suzuki Verona $17-20,000, Chrysler 300 $23-39,000, Nissan Altima $17-29,000, Mercury Montego $24-29,000, Subaru Legacy $21-29,000, Ford 500 $22-28,000, Chevrolet Malibu $19-24,000, Buick LaCrosse $23-28,000, VW Jetta $18-24,000, Honda Accord $16-29,000, Saturn L300 $21,370, Mitsubishi Galant $19-26,000, Toyota Camry $18-26,000, Mazda 6 $19-27,000.
Good News:
Priced very well, lots of standard equipment, great styling and decent fuel economy.
Bad News:
Bad news, are you kidding, what more do you want. Ok, so traction control is optional and Stability control is not available. But com-on with everything else how can anyone complain? And for my friend Jonathan B – I don’t only say good things about the cars I review. For those who have read my reviews over the past 11 plus years know I’m not always so kind. And the manufacturers have never once questioned what I say about their cars.
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter inline 6-cylinder 155 hp engine (zero maintenance timing chain), 4-speed automatic trans, speed sensitive power steering, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, climate control, leather seating and door trim, 8-way driver power seat, cruise control, heated front seats, 60/40 folding split rear seats, audio system with cassette and CD players, tilt steering wheel with remote audio controls, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Alloy wheels, fog lights, remote keyless entry, remote power trunk release, power widows and locks, power / heated mirrors, power tilt / slide moon roof and tire pressure monitoring system.
Gas Stats:
20 City and 28 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $20,449.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2005 – An Automotive Love Affair
