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 1 through 10 of 69.00

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  Opinion Changer - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By angel973 - December 13 - 2:23 am

  This car totally changes my opinion against Suzuki vehicles. I used to own a Suzuki XL-7 4WD Limited. It left much to be desired in many ways and as a result I traded it in with a Nissan after owning it for just a short time while it was still in a pretty good condition. I thought I would never buy a Suzuki again. Lo and behold I came across this beautiful car by chance. Both my wife and I love this car. Its look - both the interior and exterior - is quite pleasing to the eyes. The ride is smooth and comfortable. The performance is surprisingly exciting. Not to mention that you get possibly the best bang for your buck. The bottom line is, this is really a great car and worth looking into.

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  First hand report - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By J D Reichert - October 2 - 11:43 am

  February 27, 2010 and I purchased a Suzuki Kizashi SLS on February 20 with every option except the GPS. We’ve driven the car 343 miles sense we picked it up. My automobile reference point was a 2000 Cadillac Eldorado that we had owned from new. Additionally I drive a 1983 BMW 633CSi 5 speed (German version). The Cadillac had a 300hp V8 but under normal city driving the Kizashi performs very well as compared. For the first 300 = miles we are recording 20.0 mpg on 87 octane fuel. The car rides very compatible to the BMW but not as soft as the Cadillac. The highway noise level is about the same as the BMW, and both have the Dunlap SP 7000 tires, but is not as quite as the Cadillac.

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  Extremely Safe and fun to drive - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By jbl4445 - September 19 - 6:59 pm

  We bought this car for our very responsible 17 year old son. It looks great, got good gas mileage and was fun to drive. As boys do, he got in a crash, a head on collison. The car was totalled, and so was the other TRUCK. My son walked out of that car with only minor burns where the air bag hit his arms. Heard the safety ratings were good but didnt realize just how good! Thank you for building such a safe car Suzuki.

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  Love it, but growing a little weary. - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By sjmc - August 31 - 6:28 pm

  I bought this car because I fell in love with the body style, it had every feature I wanted, and I was offered a fantastic deal. After a year of driving it, though, the little annoyances are pushing me toward trading it. Little things like a radio with an already limited range losing the station a lot. The low tire pressure warning takes over the dashboard but doesnt indicate which tire. The rounded shape of the dash and hood make it difficult for someone of my height (55") to judge how close the front end of the car is to something. Because its so low to the ground, its either get out and look or risk damaging the car because it wont clear most curbs.

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  SMOOTH! - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By carlos36 - August 19 - 5:38 pm

  This car is great! The people at Suzuki of Manchster walked me through everything and answered all of my questions, even the ones that I didnt know I had! I really like the way that the car feels while Im inside of it on the city streets plus it looks like luxury...with me inside it! ;)

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  What a Change! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By S. J. MacGregor - July 29 - 10:20 am

  When we purchased our Kizashi,we put Pur-gen in the tires and switched to Mobil 1(synthetic oil). We then gave it a wax job. The first time out, we averaged 33.9 MPG on the highway. On the second trip we averaged 35.6 MPG. On the third trip which included half city driving, we averaged 32.5 MPG. The car had excellent control and power on the highway and is very comfortable. I did not like the low profile tires as they seem to have more road noise, but was definitely quieter than my previous vehicle when it came to other noise. The Uni-body is solid and tight. What a great surprise.

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  Great Car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By rcopa1 - March 5 - 12:54 pm

  This is a great little car. I waited to write a review until i had the car for a while, about 5 months now. Each day i bond with it a little more. It handles & rides great. It really feels like a european auto. I can see where a V6 would take it to a whole other level but am amazed at the effortless power when passing on the highway. When i think im doing 60 Im usually doing 80. They really covered their bases with every comfort detail no matter how small. To sum it up i would say i feel "smart" in buying this car. So much car for so little money. I have to chuckle when i think people are buying in droves Camarys, Accords, Jettas in droves - BORING.

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  What a terrific surprise! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By tigerbangs54 - March 1 - 8:08 am

  Picked up a new Kizashi SE AWD recently, and was very impressed with all the features, but what really got me was the solidity of the chassis and the road-holding. This car feels as if it was carved out of a block of marble: the ride is Euro-firm, but never uncomfortable, and soaks up big bumps amazingly well. It seems to have endless cornering grip: virtually no trace of understeer. The interior is a cut above cars in this price range, with lots of nice soft-touch materials, tight fits, and excellent room for a big-and tall driver and passenger. Its quiet except during hard acceleration, but what engine noise there is sounds pretty sporty to me. Lots of content for the money, too!

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  Best Kept Secret - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By bannondorf - February 6 - 2:31 am

  I have owned this vehicle for three months now and can say it is probably the best kept secret in the car industry. Safer than a Volvo, as or more responsive and sporty than a BMW or Audi and much less expensive than any of those. For being the best selling car in Japan I am surprised no one in America has ever heard of it, likely do to a non-existent ad campaign. Great Warranty, Fun to drive, turns heads everywhere I go. The quality of the build, fit, finish and all the little details and gadgets Suzuki included are impressive. This car is defiantly worth a test drive even if your looking at its more expensive European cousins exclusively.

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  Best Vehicle for the Money! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By D. K. Chicago - January 20 - 10:36 am

  Not much to say here, other than you need to drive this car! Handling is comparable to a BMW, styling is over the top! Price, WOW. 24,695 sticker, paid 21,000 OTD. For the individuals commenting on the paint quality, I agree it may not have the thickest paint coating, but its very durable. Try waxing your car with a polymer based wax. Performance on this car is great with the 2.4 and 6 spd manual, I did not care for the CVT. Do your self a favor, BUY ONE!!