2010 Suzuki Kizashi: Would You Buy One?

No.

I would by the following vehicles before the Kizashi if the budget is around $25k (not in any order of preference):

Honda Accord V6
Acura TSX I4
VW GTI
Mazda Mazdaspeed3
Subaru WRX

Used BMW 328i/330i
Used BMW E46 M3
Used Lexus IS350
Used Infiniti G35/37

There might be more out there but those are what I can think of on top of my head.

dealer network is severly lacking, unfortunately.

...Help, what am I looking at in this picture???

Answer, no. Call me shallow, that's fine, but I HATE the thought of having to explain what my car (especially an appliance like this) is to people.

I have no idea where a Suzuki dealership is in my area.

That said, I wouldn't buy ANY car new.

We were just in the market for a 20-25k sedan. Needed to have enough rear seat room for a rear-facing infant seat plus space for our tween dude.

We loved the Kia Optima EX, even sans turbo. With the all the tech goodies and leather, it comes out around 25k MSRP. Had a 2k markup on it too. Kia salesman tried to tell us that the markup was all the profit they get to make. Holy BS!

Slso looked at a new Altima 3.5SR, which was heavily discounted down to $26k. Ended up finding a used 2007 Altima 3.5SE for $19k. Edmunds LTB readers know how great this car is!

The Kizashi is too small and the dealer network is tiny.

I'm a BMW guy (E30 track/fun car), but maintenance on a recent BMW or Audi is just impossibly expensive. And honestly, the Altima is the absolute most fun I've had in a FWD car, ever.

I was seriously considering a Kizashi, until I look at the spotty dealer network in SoCal and Suzuki's uncertain future in the US.

Same as leescott,I would be very Interested In the Kizashi with the turbo and awd,very Interested Indeed.

@oldparnell
Sorry for the oddly formatted picture. It's been fixed. -- Brent

I would consider buying one. It depends on how it drives. I live near a Suzuki dealer so that's not an issue for me, resale however might be.

Nope. Not enough power and from a company on the verge of death. If I want slow and mostly boring I'll stick with my Mazda3.

I like most of Louiswei's list save for the Honda.

Fusion, Optima, Legacy, CC... if I was interested in this segment (~$25k, midsize). Kizashi? Maybe fifth on the list.

If I had $25,000 to spend I would bypass every 2011 FWD sedan. I'd be looking at a CPO 328i or 335i Sport. Maybe even a one owner 2003 M5. Other cars worth considering would be the A4 Quattro, G35, and G8 GT.

The limited dealer network would probably be the biggest snag. I am considering one for my next car, though, along with many other things.

I would consider it, but the Mazda 6 and Kia Optima are higher on my list for this class.

Too few dealers, many of which are lousy. Also, no manual tranny offered with AWD.

For a while, it was on my list (4-doors, decent size, manual transmission)... but a peek at the power vs fuel economy pretty much eliminated it. A4 Avant, Kia Optima, and Hyundai Sonata... Manual Transmission G8 GXP (strangely) is still on my list because of the power vs fuel economy ratio.

2011 Subaru Legacy GT.

Though the Legacy has grown to be a lot bigger, bulkier, and less attractive than the car it replaced, it still has absolutely amazing AWD, a stick shift, and a quality interior. Not to mention, Subaru is a very trusted and respected company, with a good dealer network and cars that are safe and have a nice resale value.

That said, find me a low mileage 2008-2009 Legacy GT, and you have yourself a deal.

No to the Kizashi for most of the reasons above.

Maybe to the Ford Fusion SE 6 speed manual, which I can get at a local dealer (hey, Suzuki, there are Ford dealers all over!) for $17,856 after all rebates. Hard to beat that-- and it includes SYNC and sunroof, a 10 way power seat, and a 16 cubic foot trunk. 22/29 EPA --not as good as the Sonata, but you can't get a Sonata manual with most of those Fusion options. If the Fusion had a 198 hp engine, that would remove my "maybe".

Too bad about the Kizashi. I looked at it at the auto show last week. It is pretty classy, inside and out.

I considered it, but I'm not willing to take the massive depreciation loss this car would receive. I got a certified pre-owned Acura TSX instead. It was difficult to find a manual, but it ended up being considerably cheaper than a new Kizashi SLS, and it will still be worth more in five years.

I also checked out the GTI and G8 GT.

Not a chance, a weak and buzzy 4 cylinder is a dealbreaker at $15K let alone $25. No matter how well the rest of the car is executed.

A quick autotrader search in the $22K range:

09 Impala SS with 14K
09 300C with 20K
08 G8 GT with 18K
09 Accord V6 EX-L with 18K, Honda Cert
08 ES350 with 23K
08 Maxima with 16K
10 Fusion Sport with 20K

@adavis2493: I think it is just a rumor about the Legacy (and other Subarus) gettting bigger and bulkier. They really aren't. Really. Of course, styling is a subjective thing, but I think the Legacy and Outback are pretty attractive. And, as 1487 might say if he was a Subaru promoter, "Check out the sales-- all time records."

The Legacy is still one of the smaller midsize sedans-- it only gained less than an inch and a half in length over the '09. But it is more than 3 inches wider (was 68.1, now 71.7) to better compete with other midsize cars in rear hip and shoulder room. I think most people would agree that 68.1 is pretty narrow for a sedan that is supposed to sit 3 across in the rear seat. The 2011 base Legacy is also 5 pounds lighter, at 3,270 lbs, than the '09 base Legacy.

Similar comparisons with the Outback.

I just started looking for a new car to replace my mother's 2008 Subaru Legacy iLimited lease that's up in a few months. As she barely drives (less than 25k miles in 3 years), all I'm looking for is something that's not too small, safe, reliable and has the creature comforts she likes.

The list I'm working with for now includes the
1. Kizashi SLS (FWD or AWD),
2. a new Legacy Limited,
3. Ford Fusion SEL,
4. Mazda 3 S Grand Touring and
5. Hyundai Sonata Limited.

The fuel efficiency of the Legacy, Mazda and Kizashi are of concern. The Legacy has proved mostly reliable but I don't love the looks/size of the new one. I also think the 3 might be too small for her, the Sonata too big, and the Kizashi too obscure for her.

Decisions decisions.

Putting aside these used car comparisons, I'd buy a shiny new Ford Fusion Sport for that kind of money.

Why is it when Suzuki has a $25K sedan, we consider it cheap? You can get some pretty well equipped sedans from the competition for that kind of money.

Either way I wouldn't buy any Suzuki. Far to little dealer support where I live.

No, as brn says, there isn't enough support.

I can't find a dealer near me and I live in the California Bay Area, so that's really spotty coverage.

If I was looking for a 25k sedan, it would be a 2012 Jetta GLI. Or maybe a Fusion AWD if I needed AWD. There are a LOT of options for that type of car that are good enough, making a Susuki a stretch considering the spotty dealer network Suzuki has and the bad resale.

Other interesting alternatives are:
Honda Accord
Used A4
Used Acura TSX
Used Pontiac G8
2012 Passat???

2012 Passat? With that wretched engine? Egad.

Let's put it this way: Were it not for long term blogs like this, I wouldn't even know this car existed. Have never seen one in real life. No dealer nearby. Sooooo, to answer your question, no. And I actually AM in the market for this type of vehicle (though my choices are more "loaded compact" or "base midsize" I suppose). Cars I'd rather shop: Mazda3 hatch, GTI, Elantra, Civic Si (when the 2012's come out), Mazda 6, Sonata, Optima SX, Forte SX, and 2012 Focus hatch

Yes I would - and I did the past weekend. A shiny Vived Red Sport GTS with the 6 speed manual. Traded in my Forester XT, and only thing I miss is the turbo.

My dad has a 2010 Legacy 2.5i which he paid about the same as my GTS. I love Subaru, but what led me to the Kizashi is this: Positive reviews, the Inside Line long term test, first-rate materials, many features for the price, the very good looks (The only midsize sedan that even is close is the Optima and Sonata), the 6MT, sporty handling, exclusivity and the kickin stereo.

RoadRace Motorsports already has a proven turbo kit for $5000. Even after that the Kizashi is much cheaper than a Legacy GT.

It helps that there are a dozen dealerships within 100 miles of Chicago. If I was in an area with limited dealerships I probably would have picked something else.

Kizashi is at or near the top of my considerations for my next sedan. Have not yet driven one, nor the latest versions of my other possible choices: the new VW Passat, the refreshed and greatly improved Dodge Avenger, Kia Optima and Mazda 6. And, almost forgot the 6MT Fusion. Would probably also want to drive a Sonata, Malibu, Altima, Accord, Camry, Galant and Legacy for the benefit of a full comparison of the latest mid-sized sedans. Also, might drive and consider the new Cruze, Focus, Elantra, Jetta and GTI.

The smaller dealership network is not a concern for me. Actually, considering there are still so few on the road yet, the Kizashi would be more unique and possibly more attention-getting than any of the others. I'm already convinced the seats and overall interior are about as nice as one could expect for the price.

Yes I would buy one, and have, after carefully considering many cars. If you are after something....

(i) Japanese made (ie parts are not too expensive)in what might be Japans most modern facility
(ii) 4 cyl Unleaded (ie economy is important)
(iii) something a bit different, is not everywhere and looks a bit edgy
(iv) something that handles brilliantly
(v) where white knuckle acceleration from start (especially 0-20) is not required. (But it is more than adequate)
(vii) where there is a track record of racing/innovation
(viii) all the extras at a reasonable price

..............then consider a test drive. You might be surprised

I would consider one, but I'm not sure I could actually buy one.

By all first-hand accounts I've heard, it's a nice car. Maybe not the fastest, maybe not the most luxurious, maybe not the one with the best fuel economy, but not bad in any of those respects. The exterior styling is conservative without being boring, the interior seems to be very well done for this price range.

But then the obvious - if I'm buying a new car with a warranty, I want to be able to get the car serviced under warranty. The dealer network sucks - the only convenient Suzuki car dealer near me closed up just before the Kizashi came out.

From a practical standpoint, I don't know that I could use it. While I very much like this size, it is very limiting in the back seat - particularly with 3 kids still in car seats (which raises a separate question of why car seats are so damned wide, but that's off topic). This car isn't sporty enough to forgive practical sacrifices.

Overall, I don't think it would work for me. I hope Suzuki does well with it where they are able, I would love to see a wagon version, and I hope other makers pay more attention to this class of car.

Too few dealers and the company's future is uncertain. But the biggest issue for me is that for $25k, I'd much rather drive a WRX if I was looking for something practical and comfortable enough to handle a small family.

"Answer, no. Call me shallow, that's fine, but I HATE the thought of having to explain what my car (especially an appliance like this) is to people."

Haha, I'm the complete opposite. I'd love to go all hipster on people "yeah, you probably haven't heard of it. It isn't mainstream like your generic Camry. I was into this thing before it was popular."

I actually bought one! LOVE THE VEHICLE, and I agree with stovt001 above: I enjoy of being unique.

And for what its worth, if I was looking for midsize sedan, the Kizashi would be near the top of the list, with limited dealer support and parts availability being the big negatives. But everything I read about it here sounds great, and when we sat in one at the LA auto show we were very impressed. Plus it seems to be on the compact end of the midsize market, and that seems like the perfect compromise to me.

Also on my list would be the Mazda 6 (though the gas mileage isn't great for the class) Ford Fusion (didn't realize the Sport trim was below $30K. That could be tempting) and the Kia Optima. The Malibu almost makes the list, but it is just a bit boring compared to the others and is aging a bit by now (though that could mean getting a good deal...) Maybe the updated model on the horizon could fix that. Camry is out for the very obvious reasons, Accord is too big and it just never did it for me. I've also never really liked the Altima though I just couldn't tell you why. Sonata's styling has already grown a bit played out in my eyes, 200 isn't far enough removed from the Sebring yet, and the Legacy, well I've already gone long enough, but I have my reasons for not liking the new one. But that's just if we're talking new cars. If it is a used midsize we're talking, oh the possibilities...

No hatch-back, and it goes off my radar screen. Had the Kizashi come in a 5-door, there was a chance I'd have gone for it. I loved it at the 2010 auto-show. It really has an impressive interior and great seats and other amenities. However, for all the reasons cited above, it's a risky proposition, no matter how good is sounds/seems.

@ atomic13

I appreciate your dilemma of "loaded compact" or "base midsize." This seems to be a difficult decision all the time - should I step up in size or get all the goodies in a smaller car. Huh, I guess I'd have to drive both and see which felt more worth it. I'd be interested to know your thoughts and final decision - even if it doesn't include the Kizashi.

Kevin

Ford Fusion with the sport package (w/3.0 v6 - not 3.5). For all of you considering it, fabulous car and very comfortable tuning and incredible seats. Handling is good, with a surprisingly luxurious ride. The rear wheels are not totally in sync with the front wheels in spirited driving, which may be the size or FWD nature.

Considering the Accord and Camry are 3 and 4 model-years old, respectively, it's not a surprise they are not all that sharp at all.

What else I would check out and drive in the mid-size class, which I failed to mention, is the Chrysler 200 sedan. Seeing it at the Detroit auto show, looked pretty good inside and out. The new 3.6L engine available in both the 200 and Avenger now offers best-in-class horsepower. It seems to be value-priced, offering great content for the price. As does the Kizashi. About the Kizashi, doing some checking on AutoTrader I find that there are some great deals to be had on brand-new 2010 models. And, some dealers looking to move cars are even willing to discount 2011s. Much as I tend to be more visually-oriented, not gonna get my next car simply based on looks. Nor am I going to take anybody else's word for what's good and what's not. Most definitely not Consumer Reports. Want to find out for myself.

Having said that, have read reviews on Edmunds and some other sites of people who bought a Kizashi without ever driving one, and were happy with it and had no regrets. I think I could do likewise, having sat I one in which the seats and everything felt just right.

I'd want something else. Unknown reliability history, limited dealership network, unknown parts availability in the future.

Answer, no. Call me shallow, that's fine, but I HATE the thought of having to explain what my car (especially an appliance like this) is to people..................................i will call you shallow but you also like most here just another following sheep in the herd brainwashed to follow name brand do you have a mind of your own or your existance is what people think .....would i buy one i already have one and its better than most people here would lead people to believe besides being unique this car is excellent when people ask what is it i proudly say its a suzuki kizashi funny thing is most people admire it stop wishing for suzuki to go away i dont believed its happening this car is great in every way and better than most

Hmmm I was an autoshow I got a chance to see the Kizashi in person. I liked it, though I didn't actually get to drive the thing. I thought it was cool, Especially for a fresh out of college car. But I dunno if I would buy it. Its not power or name I look for in a car but driving fun and reliability. Given that as a fresh out college student I would only be able to afford 1 car, would it be the one I would go for... ehh that is most likely not happening. Especially when I think there are better cars for the money... Example.

New cars:
Mazdaspeed 3
Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T MT
Honda Accord V6 MT

Used:
2008 Acura TL Type-S MT
2007 Mazdaspeed 6 GT

Hmmm I was an autoshow I got a chance to see the Kizashi in person. I liked it, though I didn't actually get to drive the thing. I thought it was cool, Especially for a fresh out of college car. But I dunno if I would buy it. Its not power or name I look for in a car but driving fun and reliability. Given that as a fresh out college student I would only be able to afford 1 car, would it be the one I would go for... ehh that is most likely not happening. Especially when I think there are better cars for the money... Example.

New cars:
Mazdaspeed 3
Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T MT
Honda Accord V6 MT

Used:
2008 Acura TL Type-S MT
2007 Mazdaspeed 6 GT

I've been struggling with the idea of "Suzuki." I have been a big box brand driver for years sticking with Chevy and one excursion into VW (the biggest hunk of junk I've ever owned BTW), so the idea of a Suzuki car sounded a bit alien to me. Lucky for me there is a dealer 30 miles from me which gave me an advantage many people don't get. That said, after the snow this winter I decided it was time to go AWD. Looking in the under $25K range for an AWD vehicle was proving to be a challenge... And then I accidentally ran into the Kizashi in a copy of Consumer Reports while I was waiting for an oil change and the lack of anything bad to say about it and the right price range sparked my interest. Yet I got hung up on the Suzuki namesake. I mean, aren't these the folks that make little SUV's? So I continued my hunt for the $25k AWD vehicle or maybe a small FWD suv like the new Sportage/Tucson... Then I ended up at the auto show this past weekend and found myself face to face with the Kizashi, and I have tosay I was blown away by the looks and the quality. Namesake aside, you got a whole lot of vehicle for the money. I sat and debated all week and then finally conceded that I needed to test drive one. I popped into the dealer near closing time thanks to my work schedule and found the dealer's GM there willing to show me through the Kizashi. As he couldn't sell me a car as the manager, I figured he really had nothing to lose. He had chosen a bright red GTS model with AWD as his own car which he claimed he dumped his beloved VW for and claimed he loved it so much that after his lease was up he was getting a new 2011 GTS to augment his new EVO (the dealer is a Mitsu/Suzuki dealer). Considering he loved the Kizashi as much as his EVO, I was further intrigued. There were no GTS AWD models on the lot, so he pulled his car around, cleaned out the front seat and stuck me behind the wheel. The drive was great. Did it have the same power and handling as the EVO? No, but for a daily driver it would be hard to beat. We cruised side roads detroyed by potholes and snow plows and even though it was a year old there was not one rattle or squeak and at 45mph I was dodging the big potholes with ease thanks to the fact the Kizashi held the gound like a sports car. I was able to make rapid direction changes without hesitation as the power seamlessly transferred to the four wheels. The acceleration wasn't exactly awe inspiring, but it got me up to highway speeds with little effort. Once at highway speeds I could zip around in the same way I did on the side streets. A little gas pedal play and I had no problem passing people and even at 70mph the car was nimble and stable. Once back at the dealer I couldn't think of any good reason I wouldn't want the car other than the Suzuki name. But was that enough reason to turn away from a really good car? The question was easily answered by the price. I have to believe that Suzuki wants to get these things on the road and get people talking about it. They were willing to deal like no other dealer I have worked with. Would I pay $28k for a new fully loaded Kizashi GTS? Probably not. I think there are probably better known cars that are just as good for that price. BUT, the car wasn't $28k. With all of the deals and incentives they were willing to part with a 2011 for $22,800. Now we're talking because over the course of my research I found that $22k bought an ok vehicle. In fact, in that price range nothing can touch the Kizashi GTS for features and quality. But after a little bit of wavering over the price and the Suzuki name the manager offered me his demo 2010 GTS for $19K which then made it a no brainer. For that sort of money there's nothing out there in the same class. So, hopefully monday I will be picking up my new bright red Kizashi GTS. Suzuki or not, it's a wonderful vehicle for the money and I can only hope that the name catches on and gives Suzuki a boost that I feel is well deserved.

The 2011 Sport GTS AWD is definitely on my buying list for a few reasons.

1. I have 3 dealerships within 45 minutes from my home. 10 minutes from my work place.
2. Excellent reviews. The only common complaint has been the power. I currently drive a Civic so pretty much anything feels faster.
3. First rate materials with an attractive interior. I eliminated the Accord strictly on that ugly and cluttered center console.
4. There are a select few AWD sedans that are not from premium brands. This leads to less expensive maintenance, if any, and regular unleaded gas. The only other car that jumps out with AWD is the Ford Fusion Sport. It has a V6 and gets like 24 MPG highway. No thanks! The only other cars are from Subaru and personally, I think Subs look ugly. All of them.
5. I dont have kids and I am not having them any time soon... so the "small" back seat which is actually a good size, doesnt affect me. Its like getting a coupe that everybody loves to have, yet bigger and obviously more accessible.
6. Excellent handling.

Reasons why I would be hesitant:

1. Are they going to be around before my 7 yr warranty runs out?
2. Yes, it could use a Turbo to make it an outstanding car, maybe in 2012-2013?
3. Nobody knows the cars name but its almost makes you exclusive instead of driving what everyone else has. I mean everybody has a BMW. Get an Audi instead...
4. If a dealer is far away
5. If you are used to driving 300 HP cars, this will feel underpowered...

I'd be afraid that a year or two from now I'd be driving the modern equivalent of a Merkur Scorpio when Suzuki pulls out of the US. The immediate consequence to me being the instant resale plunge, then longer term the hassle of owning an orphan car they sold 25 of with no dealerships to get parts, etc. Sales volumes so low that there will be no aftermarket, either. Think Saturn Astra...good little car, company dead shortly thereafter, few overall on the road...a rolling corpse saved only by the fact that GM still exists and you might still get service in the short run although your resale is poo. When Suzuki pulls out, there won't be a large parent organization left to take your Kizashi to for service like Saturn-->Chevy.

I'm intrigued by the Kizashi, as it seems like a great car with just about universally positive reviews...but the risk level is too high to actually plunk down the cash. I'd say there's a 50/50 chance if you bought one that shortly thereafter Suzuki pulls out of the USA (autos) and you're instantly in the same boat parts, service, and resale-wise as Daewoo Leganza owners. Not worth the potential downside.

Suzuki is pretty close to Nissan in global sales, just not US sales. They aren't goiing to disappear.

Why kizashi over SX4 sedan? Due to its height it is equivalent in passenger and cargo volume. Same power/weight, 12% better on gas, same sporty attitude, same Nippon-centric style, for $2.5k+ less. Same room and same go, so the difference must be all in the intangibles.