Overview & Reviews

Suzuki is renowned for its desirable motorcycles, but its cars historically haven't enjoyed nearly the same respect. The Suzuki Kizashi midsize sedan is a serious attempt to bring the company's automotive division up to snuff. Billed as a sophisticated sport sedan at a family-sedan price, the Kizashi generally delivers. It looks sharp, it drives well and its interior is one of the nicest in the segment.

While the Kizashi is billed as midsize, its dimensions actually fall in between that segment and increasingly large compacts. This means it's in the unique position to compete against both camps. It's larger, more luxurious and better built than most compacts, yet less expensive and more agile than the midsizers. We think it's definitely worth a look, but the biggest obstacle could be finding one given Suzuki's limited dealer network.

Current Suzuki Kizashi
The Suzuki Kizashi sedan is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. It comes in S, SE, Sport GTS and Sport SLS trim levels. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the S, Sport GTS and Sport SLS with front-wheel drive, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional on those trims and standard on the SE and all-wheel-drive models.

Standard equipment on the base model is impressive, including keyless ignition/entry, full power accessories, dual-zone automatic climate control, a USB/iPod interface and satellite radio. Higher trims net features like alloy wheels, power seats, a sunroof, leather upholstery, steering wheel shift paddles (for the CVT), a Rockford Fosgate sound system and Bluetooth. The Sport trims get cosmetic, aerodynamic and suspension enhancements.

The Suzuki Kizashi's design is an interesting mix of familiar and novel elements. Some people might see some Volkswagen influence in the car's exterior styling, but otherwise the Kizashi is its own beast. Inside, there's an attractive dashboard design with tastefully restrained metallic accents and upscale materials. Nice touches abound, such as standard keyless ignition and cushioned chrome-ringed door handles. The backseat has plenty of room for two full-size adults, and the relatively high seat cushion actually makes the Kizashi more comfortable for long-legged rear passengers than some larger rivals.

In reviews, we've praised the Suzuki Kizashi for emulating the sophisticated driving dynamics of Japanese and European sport sedans at a fraction of their price. Grip is ample in corners, the ride is supple yet well-controlled and the steering is a bit lacking in feel but nicely weighted. Wind and road noise are kept in check on the highway, and the Kizashi has a sense of straight-ahead that's uncommon for a car starting under $20,000. The four-cylinder engine is the closest thing to a weak link here -- it's plenty peppy for normal use, but those expecting the Kizashi's power to match its sport-sedanlike handling may be disappointed, particularly if they select the CVT.

Used Suzuki Kizashi Models
The Suzuki Kizashi was new for 2010. In that first year, the Sport GTS and Sport SLS lacked the "Sport" prefix as well as the associated cosmetic, aerodynamic and suspension enhancements.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 69 of 69.00

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  Downsize and upgrade! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By mtaylor - July 30 - 6:13 pm

  Traded an 09 Mazda6 for the Kizashi, and I cant find one area where the Kizashi isnt superior! The entire car feels like its carved out of a solid piece of rock! Ergonomics are terrific. Interior design and materials are topnotch. Gives the impression of being a much more expensive car. Beautiful gauges, especially at night. Engine is silent at cruise and idle and has plenty of power. The CVT took some getting used to, but seems to work well especially at highway speeds. Been averaging 27 mpg mixed and about 32 mpg highway. For me, this car is the perfect size. Most other midsized cars, like my Mazda6, have grown too large. Most fun Ive ever had driving, and Ive turned a few heads too!

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  2nd review after 4 months with car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By sabkosalam - February 7 - 11:57 am

  There is no way youll find a better car for this price. It feels 10k more when you get inside. Nice materials inside. I just wish the GTS manual had leather available as an option. The cloth seats are good material too though. To this day, car is turning heads and people seem to look for which car it is. If I take away the Suzuki badges from the car exterior, people will think Im filthy rich. The guy at the car wash literally sat in it for a good 2 minutes checking the car out. Candidly speaking, I am glad the car is not selling very well. Otherwise itll just become another Sonata, people are already bored with its looks.

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  Road Side Assistance - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By lbacskay - October 24 - 5:30 pm

  On our way to a nice day trip about 160 miles from home when the car started acting up. Only 10 days old with 700 miles on it and the cars gears stop shifting and the rpm were running 4-5k at 30-40 mph. We switched to manual mode and the car worked for a little while but switched automatically to drive mode and revved the engine again at 30-40 mph. Pulled over for the third time and shut car off and tried again in manual mode. This time car gas pedal would not work. Car worked in reverse not in drive or manual mode. Called RoadSide assistance and thought all will be fine. Closest tow truck was 45 miles away. (continued)

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  2011 GTS impulse buy / AWD w. navigation - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By KizDan - September 19 - 2:00 am

  We took our 2008 SX4 to the local dealership (Ellis Suzuki) for the 15,000 mile checkup. While we were waiting we saw the silver GTS and fell in love. Took it for a drive and came home with it. I hate impulse buys, but Ive not had any regrets with this purchase. I always wanted navigation, and this GTS had it installed. Stereo is wonderful, although I was surprised it only held one cd. Used the IPOD connection, and it sounded wonderful. Bluetooth worked with Iphone just great. I could go on and on. Oh, I could have gotten a 2010 for a lot less, but I really liked the changes in body styling on the 2011.

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  Still smiling!! - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By jaydee11 - July 30 - 8:27 pm

  I only stopped at the dealer for an appointment for an oil change for my Chevy HHR.The next thing I know, I bought a Kizashi!! I love browsing the lots,so my Chevy dealer is also a Suzuki dealer. And there it was! Tucked in between a bunch of Chevys, a black Kizashi. He says how do you feel about this one? It looks nice I said."Would you like for me to get the keys?" I said yeah,sure. But if I get the keys, youll have to test drive it! Yeah,whatever I said. MAn, did I have a ball!! He went with me and showed me a twisty backroad which I never knew existed! God does that baby handle great!! I thought it was the AWD version,thats how great it felt!

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  Well kept secret - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By joer5 - April 22 - 6:03 am

  My son just bought his first new car, a 2010 Kizashi SE, CVT, AWD. Beautiful interior with top of the line materials, very comfortable seats, quite a few standard features found on cars 10 to 20K more. Handles great, fun to drive, and looks better and better each time I see it. Why buy a Camry or Accord when the Kizashi looks better, has more features for the dollar, and a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty! Suzuki has a winner here.

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  Suzuki Kizashi rocks - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By cammy - March 18 - 6:26 am

  I love the looks of this car I think it looks better than a lot of the cars on the road now. Interior is great too. Having a lot of fun driving this car. Turning a lot of heads . Yes Suzuki make great cars too. A lot of the main auto makers are being put to shame if people would only look pass the Suzuki name and stop following mainstream they would see how much better this car is.

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  A Quality Ride at a Quality Price - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By edwardc19 - February 16 - 3:09 am

  The Kizashi is a nice balance of sport and practicality. It has an intuitive and fast brake system, nice sturdy construction, push to start, and sleek look in/out. The acceleration could be more powerful. I live in a city full of hills and sometimes the car just doesnt fly through them, but the ride is solid. Low interior noise, comfortable seating both in front and back, and good gas mileage. Ipod dock is a little poor and would of preferred an aux jack for easy mp3 access. I love the dash and beautiful red back lighting on the stereo. This car doesnt read high end luxury, but its a strong contender to beat Honda Accord and VW Passat.

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  Hidden Value of Intermediates - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Robert Gross - February 1 - 3:23 am

  My "other" car is a Mercedes AMG, so that is a good reference point when I say the fit and finish on this car is superb! My first car with a CVT and it is smooth. Good MPG. Buy one of these because everyone finds out about them.