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2004 Suzuki Verona

Date: 9 January 2004	Miles: 2,500
You might expect that a car like the mid-size 2004 Suzuki Verona would give us pause. Not only is this the largest sedan Suzuki has ever sold, but the Korean import Verona is the first offspring of GM's ownership of Daewoo Motors. Still, we think Daewoo already knows a lot about American family car needs, and has put forth a solid, value packed four-door. As we said in our road test, the 2.5-liter, 155-horsepower I-6 engine is not as powerful as some 4-cylinder rivals. But, after 2 months, with miles climbing to 2500, it is loosening up nicely. Fuel economy stands at 21 miles per gallon so far, and we expect that to go up at least another 20%. Improved operation is needed for the balky, gated shifter, and some of the dash controls also feel a little crude. But, if past experiences with Korean cars mean anything, we bet both items get attention quickly.
Date: 6 March 2004	Miles: 5,500
This mid-size 2004 Suzuki Verona says a lot about how rapidly the automotive world is changing. The Verona is the largest sedan ever sold by the Japanese importer, Suzuki. But, the car is actually built by Daewoo in Korea. Daewoo is actually owned by General Motors which also has a big investment in Suzuki. Confused? Well, all you need to know is that the Verona is a high value, well equipped family sedan with generous 7-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. That powertrain includes a smooth, 2.5-liter, 155-horsepower inline-6 and 4-speed automatic transmission. It has given us no pause in 5 months and 5,500 miles. Mileage has risen 7-tenths to 21.7 miles per gallon and we expect it to go higher still. Likes include the smooth Italdesign styling, and the soft but pleasant ride. Fit and finish is good, inside and out. And the automatic climate controls on our EX work with precision. Dislikes include the balky gated shifter, too light steering, and the gauges. They're big and clear yet look cheap. But overall the front-wheel drive Suzuki Verona seems a smart bargain.
Date: 7 May 2004	Miles: 6,000
Just as Japanese brands revolutionized American family cars in the 1980s, the Koreans are putting their imprint on cars of the first decade of the new century. Case in point, our long term, mid-size 2004 Suzuki Verona made by GM's Korean subsidiary, Daewoo. The Verona, at about $17,000 to start, is a high-value, well-equipped, mainstream family sedan with the peace of mind of a 7-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Our Verona is doing a lot of typical family driving. That is short hops, lots of commuting, and about 6,000 stop-and-go miles in 6 months. The willing 2.5-liter, 155-horsepower Inline-6 and 4-speed automatic transmission has not missed a beat. Fuel economy, a little disappointing so far, continues to rise, now at 22.4 miles per gallon. If you drive a lot of cars like we do, you will find things in the Verona, like the gated gear shifter, that are not as smooth as more seasoned Japanese brands. But with each new car the Korean makers are becoming more serious players, with quality improvements that are impressive.
Date: 16 July 2004	Miles: 9,000
Time and mileage are passing swiftly with our 2004 Suzuki Verona sedan. In 8 months we've driven over 9,000 miles. At about $17,000 to start, the Verona is a high value, mid-size family sedan with a 7-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Even our EX with ABS, traction control, and leather lists for only $20,500. Made in Korea by GM-owned Daewoo, it is the largest car Suzuki sells. Our Verona is doing a lot of urban driving. That means short hops, commuting, and lots of trips to the airport and location shoots. But even with that, fuel economy could be better. It's steady at 22.3 miles per gallon, and may reflect less than state-of-the-art powertrain technology. Still, the willing 2.5-liter, 155-horsepower inline-6 and 4-speed automatic transmission have not missed a beat. Speaking of beat, the biggest criticism from our staff lately is the ''weak'' 6-speaker stereo. Mo-power, and our Verona would really ''rock-on''.
Date: 8 October 2004	Miles: 15,000
This very international entry level mid-size sedan bears a Japanese brand name yet is actually built in Korea. Daewoo is the source for our 2004 Verona sedan, the largest car Suzuki has ever sold. In 11 months we've driven the Verona over 15,000 miles, and we have to say we're mostly impressed. Our staff finds the Verona to be a very able family and car-pool commuter sedan. And compared to market leading Camry and Accord, a good value with a much longer warranty. We have had no mechanical problems, although the computer in our car did get confused once or twice, running rough for short distances. Meanwhile, the body is rock solid and the ride smooth. Fuel economy is steady at 22.3 miles per gallon. The willing 2.5-liter, 155-horsepower inline-6 and 4-speed automatic transmission are a mostly smooth combo with only the occasional gear clunk an issue. If Suzuki and Daewoo have more collaborations up their sleeve like the Verona, we think they will also be very well received.
Date: 5 November 2004	Miles: 15,300
General Motors is rapidly turning to its Korean Daewoo arm for value priced vehicles for a wide variety of brands. Suzuki is a case in point. Our long term Verona mid-size sedan is built by Daewoo. You may have heard a lot about the rising quality of Korean-made cars, and we certainly can back that up. After 12 months and 15,300 miles, we've had no major problems except some minor hesitation when cold. Where some of our staff expected plenty of squeaks and rattles by now, there are none. Fuel economy remains constant if not exceptional at 22.3 miles per gallon. Still, the willing 2.5-liter, 155-horsepower Inline-6 and 4-speed automatic transmission are a mostly smooth combo with only the occasional gear clunk an issue. Our staff finds the Verona to be a very capable four-door sedan, and with its 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, it is a fine value.