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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  Very good car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By A. Smyth - May 31 - 11:23 pm

  I have put 36,000 miles on this car. So far it has been very reliable, but I have had some minor problems. The catalytic converter had to be replaced, and its rattling again. Also, the overhead light shutoff failed twice. I had better replacement brake pads installed by dealer better than the originals. However, I enjoy every minute that I drive this car, Its handling is very good (did the Edmunds reviewer even drive it?), It is a better value and has a smoother ride than the Subaru Impreza. The all wheel drive is great. I would definitely buy another.

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  Good AWD value - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By rp - May 27 - 10:33 pm

  Nice little car, particularly in snow. Lots of leg and head room for the size. 30 mpg hwy, decent for AWD. Good fit and finish - very tight for an eco car. After 8 months, water leaking from A/C on to the passenger floor/carpeting diagnosed as "cracked cowl" per the dealer; fixed in a day. Revs at nearly 4000RPM in 5th gear at hwy cruising speeds; geared way too high - needs o/d or 6th gear; would help hwy fuel econ and keep the noise down. Seats lack back support- no lumbar option even on high end model. 10 gallon tank is too small; commuting 25K/yr, feels like Im always stopping for gas. Hopefully long term reliability will be decent like earlier Suzukis.

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  Dont Buy it - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By GV Owner - May 27 - 10:00 am

  This car has had electronic problems since day one. Most recently, the air conditioner went out. After only a year and a half, they said the hoses leading to and from the condensor have coroded. In addition, the lights, speakers, and remote unlock features have been problems.

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  good for us - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By april - May 25 - 6:40 am

  We like our XL7, its good for a small family, not really for seven grown ups. Other then that, I love it. its got 4x4 and does have the extra seating if you need it. Its better for two adults and two kids, than anything else.

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  XL-7 Great for the Price - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By rs - May 24 - 11:40 pm

  This vehicle is great for the price. The third row seat is tight but comes in handy when you need to fit the whole family. The OEM tires have to go.

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  tranny failed 100,000 miles dont buy - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By aaron ott - May 21 - 4:40 am

  I was happy with this vehicle until the transmission failed. The mechanic pulled it apart and showed me the parts were cheap and paper thin. The customer service I received from corporate was terrible. Dont buy this car.

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  Suzuki XL7 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By flyingn - May 20 - 10:00 am

  excellant SUV! Glad we got one

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  LMT/CLT - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By neo - May 19 - 10:00 am

  To be nice to other buyers here is a few words, dont buy this car! It will break down on you over and over again! I Bought the extended protection plan and the dealership still cheated me after the transmission went out at 28,000 miles! I called Suzuki of America corp. and they told me I had to pay the dealership fee of 600 dollars to replace parts that were supposed to be covered through the warranty! Here is everything that has gone wrong since i bought this car brand new in 2007. Valve cover seal, cooling fan bolts fell out, continuous oil leak from the oil pressure sending unit, shocks and struts worn out, bent rims, intake induction system seal split before 3000 miles, cup holder.

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  What a steal - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Thomas Edwards - May 18 - 1:16 am

  I cant believe what I paid for this car and what the options are. Very quick, no power problems. I just talked my mother in law into the forenza station wagon. Dont spend the extra money on the Honda or Toyota you would just be throwing it away. Two children fit nicely into the back with the travel tv, have taken long trips with no probs and how about the warranty? I paid more for a new car in 1991 that didnt have half the options. Wife loves it and we will be looking at the XL 7 to replace the grand cherokee because of the quality and cost of our first suzuki.

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  Outrageous parts and repair - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By ron - May 16 - 4:53 am

  Great gas mileage. Bought car new, but then the interior lights start burning out at 1 year. Interior starts fading, poor material. Air flow modulator went out costing 1000 dollars for just the part. Has 2 catalytic converters, but dont know which one to replace. Cant get it inspected because computer cant tell what is wrong with it. Will not buy another Suzuki after this disaster.