The 2008 Suzuki Reno ranks 31 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 35 published reviews and test drives of the Suzuki Reno, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Reno delivers reasonable exterior style and interior spaciousness, but can't match the smooth handling, fuel economy, and number of standard safety features found in other cars in its class. It has been discontinued for 2009.
Although the 2008 Suzuki Reno is reasonably stylish, comfortable and well equipped, it isn't competitive within its class and price range on handling, fuel economy or safety. However, most reviews say the Reno is an adequate car despite only providing the bare minimum. The Washington Post says the Reno "is a city car, a neighborhood runner. It does well in those environments; and anyone buying the car for that specific use, as a daily urban commuter, is buying something of measurable value."
If you're looking for a city car with more all-around appeal, consider the Honda Civic. The Civic has come to stand for the key qualities of a small city car -- great handling, contemporary design and great gas mileage.
* "Suzuki's cheapest car is a sleek-looking and practical hatchback that comes standard with many power features and a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. But the driving experience is very forgettable-the Reno finished dead last in a recent seven-car comparison test." -- Car and Driver
* "Reno's surprises went beyond performance. Compact car; big ambitions. Welcome to Reno." -- Sacramento Bee
* "A decent little hatchback for people in need of inexpensive, reliable but otherwise unremarkable personal transportation." -- Washington Post
* "With perky acceleration, responsive brakes, and agile lane-change maneuverability, it's the frugal-with-flair alternative" -- Motor Trend
Reno Performance - 6.6 (Mediocre)
The Suzuki Reno is plagued by slow acceleration, sloppy handling and only moderate fuel economy. The Washington Post says "at suburban and urban commuter speeds, it feels downright substantial. Just don't make the mistake of taking it on the highway for too long a run." continue
Reno Exterior - 7.8 (Good)
The Suzuki Reno looks good, but many say it lacks emotion. Kelley Blue Book says although it looks "attractive, it isn't as expressive as some of the other entry-level vehicles in its class." continue
Reno Interior - 7.6 (Good)
The Reno's interior cabin is generally praised for its comfortable seats, convenient standard features and competitive storage space. Not everything is perfect, though. The Detroit News says, "Little things add up to a less than perfect score." continue
Reno Safety - 6.5 (Mediocre)
Reviewers hardly seem impressed with the Reno's very short and basic list of standard safety features. Plus the 2008 Reno gets mediocre scores in government and insurance industry crash tests. continue
Reno Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Suzuki Reno reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Suzuki Reno's basic warranty is good for the first three years or 36,000 miles and a fully transferable zero-deductible seven-year, 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
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