2005 Suzuki Reno

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2005 Suzuki RenoTo a lot of people, the word “Suzuki” means primarily three things: music lessons, motorcycles and the first inexpensive sport utility. Let’s add a fourth definition today, class: impressive compact cars. The Japanese carmaker is on an ambitious mission to triple its sales to 200,000 units by 2007. The game plan puts an assortment of new models on the market, each with a security blanket warranty that takes the chill out of buying brand new. The Reno is the latest of these introductions, a five-door compact plunked down in a tough segment. The challenge: How to be distinctive and competitive while keeping it cheap.

Particulars Five-door, five-passenger compact hatchback, EX model
Price Base $16,149;
As tested: $17,194
Engine Type: 2.0 Liter 16-Valve 4 Cylinder
Power: 126 HP @5400 RPM; 131 LB-FT @ 4000 RPM
Drivetrain Transmission: 5-speed manual
Front-wheel-drive
Brakes Four-wheel discs with AntiLock ($500 extra)
Dimensions Wheelbase: 102.4
Overall length: 169.1
Curb weight: 2739
Gas mileage EPA rated at 22 mpg city/30 highway
Safety Front and side airbags standard

The good news
Suzuki’s answer to the challenge is style, substance and stuff.

For starters, the Reno looks good. Unlike the librarian looks of its chief competitors Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Reno steps out with sweeping taillamps, nice posture and good-looking starburst wheels. The impact is more Ford Focus and Mazda than mainstream. The young customer should approve.

Next, its 2.0 liter twin cam 16-valve powerplant delivers zippy performance for the price. I don’t know how the 4-speed automatic transmission moves it, but the manual gigs it along nicely, as these compacts go. Granted, you have to keep the revs up and may sacrifice fuel in the process. Or, you may not care if you’re the first one off the green light, satisfied to amble at the Reno’s lesser pace. Your choice.

In any case, you should be pleasantly surprised by the build quality here. When you’re in the ring with Toyota, Honda and a few other established names, that’s essential. This Reno exhibits character in its somber ride, lack of wind and engine noise, solid shift and general quality of finish and materials. Honda being the benchmark here, this Reno stacks up well. Not equal, but well. Five-door advantages include 45.4 cubic feet with rear seats folded, plus hatchback loading access.

Most of all, the Reno gives you stuff. The side air bags are part of the base price, as are the four-wheel discs. Air conditioning, CD/MP3 audio, leather seats and trim, three-point seatbelts and headrests at all five positions, alloy wheels, keyless entry, power/heated mirrors, power tilt/slide sunroof: All standard.

Then there’s that warranty: 100,000 mile/7 year powertrain limited warranty that covers engine, transmission, transaxle and front-drive system. Furthermore, it’s fully transferable should you sell your Reno, and it’s “free of deductibles for covered items.” This warranty stacks on top of a 36,000/3-year new-vehicle limited warranty.

The bad news
The Reno’s 22 mpg city/30 highway with manual tranny pales against Civic’s 32/37, Corolla’s 32/41 and even the Focus’s 25/33, just to give a sample. All are in the same ballpark in horsepower, but the Reno lands at the bottom. It has a slight edge over some in torque and is the heaviest, but not by a lot. The weight might account for some of the drag on fuel. In this class, however, fuel economy should be better.

Is it worth it?
Suzuki was very smart with this Reno. It scores on looks, fun-to-drive factor, hatchback convenience and lots of unexpected goodies for the price. Plus, it all comes with a warranty that takes much of the risk out of the unknown. Besides, when a carmaker offers this kind of warranty, it typically means they don’t expect problems. A good sign. You won’t necessarily pay less for the Reno than for its more established competitors, but you will get more extras for that price. If nothing else, its mere presence raises the bar on value for everyone in the class. That’s always a good sign.

Website: www.suzuki.com

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.