2008 Suzuki Forenza Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewGeared toward first-time buyers, especially with its 7-year, 100,000-mile warranty, the 2008 Suzuki Forenza competes with the segment-leading Civic and Corolla by offering a lower pricetag. The compact sedan and wagon receives a few updates for 2008, including standard foglights in the Convenience trim, chrome exterior handles, and wheel-mounted audio controls in all trim levels. Optional Bluetooth is also now available.
Built on a Daewoo platform, both sedan and wagon come in Base and Convenience trims, with an optional Premium package. A 2.0-liter, 127-hp inline four is the only engine, offered with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Base trims start out with full power features, a 6-speaker CD/MP3 player, heated mirrors, a tire monitor, and dual front-side airbags. The Convenience adds remote entry and cruise control, while the Premium offers a sunroof. ABS brakes are optional across the lineup. When tested side-by-side with the Civic or Corolla, the 2008 Suzuki Forenza lags behind in interior materials and fuel economy (19/28), but seems superior in overall interior room. Legroom is ample, and the sedan trunk holds 12.4 cubic feet, while the wagon trunk expands from 19 to 62 cubic feet. Rear seats split-fold 60/40, and the trunk comes with tie-downs. A roof rack is standard on the wagon.
The 2008 Forenza rides rough on bumpy roads, accompanied by a lot of engine and wind noise. Its 16-valve four-cylinder suffers on acceleration, particularly with the automatic. The lack of side curtain airbags, even as an option, is a glaring drawback. But for college students or recent grads, it's a viable city car, thanks to its low price, spacious interior, and long-term warranty. Though it doesn't quite compete in terms of overall refinement with its compact sedan competitors, the 2008 Forenza gets you where you want to go with minimal fuss.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Suzuki Forenza
Write a reviewUser rating:
by IronGiant7 .
Jul 22, 2023
Car has a 2.0L 4 cylinder engine, and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Id say its comparable to a Kia Rio or similar economy car.
Acceleration is about average. It stops well. Handling and ride are actually quite nice. Reviews I have read claim an average of 28mpg. I average probably around 35 and I have gotten 41 on long trips. It seems to have somewhat low gear ratios. I say this because at 70mph the engine is doing 3000rpm which is the top of the power band. The flip side of that is it does well in stop and go traffic.
I have had to replace a head gasket because the engine was factory filled with GM Dexcool which was never changed and dissolved the gasket. That is the only major issue I have had with the car. The engine was pretty simple, so I did it myself in my back yard. Its actually quite reliable otherwise, and I have daily driven this car for 5 years. Its very easy to work on. The transmission fluid can be changed from 2 plugs in the transmission (drain and cold fill). For engine oil, the dipstick and fill cap are easily accessed, but the oil filter is in a slightly awkward place. I only tighten it by hand so it is easier to remove. It is too low to crawl under without ramps. Everything else is easily accessed with the hood up (coolant, PS, brake fluid, spark plugs).
With the back seats folded down, I have 6ft 4in x ~3ft x ~1ft of cargo space. I have hauled lumber and moved using this car without too much trouble.
Probably my least favorite part of the car is the road noise. You get used to it, but its much louder than any car I have driven.
For an affordable daily driver, this car has been spectacular. Jul 22, 2023
by Jesse D
Nov 12, 2013
has power for a 4 cylinder when needed. comfortable, easy to drive and handle. low maintenance repair cost. most forenza's can get up to 230,000 miles. seats 4 adults with room left over. back seats fold down for greater access and carring room.Nov 12, 2013
by Devane C
Oct 27, 2010
Great car for family outings and city driving. Its not quick at all and is a bit touchy
sometimes. Very basic model car with out any bells or whistles. Overall nice car for
the single mom or family scene but not a good play car.Oct 27, 2010
User rating:
by IronGiant7 .
Jul 22, 2023
Car has a 2.0L 4 cylinder engine, and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Id say its comparable to a Kia Rio or similar economy car.
Acceleration is about average. It stops well. Handling and ride are actually quite nice. Reviews I have read claim an average of 28mpg. I average probably around 35 and I have gotten 41 on long trips. It seems to have somewhat low gear ratios. I say this because at 70mph the engine is doing 3000rpm which is the top of the power band. The flip side of that is it does well in stop and go traffic.
I have had to replace a head gasket because the engine was factory filled with GM Dexcool which was never changed and dissolved the gasket. That is the only major issue I have had with the car. The engine was pretty simple, so I did it myself in my back yard. Its actually quite reliable otherwise, and I have daily driven this car for 5 years. Its very easy to work on. The transmission fluid can be changed from 2 plugs in the transmission (drain and cold fill). For engine oil, the dipstick and fill cap are easily accessed, but the oil filter is in a slightly awkward place. I only tighten it by hand so it is easier to remove. It is too low to crawl under without ramps. Everything else is easily accessed with the hood up (coolant, PS, brake fluid, spark plugs).
With the back seats folded down, I have 6ft 4in x ~3ft x ~1ft of cargo space. I have hauled lumber and moved using this car without too much trouble.
Probably my least favorite part of the car is the road noise. You get used to it, but its much louder than any car I have driven.
For an affordable daily driver, this car has been spectacular. Jul 22, 2023
by Jesse D
Nov 12, 2013
has power for a 4 cylinder when needed. comfortable, easy to drive and handle. low maintenance repair cost. most forenza's can get up to 230,000 miles. seats 4 adults with room left over. back seats fold down for greater access and carring room.Nov 12, 2013
by Devane C
Oct 27, 2010
Great car for family outings and city driving. Its not quick at all and is a bit touchy
sometimes. Very basic model car with out any bells or whistles. Overall nice car for
the single mom or family scene but not a good play car.Oct 27, 2010
by Anonymous
Jul 22, 2009
the car is very roomy and spacious,paid $9900 brand new, decent gas mileage , braking is very easy, acceleration is very peppy and i live in very hilly areas. very cheap insurance rates on full coverage. dislikes:the passenger airbag light stays on for no reason at all. i have to remind myself to get it check out. it stalled on me once but never did it again.Jul 22, 2009
by Nick R
Jul 14, 2009
Interior is great, but the exterior took a while to grow. Driving is smooth, though it isn't quite fast enough for me. Pricey for me, but I splurged. I'd say it's fun. Decent on gas milage, or so I thinkJul 14, 2009
What users have asked
2008 Suzuki Forenza
On my 2008 Suzuki Forenza what would calls the clutch pedal lose pressure and and pump it back up
10 views
Throttle position sensor code
I have an 08 Forenza and the the check engine light is on. Had the code checked and it's reading Throttle Control Sensor. My car is shifting really hard at about 50 mph, struggling to climb hills and at take off.
262 views
Throttle Body Replaced 3 times
We have replaced the throttle body three times and the full OEM pedal assembly to resolve the sputtering issue and misfire codes. Vehicle has had a full tune up using correct OEM parts. The issue is that the vehicle runs great after replacing the throttle body, but then the misfire codes will reappear and the vehicle will start sputtering and losing power. Several things we have done. Spark Plugs NGK Copp -2288 (4)@$ 5.27 each -- Plug Wires-9171 (1)@$ 26.03 -- Ignition Coil-C1480 (1)@$ 95.95 SeaFoam (1) @$ 7.99 -- eliminate possibility of water in gas tank fuel injectors (4) $25.00 ea. The second throttle body we took out which was working great....but the butterfly was frozen shut and won't move!! The third throttle body that just arrived moves perfectly and was installed worked for about a day. Now codes are back and running issues are back as well.
382 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 Suzuki Forenza?Compare this car
2008 Suzuki Forenza Pricing
Original MSRP
$14,249 to $17,249Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: grocery bag holder · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: grocery bag holder · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent