2008 Suzuki Reno

The Reno is the least expensive offering in Suzuki's vehicle lineup. This front-drive compact car has four doors and seating for five people, plus a convenient hatchback luggage compartment.

Small doesn't necessarily mean boring. The Reno's exterior style is sleek with swept-back headlamps, jewel-like taillights and body-color bumpers and door handles.

Inside, driver and front passenger space is extremely good. The ride is on the soft and compliant side.

The Reno shares its 2.0-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine with its Forenza sibling, which means it's good for the same 127 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. This is better than average for the Reno's compact class. The Reno weighs only 11 pounds less than the Forenza so expect the same performance from the two cars. Even EPA fuel economy is identical at 20 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard, a four-speed auto optional.

Luggage capacity is good considering the Reno's diminutive size. It swallows a smallish 8.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up, but fold them down to increase that size to an impressive 45.4 cubic feet.

Nothing is too exciting about the Reno's list of standard features. The stand-outs include dual front and side airbags, air conditioning, heated outside mirrors and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Step up to the Convenience Package to add cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and remote keyless entry with security system. Price for this package is just $400.

Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force distribution are optional on the Convenience Package.