As we've mentioned in car reviews
on this site, and as you've probably
noticed from other sources, the wagon
is back. Even in the compact car
segment, there are numerous quality
offerings such as the Mazda3, the
Ford Focus and Suzuki's own Aerio,
to name a few. So, what sets the
Forenza apart from the pack? Mainly,
price. And if you're looking for
an affordable car, with decent amenities
that will get you comfortably from
point A to point B, Forenza merits
consideration.
The Forenza Wagon's three trim
levels (S, LX and EX) all come
well-equipped with air conditioning,
power windows and locks, side and
dual-stage airbags, steering wheel
mounted audio controls and CD player.
The top of the line EX sports leather
seats and automatic transmission
in addition to the LX's alloy wheels
and leather-wrapped steering wheel,
and still comes in under $19,000.
The only engine is an adequate
126-horsepower four cylinder; five-speed
manual transmission is standard
on the S and LX, with the four-speed
automatic standard on the EX and
optional at other trim levels.
For a vehicle in this category
and price class, the Forenza has
excellent interior features. The
seats are contoured and comfortable,
although rear seat room is a bit
tight. To be fair, you won't find
many cars in this class that seat
adults comfortably in the back
seat for long drives. The wagon
offers just over 24 cubic feet
of storage space. Where the interior
succeeds in being unexpectedly
comfortable and stylish, the exterior
fails. With generic styling, the
Forenza goes mostly unnoticed on
the road and in parking lots.
Driving, the Forenza performs
predictably and adequately. There
is a bit of road noise, and you'll
feel the occasional bump in the
road, but not to an excessive degree.
You won't be blown away by the
Forenza's power, but the 126-horsepower
is adequate for an everyday commute.
Everything about the Forenza
is predictable, except for its
value. For a reliable, affordable
commuter car that you won't mind
sitting in while stuck in traffic,
try the Forenza.
