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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  Flexible SUV for the Price - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Jake - October 8 - 5:56 pm

  This SUV can be found with lots of factory rebates if youre patient, resulting in a really good deal. It has lots of interior flexibility since the rear seats can move and be folded down for extra cargo space. This is the only small-med size SUV I could find that had enough cargo room behind the second row seat to fit my two large dogs. Only a minivan could do the job better, and I needed 4WD. The only minivan with AWD anymore is the Toyota Sienna, which I plain couldnt afford.

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  I love my new car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By chasinky - October 7 - 8:16 pm

  My new car! How great is it to get a great, new car under 20k. For a young woman of 23 years, awesome! I love my car and think I will continue to be a Suzuki owner for a long, long time.

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  Its fun to drive - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Don - September 24 - 1:40 am

  My 2005 Suzuki XL-7 is fun to drive. It has good handling in city traffic. The drivers seat is not made for long drives though. Wind noise over 65 MPH makes the radio useless. Also, they used too much cheap plastic in the interior. It has easy entry and I like the door handles, which work well. I like the looks of the vehicle too. The engine really makes noise (runs fast) when started in cold weather and this continues until it is warmed up. I had this issue checked out and supposedly thats the way the engine is on all models.

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  High value, Low MPG - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Patagonia - September 19 - 3:20 am

  I bought the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara before learning about the new Toyota RAV4 thats coming soon. The RAVs 269 horsepower and 28 mpg highway sound better than my Grand Vitaras 185 horsepower and 23 mpg. Especially since I have averaged less than 19 mpg, having driven 7,000 miles in the two months since I bought it. Who knows, maybe Toyotas fuel economy ratings are also exagerated and the Grand Vitara is less expensive than the RAV4 will be. Otherwise, this is a very nice SUV that handles much better than average, has a great interior, comfortable seats, tons of features and excellent inclement weather handling. The traction control and AWD work wonderfully in snow and ice.

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  best car for the buck - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By jaeckert - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 6/2/2000 and I will not part with it. Power is good as sea level BUT could be better in the mountains. (USE 91 OCTANE IN THE MOUNTAINS) Mileage runs about 24 street and 35 in freeways. Handles very well and is stable at all speeds and rides like a larger car.

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  SX4 is a winner - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Bungalow Bill - September 5 - 11:36 pm

  Ive only had my basic SX4 manual 5 speed for two weeks but my initial evaluation is in - this vehicle is a winner. True it could get a few extra miles per gallon and a little extra highway power would be welcome but overall this AWD is a real find. Great looks, a well thought out interior and lots of space for a subcompact make the selection easy. The price is a real bonus. This vehicle needs to be compared to other lower priced 4WD and AWD vehicles not just the two wheel drive subcompacts. The key here is AWD. I do wish the standard model came with cruise control. Im looking forward to winter and its snow!

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  vesitile small suv. - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By arcon262 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Has average power, and below average, cargo space.But this is a real city warior, it`s small size is perfect for negotiating heavy trafic and tight parking lots. It`s true 4WD gives you confidence off the pavment as well.This is a great SUV for singles or small families that want a go anywere vehicle.

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  Charming but........... - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Edward - August 26 - 6:30 pm

  I bought this car for my wife who had just learned to drive (foreigner) and she absolutely loves it. It is spacious for a small car with plenty of room in the trunk for a full size suit case laid down flat. The car lacks power which they advertise as more than a MINI, but you really have to put your foot into it or use gear 1 to launch it and to merge onto Interstate traffic. Radio is sufficient (4 speaker single Cd player) Head room is great for tall people we are not AWD is not perm. but can be locked in as long as driving below 30mph. I had a 350z before this so this car can not be compared to but is still funish to drive.

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  Verona - A good car for the money - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By M Covich - Tampa, FL - August 25 - 11:43 pm

  So far Im pleased with my new Verona - I was considering a Toyota Camry and a friend said check on the Verona - for the money the Verona is a much better deal - I love all the options.

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  The Best of the Rest - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dan - August 19 - 12:53 am

  My wife and I were looking for a replacement vehicle for my 2002 Audi A4. We needed a vehicle that could be flat towed by a motorhome and be able to pull more than 1,500 lbs. The Suzuki fit the bill. I drove the Honda CR-V, Jeep Liberty and Saturn VUE. None of them offered the total package of good looks, luxury and utility that the Suzuki provided. I shopped several dealerships in the area to get the best price. The vehicle performs admirably and is attractive to boot. My only complaints thus far concern fuel consumption (17 mpg) and the lack of frontal adjustment for the front seats.