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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  Good Alternative - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By John K - August 13 - 10:36 am

  Overall the Suzuki Grand Vitara offers more value for the dollar compared to the Honda CR-V or the Toyota RAV4. Its gas mileage, ~ 19 mpg city, is about the only negative on this vehicle. The quality, ride, handling, braking, controls, etc are excellent.

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  Piece of junk - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Ed - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car in 2006. Since then its been in the shop at least 6 times. Ive had major issues with the transmission sensor. When the sensor goes bad the car does not move. I was driving this car to work at the speed limit of 50, then I had to stop for a light, when I was taking off the check engine light came on and the car had almost no power. If I knew then what I know now I would have opted for a better car. I would never purchase another Suzuki. I guess you get what you pay for. Oh and getting rid of it is much more difficult considering its worthless.

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  Solid choice for low price - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By shermsgirl - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is beyond our expectations. It handles light and easy, great mileage (27 MPG w/ 5,000 miles to date), solid build. Love the GPS with bluetooth. We also find the unlocking feature without the key very convenient. Our Honda CR-V was a big disappointment compared to this car.

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  Please dont buy a suzuki - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By need new car - August 12 - 10:00 am

  i bought my car about 2 years ago. it seemed ok at first until it started turning off out of nowhere. That is when all my problems began. i took it back over and over again only for them to look at me like Im stupid tell me they couldnt find anything and sent me home. now my check engine light stays on all the time, my air bags wont turn on and quite frankly this car is worse than the 92 buick lesabre that i got rid of to get this. my sister has an 07 forenza and we seem to have the same problems within months of each other. coincidence i think NOT!

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  2 years and still loving it - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By zuki owner - August 9 - 10:33 am

  Only complaint is that the leather seats seem to be a downgrade from the cloth seats. Yes, they are leather, but not as substantial as the cloth. Drives well in all climate conditions. Live in snow and ice prone north east, its a little bear in the winter. I upgraded tires off the lot, I always do. Need snow and mud tires where I live not the all season radials. replaced the floor mats this winter, they should come with Mud mats in North East versus the thin carpet mats. 3 rd winter and still loving it.

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  suzuki verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By goku - August 8 - 2:00 am

  so far so good

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  Verona is A Classy Value Option .... - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By rasup - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall Excellent choice.The Verdict after 300 miles.. 1. Style : Very Classy...gets looked a second time almost at all places. 2. Performance: Very Good. The Car is very smooth.Could have better accelaration at higher rpm. 3. Price : No Car can beat the price in this class for the features. 4. Space : Very large.

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  Gas A Holic - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Steve - August 7 - 3:30 pm

  Purchased a 2005 Suzuki Forenza Wagon , LX with 4 speed automatic trans and 4 wheel abs. Compared the vehicle to Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart wagon 2004. Mitsubishi has better build quality , better engine, overall better vehicle but the dealers here do not want to move the existing 2004 vehicles. The Forenza has an amasing list of standard features. The vehicle is pleasant enough to drive with the fact it is under powered and should have the Aerio engine in this car. City driving brings on the first knowledge this was a poor choice. Gas mileage in city driving with 1000 miles on the vehicle is 13.5 to 14.5 Miles per gallon. I could be driving a motorhome and be less disappointed.

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  GREAT CAR AT A GREAT PRICE - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By Billy - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I just love this little car...

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  AWESOME - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By car1820 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  NO PROBLEMS AND VERY GOOD LOOKING. MINE IS BLACK LTD WITH FRONT BUSH BAR, REAR SPOILER, RUNNING BOARDS, MP3 PLAYER, CHROME AFTER MARKET AR ALLOY RIMS.