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 value for true 4-wheel drive - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By beaz - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I only paid $17,300 for the top of the line Vitara. Much less than competitors. Wife got the small car she likes and I got a 4WD I wanted for Oregon winters. I have a mini-van if I need lots of room.

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  I love my new Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By ybg9090 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. The car looks small from the outside however its so roomy. My salesman was 285lbs and about 6"2 and he had planty of room to move. Its very comfortable. The small amount of wood grain makes the car look classy but not gaudy. The car is inexpensive and great warranty. I absolutely love it.

• 

  Sweet Deal - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By z28missy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle offers the BEST value in its class. I test drove a lot of cars before this one, and just by sitting in it you will notice the difference in the quality. It feels sturdy and substantial. Not to mention it is quite good looking.

• 

  Fantasy Black Forenza - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Kathryn M - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car to drive. I love the buttons for the radio on the steering wheel. It looks and feels like a very pricy car when its not!

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  Zuki for 6 - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By patman - July 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought this as an alternative to a minivan and large SUVs. We have been very happy with it. We use it to run around town with our 4 kids, friends, and all their stuff, and it works great. We have also taken it on trips, and it travels better than we expected.

• 

  4 wheeling in A/C comfort - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ralph - July 16 - 9:13 am

  I live in the Mohave Desert of Calif and do a lot of off roading on very bad, rocky, dirt roads, dry stream beds. Thats what I bought it for. mpg 18 town, 23 hwy. 126k miles, run Mobil 1, replaced tires, dash temp control, tune up,brakes, in all these miles. I take this where 4x4 trucks and larger 4x4s wont go because of the limited size. Interior is leather, comfortable, seats 5, fold down rear seats for anything,paint has held up in our sun with wax but bushes have put desert pen stripes everywhere. I intend to get another used one with a tow bar installed so I can tow it behind my truck and camper.

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  Love it - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Franklin E Soto - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I have an SUV 2002 Ford, Explorer and was not into buying another new car for the moment. but my wife was needing a car to do small things around and close to our home. We shopped around,Focus, Rio Cinco,Vibe, Protege,Saturn L200 etc. She fell in Love with The Silver Aerio SX 2003. We drove it as all the rest 2lt. 145 HP sure makes a difference, beautiful on the inside, great air condition, great CD sound, excellent movements, great space front and back,outstanding price.Man we bought it ,now the problem is I want to swap, Ford Explorer for her Susuki Aerio SX.

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  A Fine Vehicle Worth A Serious Look - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Angels - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I had been shopping SUVs between some other more well-known brand names, but I eventually decided to purchase a Suziki after my wife and I test drove it. The reasons that convince us to make the purchase are as follows: 1). The engine is significantly quiter than all other SUVs under 35K range we have test driven. 2). The road manner is smooth and comfortable, more car- like. 3). The exterior and interior are satisfactorily decent. 4). Hard- to-beat value for the price you pay. 5). The size of the vehicle is just right for someone who is looking for an SUV that is not too compact neither too bulky.

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  Excellent Car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SeattleSX4 - July 12 - 8:50 pm

  Handling is excellent. Steering provides excellent feedback and control in pointing the car where I want it to go. The acceleration is fine. From a standstill, I have no problems and it’s even quite peppy. The four-wheel disk brakes are excellent. Highway cruising is nice and quiet. Visibility is better than any other car I’ve ever driven. Gas mileage is not great, especially when driving up a lot of hills. I’ve gotten 18-27mph, with mostly 20-21mph. The front seats are very comfortable for both short and long trips. Lateral support is very good. Dash controls are large, easy to read, and easy to use with just a quick glance. Rear storage is decent and versatile.

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  Great! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dinakar - July 10 - 1:46 pm

  I was looking for a small four wheel drive SUV with enough power (6 Cyl) and thought that Toyotas RAV4 would meet my needs. However, I happened to pass by a Suzuki dealership and test drove the Grand Vitara. I bought the SUV the same day! It handles exceedingly well (specially around the curves) and has great safety features. The features that come standard with this SUV can only be found in expensive SUVs. I am certainly enjoying it.