Overview & Reviews

Born in Japan, Suzuki is an automaker that has made a name for itself by crafting vehicles that emphasize value and affordability. Through the years, the brand's lineup has included sedans, wagons and SUVs. However, in late 2012 the company decided to stop selling new vehicles in the United States.

The company was founded by Michio Suzuki in 1909 as Suzuki Loom Works. By the 1950s, its focus had expanded beyond just loom machines to include both motorcycles and automobiles. In 1955, it rolled out the Suzulight, a compact car that proved to be a harbinger of a new era of Japanese lightweight vehicles. The automaker expanded its lineup to include a truck in 1961. Like its sibling, the tiny Suzulight Carry pickup distinguished itself with its featherweight specification. By the end of the decade, the Suzuki lineup had grown to include the Fronte passenger car, the subcompact Fronte 800 and the Carry Van full-cab van.

In 1970, Suzuki rolled out the Jimny, a four-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicle that resembled a playful version of the Jeep CJ-5. The automaker's roster continued to grow throughout this decade, with the addition of the Alto and the subcompact LJ80.

The 1980s saw Suzuki partnering with General Motors when GM acquired a 5 percent stake in the company. GM made this move partially in response to the growing popularity of subcompacts in the U.S. market. After the purchase, Suzuki products were rebadged and sold as GM vehicles on American shores.

In 1985, the carmaker launched an American outpost, and for the first time, Suzuki-branded vehicles became available in the U.S. The company's first model was the Samurai; available as either a convertible or a hardtop, this compact SUV met with immediate success. However, the Samurai's glory days were short-lived.

In 1988, Consumer Reports published an article in which it deemed the Samurai unsafe, saying it was more likely than most to roll over during certain maneuvers. Suzuki took the magazine to court (and eventually won) but the bad publicity from the article cast a pall on the Samurai that never quite lifted. Suzuki soldiered on, though. By the end of the decade its total aggregate car production had topped 10 million units, and its line had grown to include the compact Swift and the Sidekick, a compact SUV.

During the '90s, Suzuki expanded its reach to include territories like Egypt, Vietnam and Hungary, and launched new models like the Cappuccino convertible and the lightweight Wagon R. On U.S. soil, Suzuki rolled out the Esteem, dropped the beleaguered Samurai, introduced the two-seat, T-topped X-90 and replaced the Sidekick with the Vitara and Grand Vitara.

Suzuki and General Motors purchased ailing Daewoo in 2004, and two of that manufacturer's vehicles were rebadged and given new life as Suzukis. The Suzuki Forenza and Suzuki Verona both had former lives as Daewoo cars.

Through the first decade of the 2000s, Suzuki continued to evolve and improve its models, culminating in the Kizashi, a midsize sedan that was good enough to challenge segment front runners. But with overall sales and consumer interest stuck on a downward trend, Suzuki finally announced bankruptcy and termination of its U.S. vehicle operations in late 2012. The company plans to honor existing warranties, and some Suzuki dealers will continue to provide parts and service.

User Reviews:

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  1995 Suzuki Swift HB 1.3 Soho - 1995 Suzuki Swift
  By Matt - September 21 - 4:19 am

  I have a 1995 Suzuki Swift HB 1.3 L sohc 4cyl engine 5 speed manual so fun to drive. Has now 203,200km.

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  Out lives it’s conpetition - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Pete - October 29 - 12:01 pm

  My 2000 V6 Grand Vitara is built for the long haul. Everything is simple, reliable and easily serviced. I have a 2” lift and take it places you usually need an ATV to get to. It is fun to drive around town because it is fast enough and can park anywhere. I get 23mpg on trips even with 30” tires an my dirt bike attached to the trailer hitch. The manual transmission shifts great, 1st is a little notchy at a stop but nothing to worry about. I recommend keeping up with oil changes due to the V6 timing chain intricacies but all overhead cam motors have the same issue. The only issue I have is the water pump is under the timing cover which make a 2 hour job a 12 hour job. I have 100,000 miles and haven’t done the pump but have done the research. It is the price to pay for the 165hp motor.

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  nice - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By boi - October 26 - 8:58 am

  really nice car. has reliability problems, tranny is crap. but the acceleration at higher speeds is nice.

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  I LOVE MY CAR!!! - 1998 Suzuki Esteem
  By joe ploch - January 8 - 2:58 pm

  guys i got this esteem just a year ago got it last year its been a short time but wow this is a great car,nice space,very practical,the maintenance its very practical and this lil g16b 1.6 engine can really run!! for me the best underrated car ever!

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  First year of new Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Tim - December 30 - 7:06 am

  The Grand Vitara is a well done, real 4 wheel drive SUV at a reasonable price. Suzuki was not prepared for release of this new model though. Its service techs have not been trained on repairs, and parts are not available for many weeks if needed.

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  Megamega Tire Eater - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Joe - December 26 - 3:40 pm

  Our car eats tires. We also lost our AWD. Our dealer has fixed the viscous coupler joint and aligned the tires. We still have a serious vibration at 55 mph and above. Our current tires are wearing fast.

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  liked it - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Brian L (NY) - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had this truck through all kinds of weather, on the beach & road. I can tell you the 4 wheel drive system is excellent. Its a nice smooth truck with decent power & good handling. Enjoy!

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  You cant find any other car for this price and performance during 2001. - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By srk2040 - December 24 - 4:07 am

  Had the car from dealers lot brand new. Few facts about this car: 1) the engine bay has a flex bar across it 2) the frame is liquid filled to reduce vibration 3) came with direct electronic ignition as opposed to plugs and wires. 4) has third row of seat. 5) OEM tires are exact same as Lexus RX300, Dueler HT. The front brake wears out lot quicker than what Im used to. Amazingly, the rear drum brake has never been changed and it always passes the inspection. Its on 170,000 mile now. Comes with lot of upgrade if you really into it. I installed rear catch net, rear door net storage, window rain deflector. Overall, you can not find any other car like this even today 2013 that is true 4x4

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  dollar for dollar - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Naples Dave - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had multiple problems with my new Verona none however being mechanical. Most of the problems are head lamp seal was bad, weld maks showing on the C posts, mild wobble in the driving, engine power loss when slowing to a stop/start however the new computer chip corrects it, and flickering or the outside temp numbers. all have been fixed with mild to medium wait time for my car. The car is smooth while driving and very stylish all in all very good deal for the price you pay.

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  The Car I Wish It Was - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Jim_From_IL - December 10 - 10:53 pm

  I intially bought this car for its sleek styling and overall value. It comes with lots of options all thrown in for what you would have to pay thousands extra if you went with a Toyota Camry (which was my other choice). Too bad the performance of this is plagued with computer glitches and transmission issues. This being the first model year has had its problems. I just got mine out of the shop for the third time. This time the ECM (Electronic Control Module) had to be reprogrammed. As of Aug, 06, it seems better now, but Im almost afraid to drive it. It has stalled twice while approaching stop lights. If I get any more major problems, I will seriously be thinking about dumping (uh - trading) it.