Acceleration

Base sdn, man.	Conven. sdn, auto.	Conven. wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	3	3	4.6

With automatic transmission, good progress from a stop fades to modest acceleration as speed rises. Transmission downshifts very quickly for more power, but requires a hard shove on the throttle and results in more noise than progress at higher speeds. Acceleration livelier with manual transmission, though passing power is still lacking.

Fuel Economy

Base sdn, man.	Conven. sdn, auto.	Conven. wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.5

Not outstanding for small, 4-cyl cars. Test sedans averaged 17.8 mpg with manual transmission, 29.5 in mostly highway driving. Automatic-transmission models averaged just 17.8 mpg in mostly city driving.

Ride Quality

Base sdn, man.	Conven. sdn, auto.	Conven. wgn, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5.3

Generally comfortable on broken surfaces, especially for the compact class, though bigger bumps jostle occupants. Less settled on rough roads than segment-leading Honda Civic, Volkswagen Rabbit.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base sdn, man.	Conven. sdn, auto.	Conven. wgn, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5.8

Quick, responsive steering, but noticeable body lean even at modest cornering speeds. Standard four-wheel disc brakes a nice plus in this price range, provide fine pedal feel.

Quietness

Base sdn, man.	Conven. sdn, auto.	Conven. wgn, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	4.4

Engine roars intrusively during acceleration, turns buzzy at higher speeds. Some suspension pounding over bumps, substantial wind rush at freeway speeds.

Controls

Base sdn, man.	Conven. sdn, auto.	Conven. wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.9

Clear gauges nicely lit. Audio, climate controls simple to use and understand, though mounted just a bit low. Switchgear has quality feel. Materials impress for the price.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base sdn, man.	Conven. sdn, auto.	Conven. wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.6

Plenty of head and leg room, even for taller folks. Standard tilt steering wheel and height-adjustable driver seat appreciated. Visibility better than average in all body styles, though some testers say rear headrests interfere with over-the-shoulder view.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base sdn, man.	Conven. sdn, auto.	Conven. wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4

Adequate head, leg, and toe room for adults as long as front seats aren't more than halfway back. Entry/exit good for a compact.

Cargo Room

Base sdn, man.	Conven. sdn, auto.	Conven. wgn, auto.	Class Average
2	2	7	4.8

Sedan has wide trunklid, low liftover, capacity slightly below average for the class. Wagon has usefully larger cargo holds and generous liftgate opening.

Value within Class

Base sdn, man.	Conven. sdn, auto.	Conven. wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	4	5	6

Forenza falls behind most class rivals in refinement and fuel economy, and, with automatic transmission, in acceleration. Suzuki resale values don't yet match those of more-established Japanese makes, either. But Forenzas have an impressive list of standard features for attractive prices, and they're roomier than most compact-sedan rivals.

Total Score

Base sdn, man.	Conven. sdn, auto.	Conven. wgn, auto.	Class Average
45	44	50	52.9

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		52
High Score		60