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:

• 

  poor building/customerservice - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By naomi hunter - August 29 - 5:50 pm

  I have had this car since2005 ,ivehad motor rebuilt,electricty problems and 5times check engine light on. took to dealer .took to dealer one week to look for diagnosis.left withno transportation and the warranty allways not covered these problems.will be notifying bbb

• 

  Suzuki Forenza 2005 - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By sascydharan vasudeva - August 29 - 2:26 pm

  Noisy engine. Needs more power specially in hill area. Fuel economy is not so good. Interior is good and more spacious. Power steering is good. Heated side mirror is an advantage.

• 

  Blends Sportiness, Utility, Economy, and Safety - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Wayne S - August 27 - 6:20 am

  I have 1,300 miles on my SX4 Sport, manual. It has been getting 23 to 25 mpg in town, no stop n go for my town. I have not taken any long trips in it, but get ~26 mpg at 75 mph. Its ride, handling, noise levels are all very good for its class. Its snow performance over the past two days was very good. The stereo system for 50 year-old ears is more than adequate. the ease of getting in and out is wonderful for this class. Its visibility is generally very good. Its storage / hauling capability should cover 95% of my needs. I traded in a 2001 Honda Prelude for it. I gave up the sweet Honda engine performance. I gained all weather capability, easier exit, better visibility (seeing / being seen), quieter, conveniences, safety, and passenger / cargo space. Its gas mileage and handling in normal city / highway conditions seem essentially equal.

• 

  Whats the Deal Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By badsuzuki - August 26 - 11:43 pm

  My Grand Vitara makes a loud droning noise while cruising at 55-70 mph. After two trips to the dealership, and a third scheduled. It is obvious Suzuki has no idea wht the problem is. I have seen similar problems mentioned in the forums. Also, my truck vibrates so much when accelerating between 30-45 that the interior rattles. No Toyota or Honda here. This is my third and last Grand Vitara!

• 

  JUNK - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By Ripped off - August 22 - 6:13 pm

  This car is junk! The cruise control does not work it jerks. The dealer cant find a problem. The CD player broke, the gas cap broke and now at 41,000 the ABS system went out and is another $2100. RUN away from this junk!

• 

  Great Little Car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Carmelo - August 21 - 6:40 pm

  I normally drive a Dodge RAM 1500 with a Hemi. I was very skeptical about going to a small car. This car was the funnest to drive in the class and also the most competitively priced compared to Honda and Toyota. I got the bluetooth, Ipod, and XM adapter as well. That was what sold me on this car. It had all the electronic gadgets that i need for the car. Overall it is the best in class for sure.

• 

  nice design but needs refinement - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By lngtonge18 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Maybe I got a bad apple but I traded in my 03 SX 5 speed after 9500 miles. Front brakes clunked. Front door panels buzzed constantly. A loud dash rattle occured twice. The fog lights and hood were loose. And the car had an annoying driveline bucking problem combined with a loss of power. Fuel economy on the highway was a disappointment (29.5) and so was the power. The engine is way too loud (it isnt smooth either) and wind noise is loud starting at 60mph. The doors have a tinny sound quality to them and the fabric on the door panels started showing wear after only 3k. The Aerio is extremely roomy and comfortable though.

• 

  The Little BIG Car! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jess - August 20 - 9:06 pm

  After renting two Aerios, once to drivefrom Seattle to Portland, OR, and back, and second to use for a week in Palm Springs, CA, I literally fell in love with this powerful, frisky, solid, and adorable car! I owned a high end Cadillac, and longed for a reason to move to Suzuki. Even bought an extended warranty, and plan to drive this equisite and personable charmer as long as its willing to go . . .It sucks up everything on the highway, and also slides easily into tight city parking. Heartily recommend!!

• 

  Gets me from here to there, no problems. - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By jeffrok - August 14 - 10:00 am

  $3,000 cheaper than the competition and a 7 year warranty! Pros: Good mileage in automatic or manual. Different looking, making it easy to find in a parking lot. Nice seats Great stock radio (6 CD changer, 6 speakers) Tons more head and legroom than the Protege5.. Cons: Narrow, tall styling makes it lean quite a bit in sharp turns Different looking, making some people smirk at your car Engine is a little growly at highway speeds, but not too bad.. No factory sunroof option You have to remove the headrests to fold the back seats down Dash isnt sporty enough. Hopefully its a good winter car.. I hope I dont regret not opting for the AWD.

• 

  02 XL7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By gbt - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have a 02, not a 03. Handles great. My last two SUVs were Jeep Grand Cherokees. Jeep obviously roomier but XL7 handles much better and fun to drive.