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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  Reno....not broken in yet - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Charley - August 16 - 5:50 pm

  I just got my Reno and am pleased. A few things need to be changed but overall its a great car. The main selling point of any Suzuki is the warranty. You cant beat 7 year/100,000 miles. Plus, if you are a loyal customer to the dealer for your services, you get free tires as long as you own it. For a base model, it has a lot more than any other base model you can get. We were looking for budget...and thats what we got. But this is by far the best bang for your buck as far as dependability goes. Power isnt all there. My 92 prelude puts the Reno to shame in that aspect. But all in all its a nice car with a lot of benefits you shouldnt pass up if youre on a budget.

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  8 YEARS AND NOT ONE REPAIR.... - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By et2011 - August 15 - 1:05 am

  8 YEARS AND NOT ONE REPAIR....I have had this SUV since 2003 - I have not had one repair other than wear and tear items like breaks, wipers, bulbs, and oil changes. This SUV has been the BEST car ever. Its 4WD gets you through the tough winters...the only thing the SUV lacks is the comfort and luxury. It now has $122K on it...I am ready for something new....I wish the new ones had a comfortable seat...and came standard with more of the luxury items...

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  Best compact SUV Ive had - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By GV 07 - August 9 - 12:30 am

  Very nice compact SUV. Looks better than most of its competitors and it also has better performance as well as more amenities than its competitors. Handles better than a car. Very fun to drive. It can be used for towing as well as for off-roading. This small SUV is capable of taking you almost everywhere you take it. My rating for this SUV is 8/10.

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  Not Enough - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Volki - August 5 - 4:23 am

  Nice AWD car that is a joy to to drive. I just wish it had more hp. Its suppose to be a rally car. Make one with a super charger.

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  Nice price for AWD - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Bob - July 23 - 1:36 pm

  Wanted AWD for winter driving. Handles well for small vehicle. Good features included in base model w/con. group. Have 7 yr. all inclusive warranty and received a good price for trade in. No problems so far.

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  Tough little car - 2000 Suzuki Vitara
  By Spud - July 11 - 1:46 am

  I bought this car used, and rolled it over 100,000 miles. Currently, its 115,500 miles, and its still going strong. Ive had to replace the computer system, but thats the only major maintenance its needed. I dont service it as often as I should, but its a very forgiving vehicle.

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  Forenza Review - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Mary Tinsley - June 26 - 11:56 am

  The car is roomy in the front but less leg room in rear seating area. Easy to handle and rides very smooth. One drawback on the interior is the steering wheel blocks the speedometer. The seats adjust easily and are quite comfortable. Controls are easy to reach and use. Gas mileage is great I get around 34-35 hwy. It is an attractive looking car with many pluses when you compare it with the price of the vehicle. It handles well in heavy traffic and stopping is not a problem and has a good turn radius. Easy to parallel park. Overall the best vehicle I have owned and really liked the price.

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  It gets me where I need to go (: - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By mwaskey - June 24 - 2:14 am

  I love my little baby car she gets me where I need to go. I live in Alaska so that is kind of saying something havent gotten stuck or had problems with the car starting up in the freezing cold.

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  OK car but bad for the cold weather and snow driving - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By denis18 - June 22 - 10:17 am

  I bought this cat at 55K and sold at 92K miles on it when the bearing and brake pads needed change. The car is OK, but the engine light was on and off several times during my ownership of the car. Nothing serious was found and it looked like a computer glitch. The worst part is that the car is simply not designed for the cold weather and snow driving. At freezing temperatures all pneumatics go off, like locks, windows etc, and driving under snow is a lot of stress. Overall, the cars worth its price as long as you live in the warm climate all year around.

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  Harolds XL& - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Harold Rood - June 16 - 12:20 am

  For the most part my ownership experience has been very positive. Second Suzuki that we have owned, had such good luck with first one that we went back for another. Folding 2nd row rear seats a little cumbersome and dont fold as flat as I would like. My vehicle does not have 3rd row seating, so I cant comment on those. Comfortable to drive and has relatively good performance.