Suzuki Forenza Wagon 2005: The Weekly Driver Review

Overview of the 2005 Suzuki Forenza Wagon

As an entry-level wagon, the 2005 Suzuki Forenza offers a spacious interior and a good array of standard features. However, as a new entrant in the market, it remains untested in terms of resale value and has some limitations that define its position in the marketplace.

Performance and Engine Specifications

My weekly test drive was the LX wagon, one of the 10 available Forenza models in 2005. It is powered by a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, 126-horsepower engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the only available option. The vehicle offers decent mileage estimates for its class, with 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway (source: FuelEconomy.gov).

While the Forenza Wagon accelerates adequately in city driving scenarios, it struggles on highway inclines and during quick lane changes, requiring a full-throttle jolt. The ride quality is marginal, with noticeable bumps and a somewhat stiff overall feel.

Design and Interior Features

The exterior of the Forenza Wagon is well-designed, featuring a contoured body, alloy wheels, fog lamps, and a power tilt-slide sunroof. My test vehicle came in "Fantasy Black," complemented by light gray cloth seats. Despite its compact appearance, the interior is surprisingly spacious. A 6-foot-2 passenger found ample headroom in the back seat, more than in some SUVs.

From the driver's seat, the spaciousness continues, with good head clearance and legroom. The cargo area is wide and easily accessible, thanks to the hatchback-style entry.

The interior design emphasizes simplicity. The radio controls and other instrumentation are user-friendly, with straightforward designs. The instrument panel features retro-style lettering, and the back panel has an attractive light green tone when illuminated. The dashboard has a unique textured pattern, reminiscent of the surface of golf balls.

Standard and Optional Features

The Forenza Wagon comes with a good supply of standard features, including:

• Air conditioning
• Cruise control
• AM/FM/CD with eight speakers
• Tilt steering wheel with remote stereo controls
• 60/40 split folding rear seats
• Power windows and locks
• Heated and power mirrors

The only optional feature is the antilock brake system, which adds $500 to the base price of $16,649. Destination and handling fees bring the total to $17,694, making it an attractive option for economical buyers.

Safety and Warranty

The Forenza Wagon includes several safety features:

• Driver and front seat passenger side airbags
• Front seat passenger front airbags
• 24-hour roadside assistance

Suzuki offers a robust warranty for the Forenza Wagon:

• Bumper to bumper: 3 years/36,000 miles
• Powertrain: 7 years/100,000 miles
• Corrosion: 3 years/unlimited miles

Market Position and Competitiveness

While Suzuki may not yet be ready to compete with more well-known brands on several levels, the manufacturer's 7-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance are significant advantages. The Forenza Wagon's combination of affordability, spaciousness, and standard features makes it a strong contender in the compact wagon market.

Conclusion

The 2005 Suzuki Forenza Wagon offers a compelling package for budget-conscious buyers seeking a spacious and feature-rich vehicle. While it has some performance limitations and an unproven resale market, its design, interior space, and robust warranty make it a worthy consideration.

Interesting Stats

• The 2005 Suzuki Forenza Wagon was one of the few compact wagons available in the U.S. market at the time, competing with models like the Toyota Matrix and the Ford Focus Wagon.
• Despite its compact size, the Forenza Wagon offers more rear headroom than some SUVs, making it a practical choice for taller passengers.

For more information on the 2005 Suzuki Forenza Wagon, visit Edmunds.

Suzuki Forenza Wagon 2005

Safety Features: Driver and front seat passenger side airbags, front seat passenger front airbags, 24-hour roadside assistance.

Fuel Mileage (estimates): 20 mpg (city), 28 mpg (highway).

Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain 7 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 3 years/unlimited miles.

Base Price: $17,694.00