Aerio

Impressions
Just because you don't have a ton of loot to spend on a set of wheels doesn't mean you have to settle for something small, silly-simple, un-snazzy or (gulp) really, really used. At least, that's the direction Suzuki's cool Aerio (how did they get four vowels in that name?) is coming from. Fresh from an inside-out redesign last year, the 2006 Aerio continues to be available in two trim levels of sedan and one wagon and your choice of front- or all-wheel drive. These little critters are quite roomy with tall doors, spacious front and rear seating and an ample cargo area. Under the hood is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 155 horsepower which is enough to provide spirited performance for these 2,600-pound lightweights. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a four-speed automatic is optional. Regardless of body style, and for not a lot of money, Aerios arrive with an astonishing level of hardware for an entry-level car. You get air conditioning, power mirrors and windows, tilt steering, split-folding rear seat and a seven-speaker CD stereo with dash-mounted tweeters. Fully equipped models add 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, power door locks, remote keyless entry, upgraded seats and other niceties such as an in-dash CD changer. A 100,000-mile fully transferrable powertrain warranty is standard.

Forenza

Impressions
With a Suzuki lineup that had been receding faster than our hairlines, we were more than a little curious as to what might become of the little company that provides us with no-nonsense vehicles. Then, miracle of miracles, the line began to grow back (our hairlines, however, will need a trip to the Bosley Institute) with the 2006 Grand Vitara receiving a redesign that would have probably worn out most magic wands. As well this year, Forenza receives a facelift, a new wheel design and some interior tweaks. New for 2004, the Forenza, which easily filled the tiny boots of the long-gone Esteem, is intended to do battle in the Toyota Corolla/Honda Civic/Hyundai Elantra category. For that, a new wagon model was introduced last year. The Italian-designed front-drive Forenza (named after an Italian town, best we can tell) and arrives with an overwhelming level of base (S) equipment for the paltry $13,700 entry fee. You'll get heated power outside mirrors in addition to power door locks and windows, air conditioning, eight-speaker CD audio system with steering-wheel-mounted controls, four-wheel disc brakes and a 126-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. The mid-grade LX adds a power sunroof, cruise control, keyless entry, alloy wheels and fog lights. The EX model resides at the top of the pecking order and comes with a leather interior.

Verona

Impressions
IIt's easy to appreciate Suzuki's enthusiasm for the Verona sedan. The look was penned by the famed Pininfarina Italian design studio (that also designs Ferraris and other high-end thrill machines), and, honestly, it's a sure sign of a life for this company that goes beyond entry-level sedans and off-roaders. Bolted together by Daewoo, which is now owned by General Motors, the front-drive Verona (an Italian town) is similar in size to a Toyota Camry/Honda Accord. Three models provide plenty of variety, however all receive the same 155-horsepower 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine (that's right, not a V6) backed by a four-speed automatic transmission. Aside from providing a healthy dose of torque, the powertrain is good for a claimed 27 m.p.g. on the highway. The base Verona S comes with usual assortment of power features as well as air conditioning and six-speaker CD-equipped stereo with steering-wheel-mounted buttons. The mid-level LX comes with anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels and climate control, while the top-end EX gets heated leather seats and a power sunroof. Standard on all Verona models are four-wheel disc brakes, a tire-pressure monitoring system, side-impact airbags and a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Grand Vitara New for 2006!

Impressions
To say the new Grand Vitara leaves its predecessor gasping and coughing in the design dust is, well, bang on. Sharp styling and a fat-free physique highlights this all-new Suzuki off-roader as does its lengthy list of standard content that even includes six airbags. Where the previous Grand Vitara was built atop a ladder frame, the new model is of unitized construction (the body is its own structural element). This great-looking machine offers a standard 185-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 and a five-speed manual transmission (a four-speed automatic is optional) driving the rear wheels in true Suzuki form. One of two optional four-wheel-drive systems also offers a low range, which certainly implies that the Grand Vitara is meant for at least occasional off-road duty, where you and four friends can become miserably lost but most likely not stuck. To get more buddies on board, you can always opt for the seven-passenger XL-7 that's still based on an extended version of the outgoing Grand Vitara. The order process for the Vitara and Grand Vitara used to be a rather, ahem, involving affair, so we're pleased to report that the 2006 model comes in one well-equipped state of completion with three option packages (each step up includes everything from the previous package(s)). Spring for all three and you're done. That's it, that's all. Regardless, there's a laundry list of standard features, from climate and stability control to anti-lock brakes (did we mention six airbags?). Top models go out the door for less than $25,000 (excluding tax, delivery and whatever fees you're expected to pay) and serve up leather seats, a power sunroof and 17-inch alloy wheels.