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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  Lots off Car for the Buck - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By michael n - April 12 - 5:36 am

  I purchased this car with iffy credit and the need for a good car at a good price. It is quite lovely inside and out. It drives acceptably, although not remarkably. I have enjoyed it thus far.

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  love my suzuki - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By FAL - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2003 suzuki XL7 3years ago and I love it. It has gotten me through a really tough winter 2009 in MD. My only problem is that my CD player just stopped working my friend who also has the XL7 had the same problem with her CD player and a CD got stuck in hers. I was able to get my CD out but it just doesnt play at all. Other than that I love it, It has an automatic starter (not sure who added that but it is a plus) I would buy another one...but hope this one last a long time.

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  Death Trap - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By zmama - April 6 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Forenza in 2008. A month later 3 interior door handles broke off. Ever since we bought the car I have had to put air in the tires everyother day or so. Cheap Tires. Low Tire pressure signal constantly. Took car to dealership they replaced doorhandles, let me know about seatbelts, fixed those. About a month ago my transmission started slipping. Me and my daughter are in the vehicle all the time. The transmission trys to slip into another gear. We have almost been in SEVERAL accidents because of this. I say a prayer everytime we get in the car to make it to her school or the store safely. this care is NOT SAFE!!!!!

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  Suzuki quality lacks - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By ricbrk - April 5 - 8:33 pm

  This our third Suzuki, and by far this is nothing like the first two. The quality just is not there. We ended up leasing this Suzuki, with every intention of buying it when the lease was up. We will not, and we have another year on the lease. The radio reception is terrible. The vehicle rattles. Factory tires lasted 11,000 miles, my 48 year old wife is the only driver. The motor is noisy. Suzuki decided to design this 2.7 V-6 back to the 50s. Every 21,500 miles you have to have the valve lash adjusted at $1,200 a pop. Dont have it done and good bye warranty. The seals leak, belt tensioner pully lasts 15,000 miles, "plastic", and the original Suzuki quality isnt their. Wont own again.

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  Great Choice in Vehicles - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Shelly - April 5 - 8:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle new in 2001 after doing a lot of research. I could be happier with my choice. I love it and have never had a real issue with this SUV. The only maintenance has been oil changes, windshield wipers and tires - it still has its original brakes, etc. It did have one minor recall issue that was fixed easily by the dealership. I have done some off-roading and felt very secure. The back end is light, but add a couple of sand bags in the winter and it does great in 4WD. It is a pleasure to drive on or off road.

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  Lousy car - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By hikaru_n - April 4 - 4:25 pm

  This car is riddled with electrical and sensor problems. Had to get them to replace the headlights. Very bad acceleration and shifting. Probably the worst car Ive ever had. Its my fault I didnt do enough research on this car. It was inexpensive and fun to drive but now Im already really wanting to trade this piece of crap in for a mazda 3 hatchback. Which I should have bought in the first place. TRUST ME DO NOT BUY THIS CAR YOU WILL NOT DRIVE IT!

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By antonio rodrigez - April 3 - 8:10 pm

  OK gas mileage, but very reliable. Great look and space for my family. Taken two long trips and has been great. Love what I got for the price. Most likely getting another Suzuki for my wife.

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  Good Car/ Good Value - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By flyright - April 3 - 10:36 am

  My family has owned Suzukis in the past and have been very happy. Without hesitation I purchased the 07 SX4. The dealer advertised it as 35 mpg, but I get 28.7 mpg so that was a bit of a disappointment. I have approx 25,000 miles on it now. So far I have had to replace the oxygen sensor,the A/C was kind of blah so took it back in and now they have to replace some clutch in the A/C. Other than that, I love the car. It has more room than most compact cars. It handles sweet when you need to leave someone in the dust. The acceleration is the best. Turning is fab. Braking, stops on a dime. The interior has a sportscar look, pretty cool. Quiet enginne but strong. Has some get up and go.

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  Suzuki Aerio for Fun and Economy - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Larry - April 2 - 4:23 pm

  I LOVE my Aerio. I bought it to combat $3.00/gallon gas but have discovered a new fun and exciting driving experience. Its quicker and less expensive than the competition with more amenities.

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  Quite a bang for your buck - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By xl7fan - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 2001 XL-7 and traded it in when I saw the 2004 XL-7. Very nice updates to the interior. The leather seats are very comfortable and of good quality and Suzuki has done a nice job of moving the placement of the radio, A/C controls to give the inside a better look and feel to it. Fully loaded my cost was just under $26,000. $26,000 for a fully loaded 4WD SUV with heated leather seats, CD-changer, power sunroof, power windows and locks is a steal. Other SUVs with those features will cost you $10,000 more easily. At $26,000 you cant beat what you get from the XL-7.