The 2008 Suzuki Forenza competes in a class where price, features for the money, and running costs are everything.
Of these, the base Elantra and Spectra both come very well equipped; each of these vehicles additionally comes with side-curtain airbags.
The Elantra has a much more composed ride than the Forenza, while the Spectra is a little noisier inside but feels somewhat sportier.
The new, redesigned Lancer starts around $14,000 and doesn’t include a lot of standard features, but it’s much more fun to drive than the Forenza and has the roadholding and poise of a more expensive car.
Finally, there’s also the Dodge Caliber, which starts in a price range that competes with the Forenza but it has a more spacious, versatile interior and hatchback layout.
The Forenza wagon stands out in its class; it’s one of few small wagons left that hasn’t been replaced by a raised-roof crossover vehicle.