The Forenza received freshened styling in 2006; otherwise, it hasn't changed significantly since its 2004 introduction.

The Suzuki Forenza has its roots in a Korean car called the Daewoo Nubira, which was sold in the United States between 1999 and 2002. Around the same time Daewoo pulled out of the U.S., the Nubira—still sold in other countries around the world—was redesigned. Like its predecessor, the new car was styled by Italian design firm Pininfarina. The car has been sold in several markets under several names, including Daewoo Lacette and Chevrolet Nubira in Europe, Holden Viva in Australia, and Buick Excelle in China.