Suzuki Aerio and XL-7 Receive Top Ratings From Consumers Digest for Second Straight Year

Coveted Distinctions Signal Automaker's Continuing Value Promise

BREA, Calif., Nov. 6 -- Just as American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) penetrates new vehicle categories with the launch of the 2004 Verona midsize sedan and 2004 Forenza premium compact sedan this fall, the automaker received news that two of its most popular models again garnered top industry accolades.

For the second straight year, Consumers Digest has designated Suzuki's Aerio and XL-7 as "Best Buys" -- the most recent for the 2004 model year of both vehicles. The magazine's annual recommendations, designed to show which cars and trucks offer the most value for the money, are based on purchase price, ownership costs, warranty coverage, safety ratings, historic reliability, styling, ergonomics, comfort, amenities, cargo room and performance factors such as acceleration, braking, handling and ride quality.

Suzuki's 2003 Aerio and XL-7 were named Consumers Digest "Best Buys" in 2003 -- a designation that took on extra merit for the Aerio as it came during the same year the vehicle was introduced.

"These most recent Consumers Digest distinctions substantiate a continuing theme -- American Suzuki vehicles offer unbeatable value," explained ASMC President Rick Suzuki. "From the Aerio and XL-7 to the all-new Verona and Forenza, Suzuki cars and SUVs meet or beat the performance, style and feature amenities of their more expensive competitors."

2004 Lineup is Most Diverse in Suzuki History

Thanks to the fall 2003 launch of the new Verona and Forenza, Suzuki's 2004 lineup is easily its strongest and most diverse ever. Six new or newly redesigned models -- including the Aerio, Vitara V6, Grand Vitara and XL-7 -- now enable the automaker to compete in 40 percent of the U.S. automotive market, up from 20 percent last year. Equally important, the expanded line inaugurates Suzuki's plan to triple its U.S. sales by 2007 by exceeding consumer expectations for capability, toughness, leading-edge style and high-end features at prices well below the competition.

Boasting the only standard inline six-cylinder engine in its class, a distinctive European design, superior list of amenities and an MSRP starting at $16,499, the Verona is expected to give the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and other category leaders a run for their money. Interior luxury features such as wood grain accents and standard electronically controlled adapted four-speed automatic transmission add to the vehicle's appeal. Plus, thanks to the transverse-mounted engine design, the Verona offers large passenger room and a wider stance.

With its own European styling, class-leading standard features and 2-liter double-overhead cam engine providing a smooth ride and big torque at low engine speed, the Forenza premium compact sedan proves you can have it all. Forenza pricing starts at just $12,499, yet Forenza offers more passenger room than Civic or Corolla plus standard air conditioning with micron-air filtration, an in-dash AM/FM CD and cassette player with eight speakers and steering wheel-mounted sound-system controls.

Fueled by industry acclaim, the Aerio sedan and five-door Aerio SX enter 2004 with 300 more cubic centimeters of engine displacement and 10 additional horsepower. That brings Aerio's total to 155 horses from a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine -- one of the most powerful standard engines in its class. Equally impressive is the Aerio's sporty performance, spacious and functionally attractive interior, proven safety, fuel efficiency, premium sound system with the only standard sub-woofer in its class, fresh styling and sure-footed handling. Once again, the Aerio comes in front- or all-wheel drive featuring Suzuki's QuadGrip(TM) All-wheel-drive System.

In the SUV category, Suzuki's popular Vitara has been renamed the Vitara V6 in 2004 to reflect its new standard V6 engine. Other changes include new charcoal two-tone bumpers and fender flares and a newly designed soft spare tire cover. At $16,299, the Vitara V6 is the most affordable V6-powered SUV on the market -- as well as the only compact SUV that boasts tough body-on-frame construction. Standard interior features include air conditioning with micron-air filtration, in-dash CD player, cruise control, keyless remote entry system, automatic lighting system, halogen headlamps, tilt steering wheel, power windows, door locks and mirrors.

The SUV value equation continues with the Grand Vitara, combining a rugged ladder-frame construction, truck-tough dual-range four-wheel drive, a generous list of standard features and America's #1 Warranty for an MSRP starting at $17,499. Changes in 2004 include a new hard spare tire cover, a revised rear headlamp and tail lamp design, new alloy wheel design, silver roof rails (with most body colors), color-keyed door handles, and a new panic button on the keyless remote entry system.

Designed to be at home on the road and in the dirt, the flagship XL-7 offers tough body-on-frame design, a torquey V6 engine, generous ground clearance and available truck-tough four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. Also standard is third-row seating for seven, a flexible and cavernous cargo area, top-rated crash protection and features and amenities rivaling the most expensive luxury sedans -- all for an MSRP starting at just $19,499. Changes for 2004 range from additional power and torque and an optional five-speed automatic transmission and an optional Drive-Select push button 4WD system. The restyled exterior features a new front end, grille, bumper cover, headlights, taillights and color-keyed hard tire cover.

About American Suzuki

The Automotive Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1985 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets automobiles in the United States through a network of more than 460 automotive dealerships in 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide automobile manufacturer. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 141 distributors in 127 countries.