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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  This worries me a little... - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jessica - August 5 - 8:50 pm

  The Grand Vitara is a nice vehicle to drive around the city. Its peppy, but not very fast. What worries me is this: when I get on the freeway, its sometimes really difficult for my Grand Vitara to accelerate, especially when going uphill. I used to drive a 95 Cadillac Seville, and when I used the cruise control, the car would remain at whatever speed I set it at, whether going uphill or downhill. With my GV, when I use cruise control, if Im going uphill it wont keep it at the speed I set it at; itll sometimes go down 5 mph. Also, sometimes my windshield wipers get stuck when I turn them off. There is barely any lumbar support, so driving for long distances is tiring and a bit painful on my back. I only paid $21,000

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  Get rid of it - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Sherrie - August 4 - 3:23 pm

  I was doing quite nicely with this car for about 1.5 years. Then the transmission started slipping. Dealer did diagnostic, found nothing. No Check Engine light ever came on. They unplugged battery to reset computer. Didnt work. Said was Transmission Range Sensor probably. So I bought the part for $60. Had a mechanic friend put it in as dealer wanted $230. Took 1/2 hour. Ran fine for about 20 miles then it slipped out of Drive and wont go back in. Its been sitting in my driveway. Dealer is clueless. Suzuki wont talk to you. I bought this car because it was in the cheapest price range I could afford at the time. I have learned my lesson. My inside door handle broke too.

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  This car is a lemon - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By THEDORK - August 3 - 6:00 am

  I own a 2006 forenza with 60,000 miles. I have had the timing belt go out at 36,000 mile which caused the engine to be replaced. It was replaced with a daewoo engine, they dont even make these cars anymore. My check engine routinely comes on and the dealer tells me its nothing. Now the transmission range sensor is needing to be fixed but it is not covered under the extended warranty. This car should never had been sold after the first model. Do some research, and dont me one of the numerous disappointed Suzuki forenza owners. This car should be taken off the market and destroyed

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  Suzuki Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By lencyn - August 2 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I are pleasantly surprised at the comfort of our new Suzuki. Much less road niose than our last car. The interior is plush and rich looking. I love all the little extra storage spaces and especially the large trunk. We would like better gas mileage, but it seems to be improving. We only bought the car in January so it really hasnt been tested.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Baz - August 2 - 2:00 am

  We just bought our Forenza this past Saturday, and we are very impressed. Suzuki cars are not well known in America, yet, but they rank up with Hondas and Toyotas in Pakistan. We love this car, and the way it is made. We have a 2000 infiniti G20T, and for an entry level model, the forenza is impressive. Get em before the price goes up, as people will soon realize how good of a car this truly is. Good Luck

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  Suzuki Newbie - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By MeinA2 - August 1 - 10:56 am

  Just picked up a 2007 SX4 Sport in May of this year. Saw it first at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, and from that moment I sat in it I knew I had to have this car. The styling is quirky without being too outlandish. The interior craftmanship and ergonomics are great for such a low priced vehicle. I live in Michigan and wont fear this years winter driving with the AWD that I now have available to me. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a stylish and well equipped alternative to the sudden deluge of subcompacts now being sold.

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  Transmission - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By lilmama0o7 - July 30 - 5:07 am

  I just recently bought this car in nov 10 and it had 37,000 miles on it and now a month later the transmisson went out when my husband was driving home from work...... The paint on the handles is gone but they are still attached atleast. We noticed the indicator light for the tire pressure was on and so when checking the tires on the car werent the right size but after reading the other posts i can see why. I cant believe i just spent $8000 on a car ((all i had)) to have it break done with such a major issue a month later!

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  A Great SUV - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Pefbear - July 28 - 10:00 am

  A Great SUV.....Surprise Surprise, Suzuki has done it with this SUV. All the options with a price second to none.Bertera in West Springfield hooked me up BIG. I cant wait for the 2005 to come out so I can buy a new one....GREAT JOB SUZUKI!!

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  The Verona, A complete Surprise! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Gk - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Suzuki. The other 3 were XL-7s. This is the 3rd Suzuki that I have bought from Passport Suzuki in Plano Texas. Passport Suzuki is the BEST when it comes to sales & service, they make you feel like family. The Verona is a precision built car. Fit & finish rivial most cars, very tight. Seats are comfortable, firm, not too soft. The interior is roomly & layed out well. Ride is comfortable, the car floats, smooth suspenision & is as quiet as a Cadillac or Lincoln. The engine is smooth, quiet & doesnt have that 4-cyl bang that is associated with 4 cyls. The A/C is great, will freeze you out. A very nice car for the money.

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  Snap one up while you can - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By unclerolly - July 22 - 10:32 pm

  I had a 2004 BMW 330XI that was killing me in repair costs. I went back and forth on the Kizashi for so long and Im glad I finally pulled the trigger. After six weeks of ownership I have really enjoyed he car. Distinctive exterior styling, plush, comfortable interior, fun to drive, great build quality. The car is so well engineered and its clear a lot of thought went into everything right down to the tactile feedback of control buttons on the steering wheel and center stack console. Normally you have to spend at least twice this much money to drive something so rare. Dont get me wrong this is not a high end Mercedes or an exotic but its a lot of car for under $30k that nobody has.