2005 Suzuki Verona Overview

2005 Suzuki Verona Overview

After an initial lack of consumer interest in the debut 2004 Verona, Suzuki tried to make it more attractive. For 2005, front seat airbags and a tire-pressure monitor were made standard on all three trim lines. The LX adds a sunroof as standard equipment. Veronas have one of the industry's longest standard equipment lists, one of its lowest sticker prices, and one of its best warrantees, yet Suzuki gave up on the line in 2006. The Verona seemed to have the right idea, but perhaps it was a matter of execution.

Under the hood, the 2.5-liter inline 6, developed with Porsche, produces 155 hp and is coupled to a four-speed adaptive automatic transmission. Yet reviewers found it underwhelming, producing 0-60 times of 10.7 seconds and many negative comments about the transmission's "lost in space" approach to gear selection. Gas mileage was another issue. EPA estimates were 20/28 mpg city/highway for an average of 24, when Accords, Camrys, and Malibus earned an average 29 mpg. One reviewer could manage only 22 mpg. The Verona's brakes, however, did outstop the Accord's.

Handling was judged mediocre, even though a multilink independent suspension holds up the rear, and the ride was judged "comfortable." The Verona wasn't happy on bumpy highways or fast, tight turns. And, of course, its competitors â?? Accord, Camry, Mazda 6, etc. â?? have been at this much longer and have their acts down well at this point.

The interior was loaded with standard equipment, much more so than the competition, and was judged comfortable. But crash tests didn't favor the Verona, with NHTSA giving three or four stars in all categories and other testing for front, rear, and side crashes producing acceptable, marginal, and poor results. A low sticker price and one of the best warranties in the industry just weren't enough.