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 City Runner - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Neichnm1 - July 8 - 10:00 am

  The truck is narrow, agile handling, quick off the line making it great for tight spots in crowded places, yet long enough to give plenty of inside room. Not suitable as a long distance cruiser. Seats are too small for long drives, wind noise high at speeds over 65. Fuel tank range limited to 300 miles per fillup.

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  Suzuki, for the price - good car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By EJLowerre - July 5 - 1:03 pm

  Bought the car for price/gas mileage. For 12K (tax,title,interest on loan included!) great value for the $$ Only one problem with the gas pedal being a little sticky otherwise not too bad. did get hit by someone going about 10 mph and it ripped the bumper off but still Im happy overall. Gas mileage could be better with the rubber band they put in for an engine though, I get 25 around town and 30.5 on the open road which to me is not good enough.

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  What a great new car! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By jim2491 - July 4 - 11:22 pm

  After test driving the new Sonata and Kia Optima I decided to buy the 2010 Kizashi and am thrilled I did! First 700 miles I am getting 26 mpg city. Only drove a few miles on the freeway so far and the car showed 36 mpg! This car isnt even broke in yet and is only rated 23/30 mpg but gets much better mpgs. Love the build quality, fit and finish, styling, handling, and quality of the interior materials. The seats are very comfortable and the ride is sporty but never harsh. Absorbs bumps very well and is very quiet at hwy speeds. Smooth and solid ride with very adequate power. This car is my "BMW" at a lot less money. A blast to drive! Find myself inventing places to go just to drive it.

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  Will Not Ever Buy From Suzuki Again !!! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By DevAuto - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I got the truck used, and within a month I had been rear-ended. One part to be replaced was the tailpipe, estimated cost $175-$200. After 5 months, many trips to the dealer, hours of agony, and countless phone calls to Suzuki, I discovered that the exhaust system on the 2002 XL-7 was redesigned, and to repair my vehicle, I would need to replace the ENTIRE exhaust system, cost about $2000. To make it worse, Suzuki cant produce a tail pipe for a truck that was in production at the time of the accident. I spoke with every level of customer support at Suzuki, nothing came of it. I do not want Suzuki to earn another penny of my money.

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  250,000 MILES!!!!!!! - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By willis1987 - July 1 - 7:48 pm

  Need i say more? lol no really 250,000 plus miles and still going strong although there have been some problems along the way a rear main seal luckily a family member could fix. A new barely used rear end had to be put under it about 2grand there. Just now in need of throttle position sensor also just realized a tranny mount broke needs replaced so couple hundred bucks but it has been an absolute beast of a car all 250,000 miles put on it great vehicle would def recommend to anyone looking into purchasing one they are stroooooonnnngggg little motors tranny is smooth and overall comfort of ride is pretty well great

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  Review - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By hortega - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Suzuki w/19,000 miles/Jan of 2007,I have about 95,700 miles now with same transmission problem at this minute.I have driven this car with no problems to Texas twice.I got good gas mileage and smooth comfort I did change to better tires,I also did a lot of LA street driving with no problems up until last Oct when I first felt the jerk of the car when I put the gear in reverse.I have been driving it on and off.If it jerks I turn it off and wait a few minutes and start it up again listening for the idle to come down thats when I put in D. Looking for the part so I can get someone reliable to install in the Los Angeles area any hints. I love it except for transmission problem.

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  Little but roomy - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Wasack - June 29 - 12:16 am

  Im a large man and getting in and out of the SX4 is a bit of a clown act but once inside its quite roomy and comfortable. Adequate leg room and I can even wear a cap if I so desire. Mileage has averaged 26/29. Slow down a bit and get 33mpg hwy. Handling is excellent even in windy conditions. Currently 24,000 on the clock and its not required any maintenance. The only thing irritating is the red panel lights. Very hard to see on sunny days. The steering wheel controls are not lit making their use difficult at night. Would I buy another one? You betcha! Great value for the dollar.

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  Does it get any better? - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By sal96 - June 28 - 2:17 am

  I bought my Aerio with 130k, and I couldnt be happier. The Four cylinder, is quiet, built well and doesnt lag. As with typical small japanese cars, required service is minimal, changing your oil, ATF (very important), brakes every 20k. When it comes time to do service like timing belt and alternator, it is still easier to do than many other vehicles. Headroom inside is very good

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  OUTSTANDING VALUE - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By matt67man - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I Purchased my Suzuki at Al Packer Suzuki in West Palm Beach Florida. Great people no pressure agreed to terms quickly. I disagree with the reviews comparing this vehcile to a honda CRV. In my case I compared it to a Honda Pilot. Very Close in almost ever catagory with the exception the Honda had a Power seat. In the end I did not see where the Honda was worth $6000 more. Would highly recomend this vehicle

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  Not terrible - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Shannon - June 25 - 4:33 pm

  Good price for an SUV with third row seat which is WAY too small for frequent use. My husband hates this car, but It never gave us a problem until the service engine light came on at 60k miles. It turned out to be a bad O2 sensor for $250. On maybe 5 different occasions, the belt squealed briefly when turning on the A/C then stopped. I should have taken it to the shop immediately. At 100,000 miles, the A/C compressor locked up and caused the belt to break - a $1,400 repair in total. Fuel efficiency is horrible, avg 17-20 mpg.