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 Looking / Driving AWD Vehicle - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By somebody - January 2 - 10:56 pm

  This vehicle has the power, looks, and performance under one roof for less then $18,000 (fully loaded). it feels great to drive it. It has a very good design. It is the least expensive AWD vehicle on the market. This car will be extremely popular in 2007.

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  Great after 30 thousand miles! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rey - January 1 - 8:40 am

  This is my second review. The first was submitted at 1500 miles. I am happy to report that the GV has held up very well, and has been very reliable after 30,000 miles. With the exception of oil changes, and front brakes I have had no problems. Even the tires have held up well. The engine sounds quiter, and feels peppier now. About a year after we purchased it we got heavy down pours, and heavily flooded roads, the GV performed admirably. It performs great snow as well. Based on my experience, I highly recommend it.

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  fun small car - 2008 Suzuki Reno
  By rc - December 31 - 2:33 pm

  We bought this car with a sonata in mind but the price point was to much to pass up. Its peppy and quick for such a small engine. Plan to put on wheels, Cruise, tint and keyless with an alarm. Love it get lots of second looks in the parking lots. Put on a coat of turtle wax ice and it looks great. Only problem was pass seat airbag light but was resolved in one visit. 12k out the door cash and we are really happy with it! Lots of room for a small car and with some things like new wheels and tires maybe springs it will handle even better. Also try a k&n airfilter it will bump up the hp and gas mileage! Had a Suzuki motorcycle and this lives up to the name!

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  Forenza EX - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By JayPol - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a great car for the $$. No problems so far. I wish the vehicle came in V6, it needs a little more pep. The radio is great w/ controls on steering wheel. Leather interior is very comfortable. It could also be a little better on gas. Great buy for the money.

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  nice car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Dookie7777 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I just bought one, and im about to put 18" chrome wheels and ultra thin tires on it. im also installin 2x 10" subs and ill be tinting the windows... its gonna be sweet

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  best suv for the money - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Charlibear63 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  We owned a 2003 lxiii 2 wheel drive and traded for the 04 4 wd and the difference is noticable. Seems to have better handling and the ABS brakes are a plus. Great interior and better fuel economy thanks to the new 5 speed automatic. keep up the good work Suzuki;-)

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  Great Car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jim Dolbare - December 26 - 10:23 am

  I bought this car because it looks good and the warranty is great, and when we test drove it we like the how it drove. After 43,000 miles, we can say it has been very dependable and caused us no problems. This one is going to our daughter next year for school and we will likely buy another for the wife.

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  All in one compact 4WD SUV 09/25/06 - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mike Brown - December 25 - 12:53 pm

  Awesome interior, great price, nice V6/4WD combo, good looks, best warranty! I just got the new Grand Vitara Luxury edition on 9/25/06. I am very impressed with the handling and performance of the 06 Vitara. Amenities inside are amazing! I got mine with all the toys! Leather, sunroof, 17in wheels Keyless entry Handling, appearance, quality interior Grand Vitara luxury interior with all great standard stuff It had V6, 4WD, real truck/tank-like built & frame, keyless entry (wife loves), and nice looks. Smooth quiet ride and has neat power thrust button for automatics (puts sport back in SUV). Compact body is important if you live in upstate NY.

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  A joy of ride and great styling !! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By WongAllenL - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I have test driven the Matrix AWD, and this Aerio AWD. I love the Aerio more since I feel that it pulls off the line stronger than the Matrix does. I am sure the 145 horses is better than 123 on the Matrix. I love the screaming yellow!!! I love it!!! I have replaced with 17" alloys and love it even more!!! Great gas mileage!!!

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  Great SUV for the price & safe! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By photolab1921 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I searched for months to find an SUV with high safety ratings, comes with many options and a low price. This was it! I compared this SUV with the Toyota RAV-4, Jeep Liberty, & Ford Escape to find this was the best deal and a safe vehicle, unlike some of the above. I have not been dissappointed yet! I love this SUV. Its exactly what I wanted and expected.