The stereo is large, with big buttons and a big, clear display. Our main complaint is that the steps on the volume control are fairly large as well. Built-in equalization curves cover several types of music as well as voice, and bass, treble, balance, and fade are all done by pressing a SOUND button and then using the volume control. There's a bass-boost feature, which can be shut off at the press of a button; we like this system better than those stereos which keep bass boosted all the time, making voice more annoying than audible. Switching from mode to mode is done via individual buttons for each mode. This is one stereo that was apparently tested on humans, rather than being designed and produced without any end-user testing.
The climate control system is also easy to use, and is tuned to be fairly quiet except at the highest setting. The air conditioning is not especially strong but we appreciate the separate a/c control. The tiny sun visors do include mirrors (with flip-up covers and ticket-holders built in).
Given Suzuki's relationship with General Motors, it should come as no surprise that the Suzuki Forenza is equipped with daytime running lights (even the Corolla has these, because GM sold a version as the Prizm). In another standard-GM vein, a light labeled "DRL" (daytime running lights) remains lit unless you turn the headlights on. At least they labeled the switch more sensibly - GM vehicles tend to just have a little headlight pictogram, which lights up when the headlights are off. We suspect we'd yank out the bulb...we'd also prefer to eliminate the DRL entirely except in Canada, where it's mandatory.
Cruise control is handled by short-travel buttons on the wheel, with an on/off button that keeps its setting from trip to trip, and no "cancel" button - if you want to temporarily go off cruise, you need to hit the brake. The wheel also has simple stereo controls: power, mode, radio-station seek, and volume up/down. As we noted earlier, the horn buttons themselves are small and mounted on either side of the wheel. The horn itself gives a meek small-car sound. Horns are easy to replace.
Unlike many pricier cars, the Forenza has both a remote gas cap release and a power trunk release. Both are easy to find and to reach with the door closed.
The gated transmission shifter echoes those of more expensive cars, and we can't say we like them much there, either, but one does get used to them. The EX includes a HOLD button, which keeps the transmission either in a gear or in a range of gears, according to a moderately complicated algorithm which "lets you shift for yourself." Like the AutoStick, we suspect it will go unused 99% of the time, but it can be handy in some situations. The gear you've chosen shows up both on the mechanical shifter, and also on the odometer in a single large letter.
The trunk is surprisingly roomy; underneath the carpet is a spacious bay for the full-size spare and tools, with room for other emergency equipment you may care to add - flares, jumper cables, and such. Unfortunately, you have to take everything out of the trunk to get to that compartment, because it's covered by an oversized board - but the same is true for the Toyota Camry. The equipment bay is well organized and the board is supported to hold real weight. The back seats fold down for increased storage.
Overall, the Forenza is a surprisingly likeable and enjoyable car, offered at an amazingly good price. If you're not into straight-line performance, seek out a Suzuki dealer. With an interior that easily beats the Ford Focus, a fun quotient that beats the Corolla, and value that Hyundai must envy, the Suzuki Forenza should be on your short list. For a complete list of every vehicle website see http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/auto/index.html
