2008 Suzuki Reno

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.