Makesโ€บSuzukiโ€บRenoโ€บ2008

2008 Suzuki Reno

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems โ€” with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Class
Compact Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined ยท 20 city / 28 hwy
Length
โ€“
Curb weight
โ€“
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
1 campaign

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Few owner complaints5 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 50 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2008 models โ€” not a review. How we calculate this โ†’

Overview

The 2008 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 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 5% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Reno โ€” a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Reno โ†’

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCOโ‚‚ g/mi
Reno2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+5%$2,900386
Reno2.0L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 220%$3,050404
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.9 MPG2008 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this โ†’

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Suzuki Reno under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Suzuki Reno (this car)23 MPGNot rated1
2008 Toyota Corolla31 MPGNot rated7
2008 Honda Civic42 MPGNot rated6
2008 Honda Accord25 MPGNot rated8
2008 Mazda 327 MPGNot rated0
2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI25 MPGNot rated0
2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport22 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (1)

Exterior Lighting โ€บ Headlights ยท May 19, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V262000 ยท 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA โ†—

Not every 2008 Suzuki Reno is affected โ€” only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

5Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
79,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Visibility/Wiper1
Air Bags1
Engine1
Unknown Or Other1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/11: 116/03: 116/07: 117/04: 117/11: 115/1116/0316/0717/0417/11max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Suzuki Reno buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year โ€” ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train โ€” 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Vehicle Speed Control โ€” 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  4. Visibility/Wiper โ€” 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 79,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Suzuki Reno. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2007 Reno23โ€“Not rated112
2006 Reno23โ€“Not rated28
2005 Reno22โ€“Not rated24

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