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 21 through 30 of 69.00

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  WOW!! Its fun to drive again! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Dennis - April 3 - 3:33 pm

  Havent had this much fun driving a car since 1978! Great fun with 6 spd.manual transmission, great pick-up and performance...watch out...in 6th gear you can go from 75-100 in a split second without trying to! LOVE MY KIZASHI!

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  Excellent value, fun car - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Brett - July 23 - 3:16 am

  I have been a Kizashi owner for 300 miles now. I had never heard of or seen a Kizashi until I was in the local mall and they had one on display. I fell in love with the exterior look, and after a week of research, I owned one. So far I have zero buyers remorse. I am 37 years old and this car fits my style to a tee. It has a classy feel, yet it has a youthful spirit that makes it very fun to drive. The CVT transmission is slick and combined with the fine tuned suspension, this car feels like it is riding on air most of the time. Usually I stay away from a car in its first year of release, but I am happy I am one of the first to own one of these slick little rides.

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  Best bang for your buck! - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By mtloveskg - July 12 - 6:01 pm

  I tested a Sonata, Camry, Accord and Optima. After uears of buying just Honda and Kia I decided to take a chance on one of Japans top selling manufacturers. It paid off! I LOVE this car! Fun ride, great comfort for someone like me (64). Very peppy engine. Sweet in and out!

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  Couldnt be happier - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By jim miresse - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Have been driving high end cars all my life - never thought I would own a Suzuki but this car has put them on the map - price is hard to believe, warranty is the best - what else can I say?

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  Kizashi best hissen secret - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By kizashiowner - April 26 - 1:30 pm

  This cars rocks, I cant find anything wrong with it, design turning heads, amazing steering ration, AWD like no other forget Subaru which I owned 3 before, the system works like expensive cars, take sharp turns and let the fun starts as in the evo without the price,amazing snow handling, mine is the Metalic Black very handsome,time for us to join the world love affair with this car, perfect power dont need more HP all with suprsing 36 MPG in the highway was shoked as AWD listed for 29 MPG, love the leather with the Audi classy interior, check the quality of every part used even the tires.Best of all very few on the road , I will buy it again, dont you buy it as I want to be the only one:)

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  Excellent car. Nothing better for the price - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By ggms16 - March 22 - 1:39 am

  Ive owned and still own a few late Mercedes and Bmws Even with my german cars experience, I can definitely say THIS CAR IS AWESOME!. Period! Yes, a few flaws, there are no perfect cars anywhere. but for the price you pay, the thing is amazing. Suspension: PERFECT Brakes: ONE OF THE BEST BRAKES I EVER TESTED Driving dynamics: I wont say its a BMW or a Mercedes, but its close, its wayyyyy over what you get from Toyota or Honda, but its still not a BMW... The price isnt either. Steering: Precise and sporty, love it.!

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  after one year... - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By mtaylor3 - March 15 - 9:48 am

  and 15K miles, not a single regret. The car has been completely problem free and remains a joy to drive. If youre looking for a fun-to-drive, economical, comfortable car, then the Kizashi is tailor-made for you. Many people want to compare the Kizashi to the Civic/Mazda3, but Suzuki has in reality created a bargain alternative to the Acura TSX or even Audi A4. Best seats, handling, and build quality of any car Ive ever owned. Why Suzuki isnt selling more of these is a complete mystery to me. If folks would give a test drive, I think theyd be shocked at what they can get for their money.

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  Excellent Car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By realitycheck1 - February 2 - 5:55 pm

  I bought a white Kizashi 2 months ago and I could not be happier. This car has the most fluid steering I have ever felt in a regular mid sized sedan. It has a very expensive feel to it in how it drives and the interior quality is excellent. Very quiet. I average 27 MPG around town and Ive got 32 MPG on the highway. No problems as of yet, but of course the car is still brand new so I dont expect any. I love how few people own these and I get inquires all the time about it. Fantastic car.

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  Love My Kizashi - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Tanya - October 19 - 1:50 am

  I learned about the Kizashi months ago from a friend. I had a 08 SX4 Crossover and loved it but wanted more comfort and performance. Ive been bugging my dealership and they called me the day it came in. The first and only Kizashi was brought out (hadnt even been cleaned yet). It was an SLS with AWD in Black Pearl. The look, the size, the increased comfort and incredible quality and attention to detail in the interior completely sold. They cleaned it up and put it in the showroom until I picked it up a couple of days later. It is so comfortable and fun to drive. What an incredible bang for the buck...and the same fuel economy that I had in my much smaller SX4. Great work Suzuki!

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  Snap one up while you can - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By unclerolly - July 22 - 10:32 pm

  I had a 2004 BMW 330XI that was killing me in repair costs. I went back and forth on the Kizashi for so long and Im glad I finally pulled the trigger. After six weeks of ownership I have really enjoyed he car. Distinctive exterior styling, plush, comfortable interior, fun to drive, great build quality. The car is so well engineered and its clear a lot of thought went into everything right down to the tactile feedback of control buttons on the steering wheel and center stack console. Normally you have to spend at least twice this much money to drive something so rare. Dont get me wrong this is not a high end Mercedes or an exotic but its a lot of car for under $30k that nobody has.