For the last year of the Verona's three-year lifespan, Suzuki made antilock brakes standard on all trims and consolidated the three trim lines into two: base and Luxury. Suzuki had tried to market the Verona as the inexpensive alternative to the Camry and Accord in the mainstream midsize family sedan market.
Suzuki added a long list of standard equipment, topping it all off with a 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produced an underwhelming 155 hp. Losing to its four-cylinder competitors with a poor 10.7 seconds in the 0-60 dash, the Verona compounded the negative reviews with equally unimpressive gas mileage. EPA estimates of 20/28 mpg city/highway average out to 24 mpg, while Accords, Camrys, and Malibus were rated at a 29-mpg average. One reviewer could manage only 22 mpg.
Handling did not improve in 2006, with one review rating it as the "least enjoyable" aspect of the Verona. The engine didn't have enough power for adequate acceleration bursts, and the overly soft suspension found itself quickly overwhelmed in tight turns and on uneven pavement. Crash-test scores remained mediocre.
While the interior is nicely laid out and has some good quality materials, it also has some cheap and glossy plastics. The seats are comfortable, and the dashboard well laid out. Some reviewers, however, found the seat-cover material unappealing รข?? referring to it as "mouse fur."
Overall, Suzuki had the right idea, but it was Hyundai and its Sonata that made it work.
