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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  Great Car, Bad Yokohama Tires - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By KenP - April 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive but the tires by Yokohama are terrible! Factory default on tires with only 600 miles and Yokohama would not stand behind them, even though their factory authorized dealer stated the tire was defective with tread separation! I had to purchase and pay for new tire with no payment from Yokohama and no help from Suzuki!

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  Super Reliable - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By towncourier - April 17 - 4:20 am

  I just traded in my Esteem. Broken-hearted. A fantastic vehicle. I used it for courier deliveries. Back seats fold flat and the cargo space held everything! Handled very heavy (500 lbs) loads without too much complaining. Lots of jackrabbit starts (deadlines you know) and sudden stops. But the reliability was great. Never even changed a headlight until 260,000 km. Several things (rad, control arm, CV boots etc) went this week. But now that its got 365,000 km (228 k miles) I cant really complain.

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  Great car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SX4 kicks butt !!! - April 9 - 12:50 pm

  Honestly, I had never owned a Suzuki and was kind of reluctant to purchase one simply because I was not familiar with these vehicles Oh boy, Have I been pleasantly surpised! This car keeps getting great reviews from friends, not to mention the great perks it came with, and the much needed, built-in bluetooth system. On a normal work week, I used to fork out about 60 bucks for gasoline (California), Now after the first week of owning and driving the car guess what? So far, I have only put 35 bucks of gas and still has little less than half a tank left. Cannot beat this deal!

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  Good car for the money - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Marcia - April 8 - 12:33 pm

  We bought the vehicle used with 26K miles. So far the only major problem has been the failure of the A/C evaporator core (about ($900 to repair). The cargo space is small. My honda civic could carry more stuff. Leg room could be better but okay if you are average height. Otherwise powerful engine, excellent in hwy driving and passing, and hilly terrain.Great features for the price and quality interior components.

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  an all wheel drive "car" finally - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By vrswashingtondc - April 7 - 4:56 am

  Its no wonder that this vehicle is the number one selling suv in Europe. If you think gas is expensive here... wow. Tight handling, sits like its a foot higher of the ground. Good acceleration,

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  Cold starts a problem - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By AngelE - April 6 - 2:00 am

  While overall an excellent vehicle, the Aerio Sedan has 2 problems, one of them major. Until the engine warms up (takes 5 minutes+) the automatic transmission will not shift from 3rd to 4th gear. This occurs even in warm weather until the engine itself is warm (not related to exterior temperature). Also, the cup holders are bloched by the gear selector.

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  High value, minor flaws - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By RichardE - April 6 - 2:00 am

  My fiance and I both purchased Aerios in October 03 (she purchased the sedan with an automatic, I purchased teh fastback with a 5 speed). Acceleration is EXCELLENT (I drive I- 95 daily).

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  Emaculate qaulity, - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Rion Bishop - April 6 - 2:00 am

  For the base price of an Accord or Camry I had everything loaded for less in the Verona. Alot more qaulity then Kia or hundai, definetly more then the US models. I know you get what you pay for but just the simple details and qaulity I was incredibly surprised. Great Job, If Suzuki keeps this up theyll have a great reputation too and me buying another one.

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  I love my Grand Vitara! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By melissam - April 5 - 4:00 pm

  This is by far my favorite of all the vehicles that I have ever owned. It drives exceptionally well. It has every feature I could want and was still reasonably priced. It looks like a much more expensive vehicle and the 2006 body style is a tremendous improvement over previous years styles. You will love it!

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  Great AWD Car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By my92rs - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car, price was great, fun to drive, good on gas, I am getting 29 miles to the gallon with the auto AWD. Very easy getting in and out of. Roomy inside,easy to park, great in traffic, all the options that come standard with this car. I got the car for 15,800, great value