The engine is not overly noisy, and idles fairly quietly, but it can be a little raucous on acceleration. Most people will not mind, but it is not a Camry engine, and will make itself known when you hit the throttle. The engine note clearly says "four-cylinder import," not "American muscle" or for that matter "four-cylinder Toyota." It's a matter of taste. We can't say we found it objectionable but, then again, we like to feel the road and hear the engine; we just don't want to be hurt by either one.
Aside from a less than ideally efficient engine, it's hard to figure out where Suzuki economized in making the Forenza EX. The power trunk release is unusual in this price class, as is an express open feature for the power moonroof and the driver's window. The moonroof even has a vented sliding cover, so you can tilt the moonroof open and slide the cover shut, avoiding the sun's rays while letting hot air escape; and the moonroof has a screen pattern to block out harsh direct sunlight. Aside from the clearly mechanical vent switch, all the controls have a good quality feel (we do have to note that the Forenza has separate horn buttons on either side of the airbag, which no doubt saves a few dollars). The key goes into a switch with a lighted ring that looks better than just about any competing ignition switch, including those used by Toyota and Volkswagen. Just about the only places we can see overt frugality are the simply cupholder, the horn buttons, rather small sun visors, firm seats, and a single visible trim screw (not that we have anything against seeing trim screws, by the way - it certainly makes it easier on mechanics!).
Interior space is neither generous nor cramped, reflecting the increasing size of entry-level cars; it seems roomier than the previous-generation Corolla. Up front it certainly is spacious, with good headroom even when the seat is raised to the highest level; in back, legroom is moderately tight, though it seems more generous than the past-generation Corolla. The only way to tell how easily you fit is to try it out. Entry to the back seats is easy, and once there, occupants have their own door speakers (standard) to help with stereo imaging, their own map pockets on the doors and the back of the front seats, and a fold-out center armrest with integrated cupholders - all features often lacking in considerably more expensive cars. An ashtray folds out of the back of the front center console. Our only complaint is that it's a bit hard to put in LATCH car seats, but this is something that doesn't have to be done very often. The rear LATCH mounts have flip-up covers that won't be lost, and are directly behind the seats they serve.
The front cup holders are simple, but there really is only a one-cup capacity: a pair of openings share a single flipping template which holds a cup quite firmly (if it's the right size). The rear cup holders are also simple, but there are two of them. A sunglass holder above the driver's door is a clever and unusual feature.
A large area under the center console includes a power outlet and space for whatever stuff you keep around: shaver, power adapter, EZ-Pass. The power adapter there and the cigarette lighter are both keyed to the ignition: take out the key, and you lose the power. There is no power memory: everything shuts off when the key comes out. In addition, as in past Korean-designed vehicles, the power locks operate all at once when you use the remote, which is fine for most people, but those who use low-security parking areas may have some concern. (Of course, you can always use the actual mechanical key.)