Surging Suzuki recalls 75,000 Forenza and Reno models
Although pretty far off most people's radar, Suzuki's actually been doing very well lately, setting sales records (more than 100,000 served last year), enjoying three years of double-digit sales growth, introducing the fairly exciting new SX4, and in general working on a larger and better model mix. The Suzuki Sport XL7 even conquered Pike's Peak this year. Under the tutelage of new American President Masafumi (Mark) Harano, things are looking up. And then along comes word of a recall that certainly doesn't help.
Apparently faulty front seat belts in relatively ancient Forenza sedans (shown above) and Reno hatchbacks might unbuckle themselves when you'd least like that to happen. The recall affects more than 75,000 cars in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. In all fairness to Suzuki, these were vehicles developed with Daewoo, and the Forenza is about to undergo a complete redesign. The success of the SX4 also means that the Reno might become redundant. Either way, it's a recall and we'll have to see how it impacts Suzuki's surge.
[Source: KickingTires]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
AlexP 4:50PM (8/06/2007)
I'm curious to know whether or not GM Canada will be recalling Optras/Optra5s as well.
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Don 4:51PM (8/06/2007)
I've got an idea: recall ALL these rebadged Daewoo pieces of junk, then drop them on GMDAT headquarters in South Korea.
That would be neat.
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AlexP 6:09PM (8/06/2007)
Quality has improved by a ton since they were first introduced, FYI.
My friend as an old 04 Aveo, although he didn't have any problems with it, it just cannot be compared to my 07 Aveo/Wave. Mine feels way more upscale.
Great (I get 36 in mixed driving with A/C on with the automatic) MPG on both cars and great value. Not to mention great service from my dealer. :V
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Bob-omb 11:25AM (8/07/2007)
Sigh. First, the Aveo gets bad fuel economy for its class of subcompacts. The worst, in fact. So even if you get 36mpg (which I get in my Civic) you'd do better elsewhere.
Secondly, while Aveo quality may have improved with its slight redesign, Forenza/Reno design hasn't improved much at all. People are still having major issues with just *starting the car*.
1337 8:38PM (8/06/2007)
Bloody shitboxes... I like the SX4 (especially the upcoming turbo version), but the reno is just awful.
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len simpson 9:36PM (8/06/2007)
where could i find the whole picture of recalls in general? who bites the biggest bullet?
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fm 12:43AM (8/07/2007)
I was @ the NYAutoshow when I first saw it. Looked good. Then I checked the price and did a double take. It's about 3 grand over the price it should be at for a Suzuki. Hell at that price you can actually get a Honda Fit or a ton of other cars in the same price range. Yeah sure it's an allwheel drive but for the size and the brand name it's too much IMO.
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josh 5:42AM (8/07/2007)
I alway tell you guys. Don't buy Japanese shit!!!!! And suzuki in particular is junk!!! Listen to my advice. I now best!
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calebe 9:13AM (8/07/2007)
ROFL yeah you run with that.
I've never driven one but the Forenza is pretty bland to me. I like the sx4.
ChucktownChuck 9:15AM (8/07/2007)
even my 19 year old daughter knows that the Forenza is a Daewoo. Suzuki's Japanese products are quality items. The Daewoo's they were saddled with under GM ownership are pretty bad by todays standards. I'm suprised that they kept bringing them in now that they have the SX4 sedan. I know the Forenza is a very conservative looking car which probably draws a lot of the American buyers in. That said, If Suzuki and GM can bring parts quailty up on the Daewoo products I'm sure they will improve. GM is dumping a boat load of money on Daewoo to expand it.
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