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2008 Suzuki Reno

(*est. $13,599 to $15,099)

pros
  • Well-designed cockpit
  • Flexible cargo space
  • Ample front-seat headroom and legroom
  • Long powertrain warranty
cons
  • Low fuel economy
  • Interior materials
  • Noisy

Most reviews for the 2008 Suzuki Reno rate it as no better than average among subcompact cars. But "average" simply isn't good enough in a class that contains such highly rated hatchbacks as the Honda Fit (*est. $13,950 to $16,070) and the Toyota Yaris (*est. $11,350 to $14,450). Reviews say that the Reno's control layout is attractive and logical, and that cargo space is respectable. Opinions are mixed on engine noise, however: Some sources say the volume is often excessive, while testers at Cars.com claim the Reno is reasonably quiet. Most reviewers acknowledge that the 2008 Suzuki Reno is adequate for the money, but they instead recommend the Honda Fit, which gets much better gas mileage. Some experts believe that the Reno will be discontinued by 2009.

There are few good review sources out there for the 2008 Suzuki Reno, an often-overlooked and undersold compact hatchback. Although Consumer Reports magazine usually reviews most cars for the current model year, it doesn't include the Suzuki Reno in its 2008 testing lineup. ConsumerGuide.com's editors do, however, and their review of the Reno is one of the better ones available. Car and Driver magazine features the results of a head-to-head comparison involving the 2006 Reno (which has changed little in the model years since). Experts at Edmunds.com, Car and Driver, and Cars.com also review the 2008 Suzuki Reno singly, but with varying degrees of precision. CarCritic.com's summary is definitive but shorter and less-detailed.

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Our Sources

1. Car and Driver

The 2006 Suzuki Reno (not significantly changed for 2008) skids into last place in this roundup of seven subcompacts. Editors say that its performance is generally adequate, but that its "economy car" status is painfully obvious.

Review: $15,000 Cheap Skates, John Phillips, May 2006

2. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com performs road tests and critical evaluations, then assigns scores in 11 categories. The 2008 Suzuki Reno scores just below average in most aspects, but its noisy engine is a significant drawback.

Review: 2008 Suzuki Reno, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 27, 2008

3. Edmunds.com

Editors here commend the Reno for its affordable pricing, but they conclude that a glaring lack of refinement relegates the 2008 Reno to the bottom of the subcompact class.

Review: 2008 Suzuki Reno Review, Editors at Edmunds.com

4. Car and Driver

This feature isn't a formal head-to-head comparison test, but it's fairly specific and up to date. Editors are critical of the 2008 Suzuki Reno and complain about engine noise, slushy brakes and an overall budget-grade feel.

Review: Penny Pinchers: The 10 Least Expensive Cars Sold in the U.S., Jared Holstein, Apr. 2008

5. Cars.com

Cars.com's editors compliment the 2008 Suzuki Reno on performance and front-seat space, but they dislike the feel of the brake pedal and shifter, and they note that body roll and rearward visibility are issues.

Review: 2008 Suzuki Reno, Editors of Cars.com

6. CarCritic.com

Vorderman advises buyers to bypass the 2008 Suzuki Reno. He notes that "everything it is and does is disappointing." The Reno isn't directly compared with other compact cars, however.

Review: 2008 Suzuki Reno/Forenza, Don Vorderman

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