2004 Suzuki Forenza: An Overlooked, but Affordable, Reliable Car

A couple of years ago, I needed to buy a new car. I was looking for something compact, affordable, with good gas mileage, attractive, and with a manual transmission. I received all of that and more with my new Suzuki Forenza.

This car is a severely overlooked model that has a lot of great things to offer any driver. I've had it for about 3 years now, and I'm still thrilled. She's no BMW or Jaguar, by any means, but I'm proud of her all the same. She has rounded "facial features" that are friendly and cute. Four doors allow easy access into her spacious interior, covered in soft and durable upholstery.

I have since covered the front seats with seat covers for protection, because I wouldn't want to damage her interior beauty.

I had never driven a manual transmission before this purchase, but I was excited to learn. It didn't take long, and I must say, the Suzuki Forenza is very easy to maneuver manually. Transitioning into different gears is very fluid and uncomplicated.

She also has great gas mileage, and since I've kept up on routine maintenance, I can still enjoy savings on gas that drivers of other cars may not have. Also, depending on how one drives a manual, one can achieve better gas mileage...

Tight parking lots, alleys, and small streets and driveways are a breeze in this compact car. I'm a short person (5'4) so I don't have a whole lot of natural experience with spatial relations on a large scale. My Forenza is perfect for me, because I don't have to "think outside" of a huge vehicle.

The Suzuki Forenza is an affordable car, even with extras and accessories, definitely comparable to other similar vehicles.

Maintenance is standard and stress-free, especially if you work with the dealership you received your car from. I have always found my dealership to be extremely helpful, rewarding, punctual, and surprisingly honest; I once asked about having my windshield wiper blades replaced before a road trip, and the dealership said that the cost was unnecessarily high for them to perform that minor task. I ended up doing it myself and was pleased at how easy it was.

Overall, the Suzuki Forenza is a wonderful vehicle to drive. I wanted to rave about it since I rarely see them out on the road, unless I count mine... This car is great for college students, high-school students, or anyone looking for a reliable, affordable car. I will drive my Forenza until I can drive her no more!