Makes›Suzuki›Reno›2005

2005 Suzuki Reno

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

Class
Compact Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Few owner complaints4 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 24 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2005 Suzuki Reno is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 6% worse than the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Reno2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 22-6%$3,050404
Reno2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 22-6%$3,050404
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.3 MPG2005 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Suzuki Reno under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2005 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2005 Suzuki Reno (this car)22 MPGNot rated2
2005 Toyota Corolla31 MPGNot rated7
2005 Honda Civic41 MPGNot rated8
2005 Mazda 327 MPGNot rated0
2005 Volkswagen Golf/GTI35 MPGNot rated0
2005 Ford Focus26 MPGNot rated0
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer26 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (2)

Exterior Lighting › Headlights · May 19, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V262000 · 184,244 vehicles

Problem
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Forenza vehicles, and 2005-2008 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2003, through July 30, 2008. In the affected vehicles, heat may be generated in the headlamp switch or daytime running light (DRL) module which could melt the headlamp switch or the DRL module.
Risk
If the heat generated within the headlamp switch or DRL module located on the left side of the steering column melts the headlamp switch or DRL module, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix
Suzuki will replace the signal switch and add a jumper relay kit and will replace the DRL Module in teh instrument panel harness. Suzuki distributed to owners an interim letter on July 30, 2014. The recall began October 29, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is XA.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 14, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V397000 · 101,688 vehicles

Problem
Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Forenza and model year 2005-2006 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 23, 2003, through March 7, 2006. Increased resistance due to poor contact between the terminals of certain wires can generate heat that can melt the splice pack used to connect the power circuit wires for the headlamps. This can result in intermittent or total loss of low/high beam headlamp function.
Risk
If the headlamps fail to function, this will lead to reduced driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Suzuki will notify owners, and Suzuki dealers will reconnect the affected wires with two heat-shrink crimps, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 25, 2012. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-877-697-8985.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2005 Suzuki Reno is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

4Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
94,854 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags3
Exterior Lighting1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/03: 115/10: 117/05: 119/09: 115/0315/1017/0519/09max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2005 Suzuki Reno buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Exterior Lighting — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  4. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 94,854 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  5. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Suzuki Reno. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Reno years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2008 Reno23–Not rated15
2007 Reno23–Not rated112
2006 Reno23–Not rated28

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Suzuki. How we calculate this →