2005 SUZUKI RENO NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Suzuki Reno?
Suzuki expands into the five-door, compact car segment with the 2005 Reno. Three models are offered, each powered by a 126-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine matched to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission: base S, midlevel LX and luxury EX. Prices for the Italdesign-styled Suzuki Reno begin in the mid-13s and top out at a tick over $17,000. All Suzuki Renos provide their buyers with one of the best powertrain warranties in the business – seven years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Advantages of the 2005 Suzuki Reno:

• Seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Standard side-impact airbags
• Well-equipped for the price
• Large cargo opening

Objections to the 2005 Suzuki Reno:

• Engine is noisy and could use more power
• Only one accessory power outlet
• Rated at just 22 mpg in the city with the manual or automatic

Editor's Advice:
Gen-Y'ers looking for basic, stylish, functional transportation that offers plenty of content and cargo carrying capacity (at a low price) will find the 2005 Suzuki Reno quite appealing. With an outstanding powertrain warranty, quality interior materials, an uncommon level of standard features for the price (especially on the EX model), and the utility of a hatchback and four doors, the Suzuki Reno makes for a multi-talented commuter car. However, fuel economy is rated at a measly 22 mpg with the manual or automatic, and that's when driving with the EPA's light foot. The 2005 Suzuki Reno might not threaten class stalwarts like the Ford Focus or the "build-it-your-way" Scion xA and xB, but there's no denying the bang-for-the-buck quotient the Reno provides for cash-strapped consumers.