Auto Guide
2008 Suzuki Forenza
Used

Review and specifications

2008 Suzuki Forenza

This small sedan is the successor to the Daewoo Nubira. It's called the Optra in Canada. The Forenza's many features might appear tempting, but its performance does not compete well with the class leaders. The 126-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers fairly slow acceleration and only so-so fuel economy. The Forenza corners reluctantly and does not inspire confidence when pushed to its limits. The ride is stiff and not well-controlled. Interior fit and finish is relatively good, however, and the firm front seats offer good support. We found it hard to find a Forenza with ABS. The Reno is the hatchback version.

Market value
$3,113
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Manual
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2008
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
wagon
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
Manual, 5-speed
Category
Small sedans/hatchbacks
Generation began
2004

Pricing

Current retail median
$3,113
Retail value range
$3,100 - $3,125
Original MSRP range
$14,489 - $17,689
Trade-in range
$805 - $830

Ratings

Road test score
39/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
22 MPG
EPA highway
30 MPG
EPA combined
25 MPG
Tested city
19 MPG
Tested highway
36 MPG
Tested overall
27 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,460
Cruising range
385 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.2 sec
0-60 mph
9.5 sec
60-0 mph braking
147 ft
Avoidance speed
49.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
177 in
Width
68 in
Height
57 in
Wheelbase
102 in
Weight
2,815 lb
Maximum load
875 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
4.5 in
Front leg room
41.5 in
Rear head room
3 in
Rear leg room
28 in
Luggage
3+1+0

Brand context

About Suzuki

Known for offering small cars and SUVs in the 1980s and ‘90s, American Suzuki Motor Corp. eventually expanded its product line. Its final lineup was a mix of unique designs and products that were developed with other automakers. The Suzuki Forenza was based on a design shared with Daewoo and General Motors, and the Equator pickup truck was almost identical to the Nissan Frontier. The Grand Vitara midsized SUV was Suzuki’s own design, as were the last Suzuki cars sold in the U.S., the 2013 Kizashi sedan and SX4 hatchback. Suzuki motorcycles, ATVs, and marine products are still sold in the U.S., and Suzuki cars and SUVs are still available in other countries. Any used Suzuki cars still on the road will likely not have the latest safety and convenience features.

Vehicle ID: 8387 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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