The Forenza, like many vehicles, has remote keyless entry, and its functionality is fine. But high-pitched noise heard upon closing is reminiscent of a rodent in pain.

Considering its designation as a compact wagon, Forenza has a good supply of standard features: air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD (eight speakers), tilt steering wheel with remote stereo controls, 60/40 split folding rear seats, power windows and locks and heated and power mirrors.

The car's one optional feature is its antilock brake system, which adds $500 to suggested retail base price of $16,649. Destination and handling boost price another $545 to $17,694 – a strong argument for consideration among economical buyers.

And finally, while Suzuki may not yet be ready to battle its more well-known competitors on several levels, manufacturer's 7-year, 100,000-mile power train warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance can't be easily dismissed.

Suzuki Forenza Wagon 2005

Safety features -- Driver and front seat passenger side airbags, front seat passenger front airbags; 24-hour roadside assistance.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 20 mpg (city), 28 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain 7 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 3 years/unlimited miles.

Base price -- $17,694.00

James Raia co-author of the e-book "How To Buy A Car Without Getting Ripped Off." For more information or to purchase his e-book, visit: How To Buy A Car Without Getting Ripped Off

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You get yard by yard voice instructions (so you don't have to look at screen as you drive) and it corrects directions immediately if you take a wrong turning, and there's a handy "Repeat" button to get an instant repeat if you didn't hear an instruction.

If you need a visual representation of where you are, there is a useful "3-d" view, down to lamp-posts and garbage cans. The screen is easy to read, with views designed for use in both light and dark conditions.

The helpful voice will even give you a countdown of yards before you reach your destination, even if that destination is a remote dirt-track.

I can guarantee that RoadMate has saved me countless hours and frustration from reading maps and getting lost.

When I'm returning home, I choose my address from those stored in memory, and off I go. If I've noticed any roads I want to avoid on way, traffic jams for instance, I can specify avoiding them, and RoadMate has new directions for me right away.

All in all, it's a tool I wouldn't want to be without.