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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  Excellent - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By kpappas - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I just feel really great when I am driving my XL7

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  A Fair Vehicle for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jose Jimenez - July 5 - 7:16 pm

  My Suzuki Forenzas confort is aceptable, more roomy than it seems it would be from the outside. It has a huge trunk and looks very expensive. I like the body, the lines look like a Volvo from behind and a BMW from front. The front lights are beatiful and so are the rear lights. This car is very cvonfortable and does the job without spending a fortune. The safety features, such ABS, save a fortune on insurance. Behind the wheel, this car feels like a Porsche. The leather on the wheel and shifter are a nice touch. For commuters, this is a nice car.

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  I dont get it - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By aaron98762001 - July 5 - 1:22 pm

  Ive been reading reviews and not one was good. My reno will fly, i read one that said it had trouble keeping up in traffic. To be a 2.0 this car is fast, i believe very dependable. Ive had no trouble, its a little rough on gas. But alot better than my 6 cylinder.

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  Fun for tiny bucks - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By jlandshark - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have around 10,000 miles on the car now. It has been a fun car to drive with great gas milage. For going to and from work it can not be beat. Lots of interesting looks and questions from others on the street. Way cheaper and faster than the Protege5 and the Matrix.

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  Love my SUV - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By carrie - June 29 - 6:26 am

  I have had my XL-7 for 3 months and I still love it. When I was first shown one I had no knowledge of it. I drove it and liked it, but the dealership was asking too much. So I found another one online, LOVED the color, test drove it in the snow and I had to have it. I drive about 40 miles roundtrip to work each day and the gas isnt as bad as I had expected. It is very roomy inside and accommodates my 65" fiancee. I would definitly reccommend it to anyone.

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  So far, so good - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Dave Nicandri - June 29 - 5:40 am

  Ive had my "Sedici" for one week and so far, so good. I got 30.3 mpg on the first tank of gas, which included mostly freeway but a substantial amount of around town driving. I love the outward visibility and the leg and head room in the front seats. Rear leg room is adequate. This car is a lot of fun to drive and I think Im going to like it a lot, over time. The first big test will be after my first road trip with all the tailgate gear. I have the while colored model, which looks very crisp, to my eye. Ive gotten used to the keyless entry with ease and I like being able to paddle shift between 3rd and 4th gears. As a long-term FIAT owner, having this car is like a reunion.

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  Nice mini 4x4 - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ammx - June 25 - 7:26 am

  I like this vehiche very much, powerfull and strong made desing

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  good suv @ good price - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By gbtny - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I have 60,000 mile on my XL7 without any trouble. Handles as well now as when it was brand new. Fun to drive and was good in the snow this past winter.

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  My New Car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By SuzukiKidA5 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my suzuki. I am a past suzuki owner and have been impresseg with their line-up right from the days of the sj410 (samurai). The only drawback I see to the Aerio is the lack of aftermarket performane enhancements like an exhaust kit . K and N makes a typhoon kit for the car and it makes a bit of difference in the performance and a substantial difference in fuel economy. As I am a tall man, 63", I really appreciate the headroom in the front and back seat!!

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  Small SUV, with a great engine - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rob - June 11 - 9:50 am

  A great engine, I like this suv, that´s all, it has a great price, and grat value.