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 - Hard Find - 2010 Suzuki Equator
  By Tim D - June 11 - 1:00 pm

  I searched locally, state-wide, and the internet. Finally, I found a dealer that would actually work for me to find the vehicle I wanted 250 miles away! Sales guy, was the best. I needed an extended-cab that was 4WD. Just not that into a 4-door pickup truck. The truck almost rides like a car. 17" wheels give you that extra height to get a good look down the road and the noise is low. Plenty of reserve power, CD player sounds phenomenal, cruise control is at your right hand thumb on the steering wheel and braking is smooth. The seats are comfortable. Holds the corners very well. Love the spray-on bed-liner and the tie-down rail system. A Nissan with a Suzuki warranty. Love it!

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  Brand New Car for my Honey - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By DKspokane - June 10 - 1:23 pm

  I could write way more than Im allowed. I have owned MANY new cars in my life (mostly for business). We have only had this a few days, but I have to admit that I think I would like it for myself rather than letting my wife keep it! This "car" is solid, the power is fine, the idle is silkly smooth, the ride is exceptional, the fuel economy is GREAT for an AWD/4X4, the safety features are awesome, and the value is better than anything I have ever seen, ever. It doesnt have the acceleration of a V6 or the fuel mileage of a hybrid, but it is F-U-N! I will try to update this more later.

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  Its OK! - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By Tincan - June 10 - 10:00 am

  The 1.8L engine is powerful the exterior desing looks great, seats are supportive cant complain about the gas milage.AC and heater work great nice sounding factory 2DIN stereo, big trunk,relaible The ride /road noise in this car is horrible at highway speeds everything in the interior makes noise the auto transmission whines at speeds over 40 mph and is slow to up shift when cold. Dealership installed cheap tires had one blow out the others went flat, do not like the main headlights as daytime running lights.

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  Beats a Honda Civic & I luv Hondas! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By naoko5 - June 10 - 10:00 am

  There is no comparison! The style, quality, price..it beats the Civic hands down. Forenza has more features better warranty and better selection. I was very impressed and bought my last Thursday. We just love our new car & believe we had made the right choice. You have to go & test drive it yourself, you will be amazed. The price is incredible compared to what youre getting. Mine is blue & has all the features anyone could ask for. I would recommend this car to anyone. So much more room than other cars in its class. Handles great & sound system is excellent & I dont listen to the radio..I do now. Im VERY pleased with my Suzuki Forenza.

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  Suzuki SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Jaime - June 9 - 6:33 pm

  I agree with most of the good things that have been mentioned by previous reviewers but wanted to add one negative that I just discovered - the back seat does not accommodate well a rear-facing car seat. If rear facing, it has to be in the middle and its hard to get it as stable. If you put it on the outside areas of the backseat, there is no room for the front seat driver or passenger to get adequate leg room or tilt their seats back. And were NOT tall people. Consequently, we had to move my daughter forward facing much earlier than wed planned (at 13 months).

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  Reliable, Economic SUV - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By M. P. Melvin - June 9 - 4:36 pm

  Overall a very reliable vehicle. However, I would admit this is no luxury SUV but for the price a very good value. Build quality is somewhat questionable. Dealer support is good as is the service that accompanies it.

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  I got a deal - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By minewasadeal - June 7 - 9:30 pm

  Paid $11,060 out-the-door for my Forenza. I needed a wagon and it turned out that I couldnt find anything else comparable for the price. The price I got it for is actually better than youll get for any econo car. I dont expect it to be quick so Im content. I average 27 mpg in city/hwy driving. It never gets less than 25 and I got 34.2 once on the highway. As far as the ride comfort, handling, braking and road feel go, theyre fine and will only improve with top grade performance Michelin tires. The Kumhos it has are admittedly mediocre. If you need a wagon its a great deal. HAGGLE with the dealer. This is my 17th car and I know how to get a good price. Im sure you can too. Its well worth $11,060.

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  Great for 3 years... - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Cascades Hiker - June 5 - 12:36 pm

  I bought my G.V. new and enjoyed 3 years of problem-free transportation. At 38,000 miles, the engine failed and required significant work to replace a broken 2 part gear which drives the Cam. The work took more than 6 weeks to complete. 3 weeks after the vehicle was returned to me, it broke down again. Yet more engine work took 4 weeks to complete. Throughout this experience, I learned that Suzukis Customer Service is poor despite their claim of Americas best powertrain warranty. After deciding I could no longer rely on this vehicle, I traded it in for a 2009 Toyota RAV4. Never again will I purchase a Suzuki product.

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  Lots of features, very stylish - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Nadine - June 3 - 1:30 am

  I did research on the 2005 Suzuki Verona before I purchased it. Several sites stated that it was poor on crash tests. Despite this concern, the Verona is a great car. The interior is excellent! Heated saets, moon roof, 6 speaker sound sustem with tape and CD capabilities, power drivers seat. and power windows and locks, what more could you ask for? The ride was a little stiff at first, but has improved greatly. It is a smooth, comfortable ride. Dont try to make any quick manuvers in it, as it is slow to respond sometimes. But it does have a smooth ride and acceleration when you need to pick up speed to pass. Despite my concerns during an accident (received a poor rating on side impact) I love it!

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  Peppy Aerio SX AWD - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By amentzriona - June 2 - 5:00 pm

  Initially, when I brought this vehicle, I was terrified by the gas mileage that I originally had. I wasnt happy with the it and I spoke with the dealership. They told me that it was normal and that it would get better within the next 5,000 miles. I was really skeptical but they were true to their word. I currently have 10,000 miles on the car and I never regret my decision on buying this vehicle.