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backy "Low End Cars: Japanese v. American v. European v. Korean" Dec 19, 2003 10:08pm
BTW, the window sticker said 126 hp.
The interior of the Forenza rocks, completely out of its price range. I'm getting used to the exterior styling (the front, the rest is great). Sometimes it looks powerful and angry (hence "Lacetti" from lacertus), the other times it's too rounded and soft. I never have liked anything that Pininfarina styled... I am glad to see Daewoo go back to its roots with the C-D pillar window slice.
I would buy one if I couldn't afford a Magnus, and for some reason ceased to like the Aerio... and had to replace my Nubira, which ain't happenin'.
I hope that Suzuki keeps the digital dash in the Aerio.
After I reduce all media publications to rubble, I'll buy a used Aerio... *plot plot*
The value equation fades quickly when the only savings are prior to signing the dotted line. Dont forget, added to this car's horrid EPA figures (meaning higher cost per mile) will be the car's undoubted greater depreciation compared to class leaders, and the nail in the coffin... sore lack of side impact restraints. That, and the Civic and Corolla 4 Doors do EXCELLENTLY in all tests by both NHTSA and IIHS, something Daewoos have never done.
Forenza = not even an "also-ran".
~alpha
"The Lacetti protects both the head and torso of the driver as well as the right front seat passenger with two sets of air bags. In addition to the two front air bags, which protect the heads of front seat passengers in head-on collisions, the Lacetti is also equipped with side-impact air bags, which serve to protect the torsos of the occupants in the case of side-impact collisions."
http://www.autoweb.com.au/id_DAE/doc_dae0211181/cms/news/newsarti- cle.html
I am kinda looking for a cheap, but loaded sporty coupe, so the Forenza wasn't exactly what I was looking for...but it's still a great car!
This car road smoothly, was VERY quiet, and felt very solid. It also has pretty respectable pick up from the engine. The best part about this car was the price, the dealer gave me a quote of $12,900 with the incentives figured in.
I tested this car up against a Hyundai Elantra GT, and a Chevy Cavalier LS Sport Coupe.
The Elantra was a very nice car too, it came with the same options, plus it had leather, and a very nice Kenwood MP3 CD deck. It has a BIT sportier feel than the Suzuki, but didn't have as much pep from the engine, and didn't feel QUITE as solid and well built as the Suzuki. The price on the Elantra from the dealer came out to $13,300 with incentives figured in.
The Cavalier couldn't touch the Elantra or Forenza's build quality, or smooth ride. The Cavalier DOES have the advantage when it comes to power and handling though. It was a fun little car to drive...and it will probably end up being my choice, even though it definately isn't the "nicest" car...but I am in the market for a sporty car, and not a sedan unfortunately.
I just wanted to put this out to let people know about the Forenza. If your in the market for a budget sedan that doesn't feel like a budget sedan, do yourself a favor and check one out! If they build this car in a sportier 2-door coupe, I will be waiting in line!
Anyways, I also think the Forenza is a great car!
That Buick was also named "China's Car of the Year for 2004". LOL
I am little confused where to post this one, hope I will find a suggestion here. I am considering buying a used Chevrolet Optra (as it is called in middle east, and Suzuki Forenza in USA) from my friend. What he is having is a base model, without passenger air bag, alloy wheels, and ABS. (Wonder why GM differentiates in safety features also. Same in Canada comes with all these things in base model). Is it possible to provide this things additionally if I buy this one? There is price difference of around $1500 for this options for a new car. Will it be the same if I install those things (if it is possible) with the dealer? I really dont want to lose this car since he has done only around 1000miles in a 2004 model.
Please help me regarding this
Thanks in advance, Don
Is there a specail way that the cd must be burnt for it to recognize the folders?
how to you switch between folders?
I own a 05 chev optra (canadian version of the forenza)
Thank you
SOUND (Equalization): Press this button until EQ OFF appears on the display to select customized equalization settings designed for classic, pop, rock, jazz, and voice. Turn the volume knob until the desired equalization setting appears on the display. When finished making the selection, press the SOUND button to select the equalization setting.
To cancel an equalization setting, press the SOUND button until EQ OFF appears on the display, turn the volume knob until OFF appears on the display, then press the SOUND button again to select the equalization setting
Sounds kind of complicated, but I bet once you get used to it, it's not too bad.
On my Forenza, the check engine light kept coming on indicating loss of pressure in the gas tank. The local dealer (Brantmeier Suzuki, Sheboygan, WI) has a great mechanic who finally figured it out. The top of the filler neck, where the gas cap seats, had a small indentation left from forming it. The gas cap couldn't always seal off properly. Take off the gas cap and run your finger around the opening. If you feel a bump or a dip, you may have found the problem.
The second problem (jerking) is from the transmission hunting between gears at around 30 mph. It was a common problem. The dealer can re-program the transmission control module using the latest software and it will shift like buttered velvet.
While he's at it, have him re-program the engine computer for the latest software there too. Idle problems will be solved, and the computer will work better when communicating with generic scan tools as well.