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 Buy!!! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By OUR4NZA - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I was at a car show and was not really looking to buy. After seeing many cars and not being to impressed, I saw the Forenza. I ended up buying the car that night. The overall design of the car was very appealing to the eye. All the standard features was a big plus. All the other cars were very basic and kinda plain inside. The price was right and also good gas mileage. Having great fun driving. My first new car in 20 years.

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  Wish I could buy another!! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By leigh2 - August 29 - 8:02 am

  I bought this in January 08 with 35k miles on it. After having a Caravan & Suburban..... I could not be happier!! It is finally getting ready for semi-retirement with 206k miles on it. I drive 500-700 miles/week. Outside of regular routine maintenance {Oil changes, tires, brakes, transmission flushes} I have no other issues with this car until recently and that would be due to "old age." The seats are not that comfortable for my frame but I have enjoyed every minute of this car. The cargo space is unbelievable for the size! I can fit 2 people, 2 - 90 lb. dogs and gear for an overnight hiking trip without issue. Id go for the SX4 in a heartbeat if they hadnt made it smaller.

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  Big Improvement - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By bdriver - August 27 - 1:06 pm

  A friend of mine had a 2002 Grand Vitara and had no problems with it, but the style left something to desire. When my friend purchased the new Grand Vitara I ran out to see what it looked like and really liked what I saw. So I went and purchased one for myself. It has been a pleasure to drive and so far I have no complaints about anything. I have taken some long trips with it and I always feel comfortable in it.

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  A Lot of Car for Less Money - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By KenGTS - August 24 - 9:26 pm

  I walked into the dealership not knowing a darn thing about these cars and then left with one. Mine is a demo the dealership owner was driving. I couldnt believe how smooth it is. The inline six engine is very smooth, but needs some more oomf. I cant wait for the summer road trip!

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  Maintenance - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By FYJ - August 24 - 7:40 pm

  We bought our car brand new in March of 2001. We now have 251,986 miles on it. The only major repair we needed to make on it was in 2005 when we replaced the ball bearings and in early 2007 when we replaced the water pump. Our car - we call her Suzy Suzuki - has been a great investment for us. Our next car for sure will a Suzuki.

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  85,000+ miles and counting - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By rforrister - August 14 - 1:33 pm

  I drive this car 108 miles a day. Avg 32 mpg. This is the best car I have ever purchased. I took it to Colorado and it had no problem pulling the mountains. For those who say the engine is not strong enough. Purchase a K&N Air filter made a world of difference in the cars performance.

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  Great car for the price I paid - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Rubens - August 12 - 9:00 pm

  A lot of features is standard in the car, as a 4 wheel disk brakes, power mirror, windows and lock, roof rack. 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG in the freeway, I did many travel on this winter and the average was 30 MPG (5 speed).

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  GREAT VALUE, PRICE, FUN AND RELIABLE - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Tom Thompson - August 6 - 10:00 am

  We have owned 5 Suzuki products and this is the best yet. Cute, fun to drive, low price with good warranty, comfortable, well laid out and reliable as usual. We checked out 5 other brands but kept coming back to the Aerio and are glad we did. It gets more economical each month and we have done some things to help this out. Keep up the good work

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  3rd row seating - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By mynewcar - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have found the third row of seating to be wonderfully handy for my kids and their friends. Though it is not as easy to get in and out of as a minivans third row -- the kids dont care -- they love it! I love the car and feel that it is a great value. 0% financing and full of standard options make it a great choice.

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  Sporty SX4 JLX - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By trixiechartwel - August 4 - 8:03 am

  I bought an SX4 JLX 5-speed at the beginning of April. I just love it! It performs well, it is comfy, the 6 CD stereo with the audio controls in the steering wheel is awesome. The price was right for front wheel drive, all wheel drive and 4x4. Would recommend this little vehicle to anyone who wants a fun, safe drive!