🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Suzuki

Model:

Forenza

Year:

2008

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan, Wagon

Market Segment:

Compact/Subcompact Sedan and Wagon

Vin Code:

JSO

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Suzuki Forenza was positioned as an affordable, value-oriented compact car, often competing with models like the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Honda Civic in its segment.

Competitive Analysis:

Forenza offered a spacious interior for its class and a decent ride, but often lagged behind segment leaders in perceived quality, refinement, and advanced features. Its value proposition was a key selling point.

Key Features:

Generous passenger and cargo space (especially the wagon), comfortable ride, straightforward controls, fuel efficiency (for its class and era).

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Features and Controls, Instrument Panel, Driving Your Vehicle, Seats and Restraint Systems, Service and Appearance Care, Maintenance Schedule, General Information

Page Count:

226

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Driver and passenger seating, airbags, seatbelt operation, dashboard layout, warning lights, gauges, basic vehicle operation, starting and stopping, braking, steering, fuel, basic checks, appearance care, interior and exterior cleaning, fluid top-offs, tire pressure, routine maintenance tasks, fluid specifications, lubrication points, filter replacement schedules.

Procedures Included:

Proper use of seatbelts and airbags, understanding dashboard indicators, operating climate control and audio systems, routine inspections (oil, coolant, tires), basic cleaning and care procedures, scheduled maintenance item identification, emergency procedures.

Technical Depth:

Basic owner-level information for operation, maintenance, and safety. Does not include in-depth diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for digital viewing and printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (LXV)

Horsepower:

135 hp @ 5400 rpm

Torque:

131 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection

Engine Code:

LXV

Displacement:

1998 cc

Bore X Stroke:

80.5 mm x 98.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Oil Capacity:

4.0 Quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change (API SN or equivalent, SAE 5W-30 recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Features:

Lock-up torque converter (automatic), Overdrive gears.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III or equivalent (Automatic Transmission Fluid - ATF)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 7.2 Quarts (6.8 Liters) for automatic transmission, check dipstick for exact level.

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

177.2 inches (4498 mm)

Length Wagon:

177.2 inches (4498 mm)

Width:

67.9 inches (1725 mm)

Height:

57.7 inches (1465 mm) Sedan / 58.9 inches (1496 mm) Wagon

Wheelbase:

104.3 inches (2649 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 93.6 cu ft (Sedan) / 97.9 cu ft (Wagon)

Cargo Volume Sedan:

12.4 cu ft

Cargo Volume Wagon:

22.1 cu ft (behind rear seats) / 58.3 cu ft (with rear seats folded)

Curb Weight Manual Sedan:

2822 lbs (1280 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic Wagon:

2976 lbs (1350 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 3858 lbs (1750 kg) - Varies by configuration

Tire Size:

195/60R15 or 205/55R16 (depending on trim level)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x110 mm

Wheel Size:

15-inch or 16-inch steel or alloy

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Good (2008 Model Year)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Good (2008 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

Good (2008 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

Good (2008 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:

Good (2008 Model Year)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

Good (2008 Model Year)

IIHS Head Restraints And Seats Rating:

Good (2008 Model Year)

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) (Optional on some trims)

Passive Features:

Front airbags, Side-impact curtain airbags (Optional), Pretensioner seatbelts, Crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 or 6 speakers. Higher trims may offer optional MP3 compatibility or an auxiliary input.

Driver Assistance:

ABS, optional Traction Control System (TCS). No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist.

Connectivity:

Basic, often limited to an auxiliary input for audio devices on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Iridium type recommended).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km).

Coolant Type:

Asian Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Green)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF

Known Issues:

Some common reported issues include occasional electrical gremlins, transmission issues (especially in earlier models), and suspension wear. Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket can also occur. Regular maintenance is key.

Belt Type:

Serpentine Belt (with automatic tensioner)

Timing Mechanism:

Timing Chain (designed for the life of the engine, but inspections for noise are recommended)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Suzuki, a Japanese multinational corporation, has a long history in manufacturing motorcycles, marine engines, and automobiles. Suzuki vehicles are known for their affordability and reliability in specific segments.

Model Evolution:

The Suzuki Forenza was a rebadged version of the Daewoo Lacetti (GM's Daewoo division), which was based on the GM Epsilon platform. It was sold globally under various names. In North America, it replaced the Suzuki Aerio and was part of Suzuki's effort to expand its US market presence.

Production Years North America:

2004-2008

Manufacturing Location:

South Korea (by Daewoo/GM Korea)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the Forenza itself did not garner significant individual awards, its platform shared under the Daewoo Lacetti and Chevrolet Lacetti/Cobalt has been recognized for overall value and practicality in various markets.