Overview:
”Here I go again, I hear the trumpets blow again…” as the lyrics go in an old time tune … “taking a chance on love”. So I’m back on the road again with another fuel-efficient transportation car. The 2005 Suzuki Forenza is just that and I really enjoyed passing a few more gas stations. This wagon gives just that little more cargo area than the sedan has; yet it still retains that sedan look. Remember when a Station Wagon was massive and bulky in appearance?
Also in our trip down memory lane, remember the Ad campaign for Avis Rent-a-car that went … “We’re number 2, we try harder”. Well that applies here. This Korean assembled, Japanese car is a product of “We try Harder” philosophy. You’re gonna like what you get in this family car. I guarantee it.
Handling & Performance:
It only has 126 horsepower but it will surprise you that it isn’t more. Lev and Richard took me off road to cut some firewood above Lake Hughes in Southern California and it made me proud how far I got before we had to move the chain saws from the cargo area to the 4-wheel drive truck for the remainder of the journey up the hill. Truly I could have made it, but dodging all those rocks and boulders was not worth the effort. Highway driving was just great however. It was smooth and comfortable for the 100 miles per day I drive.
Styling:
Nice lines and while it is a station wagon it is sharply formed. Kind-a like a scaled down SUV rather than the traditional station wagon of yesteryear designs. I liked driving this one, and my golf clubs fit nicely, thanks.
Fit and Finish:
Just fine Vern… I think the Koreans like other emerging industrial nations pay more attention to detail. Nice job guys.
Cost:
Very good for all you get. I can’t imagine why people futz around repairing their old jalopy when they can have a brand spanking new car for this kind of money.
Conveniences:
Fantastically appointed features for the money.
Consumer Recommendation:
Surely this is a must see. Get in on the ground floor. Cost to produce is lower than other competitors and that allows you to get the best bang for the buck. Perhaps the buck should stop here!
The Competition:
Suzuki Forenza $14-17,000, Ford Focus Wagon $17-18,000, Kia Rio Cinco $11,500, Mazda 3 $14-19,000, VW Jetta Wagon $19-22,000, Scion xA $12,530, Subaru Impreza Wagon $18-24,000, Chevrolet Malibu Maxx $21-25,000, Toyota Matrix $15-19,000, Pontiac Vibe $17-20,000.
Good News:
Decent fuel economy, roomy, good cargo area, comfy, nice ride, well appointed and well priced.
Bad News:
Short on the horses.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder 126 horsepower engine, 4-speed auto trans, speed sensitive power steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, dual airbags front and side, cruise control, audio system with cassette and CD player and 8 speakers, tilt steering wheel with remote audio controls, leather seating, door trim steering wheel and shift knob, 60/40 split folding rear seats, alloy wheels, fog lights, remote keyless entry, power windows and locks, power heated mirrors, power tilt and slide sunroof. 100,000 mile 7 year transferable power train limited warranty24/7 roadside assistance, warranty repair courtesy vehicle program.
Gas Stats:
20 City and 28 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $17,449.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2005 – An Automotive Love Affair
