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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  Its a running Hampster! - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By Samuari Hampster - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 2000 dak for this model as I was looking for better utility and most importantly, better reliability. I have only 100 miles on this so far, but it looks like I picked a winner. The 4 banger works best with the five speed. I test drove an auto and it was doggy but with a five speed, it really does a lot better.

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  Great car and value for little cash - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By suki - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The SX is sporty and I loved its off-the-line acceleration even mine is an automatic. I wish that there are more silver accent for the interior. However, I am pretty satisfied with it.

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  Great Value and Seven Passengers - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Slammer - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Three rows, value pricing, good acceleration, 4 wheel drive, leather seats . . Were very happy with the purchase thus far.

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  MY VERONA - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Tom Fonash - March 30 - 10:20 pm

  We have had the car since she was new and have had zero problems. We have heard other horror stories but so far she has run like a charm. We look forward to many thousands of trouble free miles.

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  A Lot for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Bill - March 30 - 11:36 am

  I have driven my Grand Vitara for 1,500 miles and am pleased with this small SUV. I previously owend a Honda CRV and was disappointed with its lack of power. The Grand Vitara has the Honda CRV beat in both power and off road capability. I am impressed with the handling of the Grand Vitara in ice and snow, awsome! The interior and exterior of the Grand Vitara are outstanding and are more like a $30,000 SUV. The only advantage the Honda has over the Grand Vitara is resale value, but that may change as more people discover the great value Suzuki has to offer with this redesigned SUV. My general impression of the Grand Vitara is "Great Bang for the Buck".

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  more problems than its worth. - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By rgunn1 - March 30 - 8:01 am

  While i do like the looks and comfort of this car, and initially thought it was an excellent car, my opinion rapidly changed. The throttle sensors have gone out twice (at my expensive of course), the check engine light comes on & stays on its nothing says suzuki who then reset it, only for it to come on a day later. and now, i have a rattle that they cant give me a straight answer on. one mechanic says wheel bearings, another said its the transfer case (its front drive and doesnt have a transfer case!!! good job suzuki training your mechanics), another says its the exhaust shielding. but no one will put it in writing what the problem is. the car is junk, better off with a bicycle.

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  2008 SX4 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By fsj2 - March 30 - 1:06 am

  I have 2000 miles on my SX4 now and it just keeps getting better. I have all the bells and whistles. Like XM radio, mp3 hook up, 9 speaker sound, 6 disk CD. Also the cold-air intake, underdrive pulley and the piggyback ECU. The SX4 is very fun to drive. The switchable FWD, AWD and 4WD lock is great!

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  Very Impressive - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By dhump33 - March 26 - 11:43 pm

  My wife and I never thought we would ever own a Suzuki. We were planning on buying a Honda CRV or a Subaru and then one night we saw the new Suzuki Grand Vitara. After doing our research, viewing the standard options and price we were almost sold. We went for a test drive one and that same weekend purchased it! We are impressed with the interior quality, fit and finish. We are also impressed with its AWD capabilities (we drove it in the snow and torrential rain). We will certainly keep this one, recommend the dealership and the model. Keep up the good work Suzuki!

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  The over looked jewel - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Thomas J. Nigrelli - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a well made strong mid sized automobile. It performs well in 4wd; as it was designed to be. It is not premium in confort but what true truck is? Suzuki is a trusted name in the vehicle world, motorcycles or autos.

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  I think its a good SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By drdud - March 25 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased in may of 2006 ( V6 ),the first year milage was rough , but now im getting 20 plus around town and 25 plus from the N.E. corner of Pa to Phila a 120 mile run . Mostly on the turnpike .Its a pleasure to run the pike with this smooth riding and running SUV. Im pretty pickey . I have purchased 15 new cars and trucks over the years not counting the used ones . I rate this very Good and its easier for me to get in with my bad back then a subaru which is too low.