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2008 Suzuki Forenza Safety Review

November 5, 2008

SAFETY | 5 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Four stars, all tests
NHTSA

Acceptable," frontal offset rating; "poor," side impact
IIHS

visibility is better than average
ConsumerGuide

A dismal side-impact score and a lack of standard safety features places the 2008 Suzuki Forenza relatively low for those who value occupant protection or the latest accident-avoidance aids. You might even have a hard time getting ABS.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Suzuki Forenza four of five stars in front-impact protection, side-impact protection, and rollover ratings. However, the government agency does note that "during the side impact test, the head of the left rear passenger dummy struck the C-pillar, causing a high head acceleration," which corresponds to “a higher likelihood of serious head trauma." The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which conducts more rigorous tests, awards the 2008 Suzuki Forenza its second-highest rating of "acceptable" in frontal offset tests, but a disappointing "poor" rating in side-impact tests and rear crash protection tests.

The Forenza lacks some safety features considered necessary in any car of any class. Cars.com reports that "seat-mounted side-impact airbags were installed in all [Suzuki Forenza] models for 2005," while "a tire pressure monitoring system and warning light were added as standard equipment" for the 2007 Suzuki Forenza. According to Edmunds, "The Suzuki Forenza offers standard front side-impact airbags and the stopping power of four-wheel disc brakes." However, they add that at Suzuki, 2008 Forenzas only have anti-lock brakes available; they’re “optional with Convenience Package-equipped Forenzas."

Visibility is a concern at ConsumerGuide, where "some testers say the rear headrests interfere with the over-the-shoulder view."

Curtain airbags and stability control are not available on the Forenza.


Conclusion

The 2008 Suzuki Forenza lacks competitive safety gear.

SAFETY | 5 out of 10Expert Quotes:Four stars, all testsNHTSAAcceptable," frontal offset rating; "poor," side impactIIHSvisibility is better than averageConsumerGuide A dismal side-impact score and a lack of standard safety features places the 2008 Suzuki Forenza relatively low for those who value occupant protection or the latest accident-avoidance aids. You might even have a hard time getting ABS. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Suzuki Forenza four of five stars in front-impact protection, side-impact protection, and rollover ratings. However, the government agency does note that "during the side impact test, the head of the left rear passenger dummy struck the C-pillar, causing a high head acceleration," which corresponds to “a higher likelihood of serious head trauma." The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which conducts more rigorous tests, awards the 2008 Suzuki Forenza its second-highest rating of "acceptable" in frontal offset tests, but a disappointing "poor" rating in side-impact tests and rear crash protection tests. The Forenza lacks some safety features considered necessary in any car of any class. Cars.com reports that "seat-mounted side-impact airbags were installed in all [Suzuki Forenza] models for 2005," while "a tire pressure monitoring system and warning light were added as standard equipment" for the 2007 Suzuki Forenza. According to Edmunds, "The Suzuki Forenza offers standard front side-impact airbags and the stopping power of four-wheel disc brakes." However, they add that at Suzuki, 2008 Forenzas only have anti-lock brakes available; they’re “optional with Convenience Package-equipped Forenzas." Visibility is a concern at ConsumerGuide, where "some testers say the rear headrests interfere with the over-the-shoulder view." Curtain airbags and stability control are not available on the Forenza. ConclusionThe 2008 Suzuki Forenza lacks competitive safety gear. 2008 SUZUKI FORENZA STYLING | [6 out of 10] Cars.com: "Fresh front-end styling" Mother Proof: "kind of cute" MyRide.com: "a pleasant, contemporary shape" ConsumerGuide: "clear gauges are nicely lit" Although many reviewers consulted at TheCarConnection.com express approval of the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Suzuki Forenza competes in a class where price, features for the money, and running costs are everything. Of these, the base Elantra and Spectra both come very well equipped; each of these vehicles additionally comes with side-curtain airbags. The Elantra has a much more composed ride than the Forenza, while the Spectra is a little noisier inside but feels somewhat sportier. The new, redesigned Lancer starts around $14,000 and doesn’t include a lot of standard features, but it’s much more fun to drive than the Forenza and has the roadholding and poise of a more expensive car. Finally, there’s also the Dodge Caliber, which starts in a price range that competes with the Forenza but it has a more spacious, versatile interior and hatchback layout. The Forenza wagon stands out in its class; it’s one of few small wagons left that hasn’t been replaced by a raised-roof crossover vehicle.

Next Steps:

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See the Suzuki Forenza in Other Years:

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

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