DecodedCars2005 Suzuki Forenza
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Overview
The 2005 Suzuki Forenza is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 6% worse than the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forenza | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 22 | -6% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Forenza | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -6% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Forenza Wagon | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -7% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Forenza Wagon | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -7% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Suzuki Forenza under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Suzuki Forenza (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2005 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Ford Focus | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · May 19, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V262000 · 184,244 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Forenza vehicles, and 2005-2008 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2003, through July 30, 2008. In the affected vehicles, heat may be generated in the headlamp switch or daytime running light (DRL) module which could melt the headlamp switch or the DRL module.
- Risk
- If the heat generated within the headlamp switch or DRL module located on the left side of the steering column melts the headlamp switch or DRL module, there is an increased risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Suzuki will replace the signal switch and add a jumper relay kit and will replace the DRL Module in teh instrument panel harness. Suzuki distributed to owners an interim letter on July 30, 2014. The recall began October 29, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is XA.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 14, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V397000 · 101,688 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Forenza and model year 2005-2006 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 23, 2003, through March 7, 2006. Increased resistance due to poor contact between the terminals of certain wires can generate heat that can melt the splice pack used to connect the power circuit wires for the headlamps. This can result in intermittent or total loss of low/high beam headlamp function.
- Risk
- If the headlamps fail to function, this will lead to reduced driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Suzuki will notify owners, and Suzuki dealers will reconnect the affected wires with two heat-shrink crimps, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 25, 2012. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-877-697-8985.
Not every 2005 Suzuki Forenza is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Suzuki Forenza buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Exterior Lighting — 16 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 111,125 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Suzuki Forenza. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Forenza years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Forenza | 23 | – | Not rated | 1 | 36 |
| 2007 Forenza | 23 | – | Not rated | 1 | 38 |
| 2006 Forenza | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 35 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Suzuki. How we calculate this →