DecodedCars2008 Suzuki Forenza
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2008 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 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 5% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Forenza — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Forenza →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forenza | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +5% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Forenza | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | 0% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Forenza Wagon | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -2% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Forenza Wagon | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -2% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Suzuki Forenza (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2008 Suzuki Forenza is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Suzuki Forenza buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 13 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 12 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 91,000 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 2008 Suzuki Forenza. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Forenza years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Forenza | 23 | – | Not rated | 1 | 38 |
| 2006 Forenza | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 35 |
| 2005 Forenza | 22 | – | Not rated | 2 | 37 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Suzuki. How we calculate this →