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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  Nice car, but not on gas in city driving - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By james - May 14 - 12:30 am

  The Suzuki Forenza is not a bad car. It is sharp looking and has lots of nice features. It is priced nicely for a family wagon.

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  You get more for your money - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By bigsuzukifan - May 13 - 10:00 am

  you will get more for your money with the suzuki xl7. comfortable interior, high performance. bigger that a trailbalzer but cheaper. more features. its worth yopur money.

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  Dont do It, Dont Do It - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Nikki - May 12 - 9:23 am

  I originally wanted to see if the problems I am having was just my car or a dud from the dealer. But seems everyone has the same problems. This car has the worst electrical system. It has been in 3 times for electrical problems. And now the interior lights and trunk lights no longer work. So here is time #4. The door handles are weak. All have broken off except the driver door. In the winter is the worse. The engine light stays on and after 4 mechanics and ranger switches and what not. Turns out condensation builds up on motor and that is way it is build or something. It has trouble accelerating. So dont pull out in front of someone may not be pretty cause it may stall. anyway dont buy it

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  Solid Truck - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By James - May 11 - 2:36 am

  I recently just replaced my totalled 2009 Toyota Tacoma with a 2009 Suzuki Equator. I could not pass up the incredible rebates and the fact that the Equator is essentially a Nissan Frontier. My only complaint with the truck is that the 5th gear is too low which leads to higher cruising RPMs. I assume the Equator would get the same mileage as the Tacoma if it had a higher 5th gear. Overall, excellent truck. Well worth the purchase price! Also, get a sprayed-on bed liner...looks great with this addition.

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  Good Car - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Saverio - May 10 - 10:33 am

  I have owned this vehicle since February of 2005. It now has over 31,000 miles. It has been great. I put new tires on it 2000 miles ago. I opted for wider tires and it has improved its handling.

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By redsox8191 - May 9 - 4:50 pm

  My Suzuki Reno is the second Suzuki I have owned. I also currently own an XL-7. I LOVE this car. The interior is set up great and there is plenty of room for me and the kids. The sound system rocks and the ride is as smooth as silk. The braking with the 4 disk brakes is sharp and the speed sensitive steering is awesome...especially in parking lots etc. The only knock I have so far is the gas mileage isnt great. Hopefully that will improve as the car gets broken in better. I highly recommend this vehicle to those looking for a small reliable car! You cant beat the 7 year / 100,000 mile warranty either!

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  GREAT CAR LOW PRICE - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By DAN BOGUSE - May 9 - 2:00 am

  THIS A VERY GOOD CAR FOR THE MONEY. ITS NOT A SPRTS SEDAN NORE IS IT A CHEEPY TYPE OF A CAR. GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY.

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  Lemon - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By cherylkf - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Has 40K miles...Has gone through 2 sets of tires, leaks transmission fluid, burns oil, gets far worse gas mileage than manufacture indicates. Very disppointing overall.

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  WOW, this car is a keeper - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Laurie M Ryan - May 7 - 8:07 am

  I am from Detroit and I have bought, leased, rented and driven MANY different vehicles in my 40+ years of driving. The Grand Vitara is the only one I will KEEP until it dies, if it dies. It 10+ years old, has about 150K miles and I cannot wait tell you how wonderful the performance has been. This SUV has never had a tune up, not even spark plug change, never replaced the brakes and still its running and braking for me, I love it. I always get oil changes on time (synthetic), I drive responsibly and clean it regularly inside and out. For a while I had to replace the tires often, then I found tires that would last from Discount Tires. It seems like the bulbs on the headlamps blow too often, but hey, theyre easy to replace. I hope this car is my last one ever. I am so sorry that Suzuki removed their dealerships in the USA. If I ever need another car, I hope to find another Suzuki I can love for years and years.

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  Not Bad but has a couple of problems - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By drdud - May 5 - 8:36 am

  20 mpg around town 25 mpg on the highway , mystery rattle in the center of the dash in cold weather ? Moans like my old 48 Chrysler when going over a hump .stock tires stink 2 of 4 are square ! All in all its a nice little care & got a great deal.