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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  Hawaiian Aerio SX - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By aeriohawaii - August 18 - 7:23 am

  I have had the Aerio SX for about 1 month now. The mpg has improved to about 28. The ride is a little firm. But it is Nice to sit up High in the car. Everything has been pretty good, Except it seems that the Left-Side of the car doors, not Not Close and Latch well. I Really Enjoyed the stereo witht he Suwoofer and the 6 CD changer. I Wish that he wheels were a little Bigger, 16 inchers would be nice.

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  Car withstood 7000 mile-trip - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Ray Suryadinata - August 17 - 11:53 pm

  Just came back from cross-country trip Toronto-Vancouver. Westbound through the northern U.S. states, return trip through Canadian soil. The car was fun to drive, no back pain sitting and driving for 23 days. With four adult passengers, loads of luggage and cooler being hooked up daily, the car didnt complain at all. This car has really exceeded my expectation by a mile.

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  Excellent little SUV - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SX4LVR - August 15 - 4:50 pm

  I am very happy with my choice of the SX4. Ive driven Land Rovers for years, so this is a big change. I am constantly amazed at how much I can carry in this little guy. I have English mastiffs and three of them fit quite comfortably in the back. Mind you, that is about 500 lbs of dog! I am also happy with the gas mileage. I was considering the Fit, but I went for the SX4 because of the 4x4. Im happy with my choice.

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  Love the Cehicle - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Bears fan - August 15 - 3:23 pm

  This is a great vehicle. It gets good gas mileage and is fun to drive. My two year old son calls it his car. For my wife and I this was our first new car purchase together. We are from Chicago and she was sent to work in Detroit for three months. My son and I made many trips there. We loved every minute of the drive there. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a SUV.

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  Best Small SUV for the Money - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jeff Mertz - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Id buy another one in a heart beat. I get 24mpg city and 28mpg highway

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  Buy the Toyota Echo instead - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Bett1e - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I have become a career test driver. In the past two (2) weeks, I have test drove at least 5 or 6 cars. The Aerio is by far the least impressive of the whole bunch.

  The handling was pretty good, but the car is just ugly and, if ugly is what you seek, I would recommend the Toyota Echo.

  The salesperson acted like he knew I wouldnt like the car and thats why he didnt try to sell me on the car. Its sad when your own salespeople dont believe in the product.

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  Big bang for my buck - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Columbus OH owner - August 13 - 10:53 pm

  My 2004 Verona has been my favorite car purchase in over 30 years. I really enjoy this car. It is thrifty and money wise, this car out shines any other midsize sedan for its features, comfort and style. I have the all leather interior and always get a "wow, nice car", when folks get in. I have had no problems mechanically and am very satisfied with this heavily optioned but lower priced car. I had one small front end collision, which was a bit of an issue. A replacement hood was not readily avaliable, it had to come from Korea. The shop time was a whopping four weeks. After the first year of ownership, my gas mileage fell and I found that a sensor had gone bad. Once it was repaired the mileage returned to normal, aproximately 20-24 mpg.

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  Not Worth the Price - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By kdilg - August 13 - 9:20 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my 2002 Suzuki XL-7. The front end has had continous noise and problems, and it literally eats tires every 15,000 miles. The steering wheel has always made noise, and the air conditioner froze and leaked water all over the passenger at 5,000 miles, All the other problems started at 15,000 miles. I would not suggest buying this vehicle. I have had it in the shop 1- 2 times a month. I cant wait to get rid of it, and I will never buy another Suzuki. After ten attempts to fix it, I have been told it is not fixable. Off to lemon law court we go.

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  Tired of Lemons / This is the BestTthing Yet - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Great SUV - August 13 - 9:00 am

  I bough my Suzuki XL-7 a year a go. Having purchased many new vehicles in the past I started buying used, but I still had the itch for a new one. I made a U-turn into a Suzuki dealer . My XL-7 is the best vehicle Ive owned. Ive seen my dealer for oil changes only, it hasnt had any problems or needed any adjustments. This vehicle is the very best buy for your money, period

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  131,000 And Going Strong - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By groundhogrev - August 12 - 1:08 pm

  Ive just now finished using my 2004 Aerio Sedan and will now pass it to my daughter. I bought it brand new and put almost every single mile on it myself. Other than utterly routine stuff, Ive done virtually nothing to this car. Even the routine repairs may well be more due to my driving style than defects in the car. As a matter of fact, I think Im still using the original batter on the thing. This has been a super car in almost every way that matters.