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2005 Suzuki Reno Compact Economy Hatchback Sedan
Reno's body looks good, price looks better
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New Car Review of the 2005 Suzuki Reno Compact Economy Hatchback Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $13,449 - $17,049
Base Invoice Range: $12,776 - $16,196
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MSRP As Tested: $13,994.
Versions: S, LX, EX.
Vehicle Category: Compact Economy Hatchback Sedan
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive.
Standard Engine: 2.0-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, I-4, 126 â€' horsepower at 5600 rpm and 131 lb-ft torque at 4000 rpm.
Transmission: Four-speed automatic, Five-speed manual.
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 22/30.
Standard Safety Features: Driver and passenger airbags, Front side airbags,, Four-wheel anti-lock brake system, Emergency inside trunk release, Daytime running lights.
Competition: Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda 3, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix.
Remember Daewoo? It was the Korean carmaker that tried selling low-priced cars here for about three years before going kaput.
Or so we thought.
Thanks to the global tentacles of General Motors, Daewoo is undergoing a resurrection of sorts in the United States, only not under its own name. Chevrolet sells one Daewoo model as the entry-level Aveo, Suzuki sells another as the mid-size Verona, and now Suzuki is selling a third Daewoo derivative called the Reno. All three are decent cars with incredible price tags.
The subject of this week's review -- the 2005 Suzuki Reno -- is a downright steal. It drives just like a good economy car should, with a quiet cabin, soft suspension and respectable acceleration, all for under $14,000.
That's no surprise. Carmakers have followed that formula for decades now.
What's really surprising is how good the Reno looks. The famous Italdesign studio -- the same studio responsible for some of Europe's most stunning cars -- was tapped to style this little Suzuki, and the results are outstanding.
While most economy cars are either scaled-down versions of bland sedans or ugly chunks of plastic meant to look hip, the Reno has a subtle sophistication that few cars in its price range can match. Its clean-looking, four-door hatchback body would look perfectly at home with a Saab badge -- or maybe even as an entry-level BMW if you stretch your imagination -- but its price is less than what a decent Saab or BMW would cost used.
The good-looking body leaves more interior room than you'd expect in a low-priced car, but you won't confuse it for a Camry or Accord. The back seat is pretty small for adult passengers, although it can be folded down to create a surprisingly big cargo area with 45.4 cubic feet of space.
It also comes with plenty of amenities at the bargain price, including a CD player with seven-speaker stereo, a tilt steering wheel with integrated controls, automatic climate control, and even an air filter. All those could only be found in luxury cars a few years ago.
Driving the Reno isn't anything special. Still, it would make a great commuter car.
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