2005 Suzuki Forenza Wagon Published 12/23/2004

What does status mean to you? Is an expensive car a "status symbol" for you or do you prefer a better investment for your money than the depreciating asset of a passenger car?

The new 2005 Suzuki Forenza Wagon may not impress posers that judge status by the "bling" that you flash, but it is a smart financial move. For about the same price that many pay for a worn out used car of dubious value, you can purchase a brand new wagon with features once found only on expensive luxury cars.

The base 2005 Suzuki Forenza S Wagon, with an impressive list of features, has a suggested price of only $13,449 after rebate. My test vehicle, the Forenza LX Wagon, loaded with all of the goodies still could not reach $17,000 before rebate.

Suzuki is an old company with a heritage reaching back to 1909 as a manufacturer of textile looms. Building cars since 1920, they entered the US market in 1985 and now offer a full line of value priced passenger cars and sport utility vehicles. In addition to automobiles, Suzuki has excelled in developing outboard motors for the marine market and motorcycles including the championship Suzuki GSX-R Superbike.

Competition is not foreign to Suzuki and the 2005 Suzuki Forenza Wagon competes squarely in the hot premium compact wagon segment populated in part by the Ford Focus, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe and Chrysler PT Cruiser.

Exterior design represents conservative classic lines developed by the renowned Italian design studio Pininfarina. Some manufacturers have gone out of their way to avoid using the term "wagon." They think the "station wagon" label would be the kiss of death among SUV's, crossovers and hatchbacks, but we all realize that a classic wagon design is the ultimate in practicality. Suzuki has unashamedly designed a sleek, modern and yet functional wagon with over 24 cubic feet of luggage room, which just might serve as a status symbol for the smart buyer.

The interior is attractive, clean and functional. Sure, I miss the rich heated leather seats of premium luxury sedans but this is a vehicle that can be bought in the mid teens. Standard equipment on even the base wagon is impressive. Not only do you get air conditioning, power windows, locks and tilt wheel but even the outside mirrors are heated. The eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/Cassette stereo system is one of the best sounding systems around with extra audio controls conveniently placed on the steering wheel. While four-wheel disc brakes are standard on the base model, for an extra $500, my test model came equipped with desirable Anti Lock Brakes. All new cars have front air bags but side air bags are still optional on many vehicles. They are standard equipment on the 2005 Suzuki Forenza Wagon.

For $1,900 the LX provides several upgrades to the standard wagon including 15-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, keyless remote entry, fog lights and cruise control. Leather seats and automatic transmission available on the EX version adds $1,600 to the bottom line. While the quality, styling and feature content is certainly impressive, nothing is more impressive than the outstanding warranty. Advertised as America's #1 Warranty, an exceptional 100,000-mile or 7 year, fully transferable, $0 deductible powertrain warranty is included on all 2005 Suzuki models. The 36-month 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty even includes roadside assistance and a courtesy vehicle program.

So what is a status symbol for you?
Would you rather purchase a used car or invest in a brand new vehicle with a long warranty for less money? For me, status is not showing off how much money I can spend but rather how smart I am with my money.

The 2005 Suzuki Forenza Wagon is a smart move that may be the ultimate status symbol.

2005 Suzuki Forenza Wagon LX ABS

Front wheel drive compact wagon
2.0 Liter DOHC 16 valve 4 cylinder engine
126 hp and 131 lb.-ft. torque

MSRP as tested $16,894.00

20/30 EPA MPG

Additional Web only Information and Resources

For Additional Reviews: