Long Term Main Page

2004 Suzuki Reno EX

Date: February 2005	Miles: 3,200
Our relationship has barely begun with this 2004 Suzuki Reno EX. As we said in our initial test, we're impressed with the quality of Suzuki's latest cars, made in Korea by Daewoo. Two months and 3,200 long-term miles have not changed our opinion one bit. The Reno is solid, and with its cute 5-door body style, amazingly versatile. What we would like to see improved is fuel economy. Our automatic is averaging only 23.2 miles per gallon so far. Still, the Reno delivers something most entry level cars lack driving enjoyment. We hope the little Reno continues to win us over.
Date: March 2005	Miles: 5,000
If there ever was proof that the terms commuter car or basic transportation no longer infer negatives, this 2005 Suzuki Reno EX is it. Forget it's a sub-compact 5-door. Forget it has all of 126-horsepower, and skinny 15-inch tires. The Reno feels substantial, willing, and sure-footed. Our only disappointment is mileage. After 3 months and 5,000 miles, it seems stuck at 23.2 miles per gallon. But then we remind ourselves that this Daewoo built cutie has been fault free and is protected by a 7-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Now we feel better.
Date: June 2005	Miles: 8,000
Suzuki is a relatively young car company. Best known for their motorcycles, they generally focused on smaller, high value cars and utilities. That's certainly is our 2005 Reno EX. Even though this sub-compact 5-door is made for them by Daewoo in Korea, it lacks little of the Suzuki core appeal. The one exception has been fuel economy. You've heard us say we expected better mileage. Well, it's starting to happen. Since last report our average has jumped almost a full mile per gallon. After 8,000 miles it now stands at 23.4. For best results you have to be careful to make sure the gear shift is in "D" and not third. The detent between them is weak. Still the Reno's roomy interior makes for a strong commuter car. And it's not bad for weekend outings for a couple either. You can haul a lot of stuff inside its big rear hatch. Indeed, we find daily living with the Suzuki Reno getting easier every day.
Date: August 2005	Miles: 9,000
Korean-made cars are growing in popularity and are popping up in some of the most unexpected brands. That includes the Japanese brand Suzuki, which sells several cars from Korean builder Daewoo. Among them is our long term Reno EX 5-door sub-compact. Eight months and 9,000 miles have passed under our Reno's wheels, and we continue to be impressed by almost everything except fuel economy. 23.2 miles per gallon is not very good for a 126-horsepower 2.0-liter. EPA ratings are a lackluster 22 City and 30 Highway. We also find that 90 plus degree days do tax the air conditioner a bit. Offsetting those complaints are the Reno's sporty styling by Ital Design, fine fit and finish, roomy cabin, soft ride, and totally trouble-free operation. If we could just get fuel economy up, it would be the perfect modern commuter car.
Date: October 2005	Miles: 11,000
This diminutive Suzuki Reno EX 5-door has been in our garage for 10 months, and so far has been driven over 11,000 mostly commuter miles. This Daewoo-built Korean-made import is well made, smartly styled, comfortable, and surprisingly roomy. It also has above average ride and handling, and brakes are all disc. In the past we have carped about fuel economy and still do since it has averaged only 23.2 miles per gallon so far. Still, stop and go traffic is what this agile little 126-horsepower car lives for, and it otherwise handles it quite well. Indeed the high points for the Reno are many. The seats are comfortable with lots of adjustment. The CD/MP3 stereo sounds great. Plus, even with an automatic, it makes commuting almost enjoyable. And the Reno has been trouble free.
Date: December 2005	Miles: 13,000
This time of year we also seem to have a lot of comings and goings in our long term fleet. Going is this subcompact 2005 Suzuki Reno EX 5-door. In our garage for a full year, it's leaving after 13,000 mostly commuter and airport miles. This Daewoo-built Korean import is well made, Euro-styled, and impressively roomy. It also has above average ride and handling, and brakes are all disc. Our only reservation was, and remains, fuel economy, which at test end was a modest 23.9 miles per gallon.