Fun and definitely worth the money,
Nothing has gone wrong.
Car is very nice to drive, good brakes, excellent handling, plenty of power.
It is a bit noisy inside, but the low profile tyres don't help.
It is very well laid out, inside and out, and is very nice to look at, especially with alloys and the body kit.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th July, 2008
A lovely ride and my best buy
I had to change the brake pads at around 40000 but this was through wear and tear.
The Jubilee clips on the exhaust rotted away, but after a quick replacement all has been well since.
The power to weight ratio is a well thought out. The 1.6 engine and the light body means that the car performs when you ask it.
The shape on the car is very curvy, aerodynamic and very unique, but the space in the rear inside is not so clever.
The NC-AP safety rating is not very high, but there again, that gives you more incentive to drive carefully. But the twin airbags in the front are a visual reassurance, and the engine taking up most of the engine space would absorb a good knock.
The steering wheel is very bland in appearance and maybe a little large for a sporty model car. Handling is very good in all weathers.
The seats are very comfortable and the bucket seat look is a winner with the passengers.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th May, 2006
Excellent quality and comfort at an affordable price
Nothing mechanical. Seat belt holder tends to dig into thigh, too close to seat.
Excellent, just like sitting in an armchair. The most comfortable car I've had since my Ford Cortina MarkI.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th September, 2005
Well equipped, reliable car, for those who value their individuality
New alternator needed after worn bearings started to produce a whining noise (40,000 miles).
Water ingress through driver's side door seal during heavy rain, rectified by hinge adjustment, though the door now needs a firm push in order to close properly.
Courtesy light cover did fall off 1 or 2 times, but easily re-located & has since stayed put.
Standard horn (borrowed from a motorcycle) was pathetic, but replaced with a more meaty two-tone kit from Halfords, which the dealer fitted free of charge.
The level of standard equipment for the price was what sold me the car, coupled with the refreshingly different appearance. It had so much more character than comparably priced peers.
Most of the interior space is devoted to the front two seats, which is bad news for families, but makes sense if you don't often carry passengers and contributes to the 'bigger car' feel.
The steering wheel is archaically thin, but the dash is aesthetically pleasing & standard sports seats are supportive in all areas except the lumbar region.
Performance is lively enough if you can manage to resist the urge to change up earlier than necessary. The engine revs surprisingly high in 5th, which is great for making progress, but irritatingly noisy if you just want to cruise at 70mph or more.
Handling was initially disappointing, especially in the wet, until I had new tyres fitted (Michelins), which miraculously transformed the level of grip & feel.
The Baleno is popular amongst modifiers, but in standard guise makes an ideal 'next step' for a younger driver, looking to trade up to something moderately exciting, without breaking the bank.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 23rd December, 2004
Very undervalued bargain
Radio ceased working after 2 years. However, this was not manufactured by Suzuki.
No other faults at all.
This car was purchased after several bad experiences with new fords.
It was excellent value for money and has been 100% reliable.
The car is very well equipped and has excellent performance.
Build quality second to none.
I especially like the conservative looks.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th November, 2002
Quite nice, but a new gearbox at 41000 miles!!
The main thing is that the gearbox needed replacing (500 pounds) at only 41,000 miles of careful driving. It deteriorated rapidly over only 500 miles before signs of impending breakdown. We got rid of it.
Radio faulty at about 20000 miles, cost 35 pounds.
Seat belt reels stopped reeling at about 10000 miles.
Right hand rear "bumper" unit came loose at 41,000 miles.
Nice looking car, elegant for an estate. The ride was unusually hard and thumped when driving over potholes with steep (sharp) sides and the wheels lost traction when ascending roughish ground.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 8th September, 2002
Best value for money around
Nothing.
Built exceptional well. Comfortable, build strength superb. If only they would fit a thicker steering wheel.
Second Beleno to date. Why oh why do the car guides call this a boring bland car. It's the business and what's more it's good to be part of a select owners club. When did you last see a Baleno estate? The 1.8 new style is even better than my previous 1.6. That didn't go wrong either.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th September, 2000
I`ve just purchased a 1997 1.6 estate and I have to say that it's a very good car. Would agree with the comment about the small steering wheel.
The Suzuki Baleno is a bestseller where I live here in Sweden, the pricing is really good (most inexpensive 4wd on the market). My old lady bought a 4wd version of it this week, only complaint so far is the lack of headlight washing.
Nothing. Looks Nice. Engine a bit buzzy but is ever so powerful. Standard-fit stereo is tinny, so needs upgrading
Love the push-button heater controls.
A great VFM car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th February, 2000
24th Apr 2003, 08:24
My 1995 Baleno's gearbox this year has started sticking in 1st and occasionally 3rd. Its done about 65000, also throttle butterfly sticks closed as vehicle cools down overnight. All OK after a freeing, but a nuisance. My mechanic says its because the metal used is cheap, and so softer.
I hear cars in Japan get scrapped after 3 years as MOT is so strict. This maybe why.