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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  Check It Out - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By grntd22 - March 25 - 11:30 am

  The Suzuki XL-7 is a great SUV. It would be much better though if they offered more power and towing capacity. the 2.7 liter engine is too weak.

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  Suzuki XL-7 - the best kept secret in US - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By dwayne - March 24 - 5:46 am

  For the money that I spent on my Suzuki XL-7, $19,000, I received great reliability and many options the more expensive models only have.

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  XL-7 5-Passenger - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Chuck - March 21 - 3:33 pm

  I have had my 2006 XL-7 for a month now, it is one solid SUV. I took a trip to Key West with a family of four and was very comfortable. I was pleasantly surprized at how quiet it rides. The interior with the woodgrain makes it look more expensive than what it is. I bought the 5-passengers model because I liked and wanted all the storage space. Its amazing how much it will hold. I have had numerous compliments on how nice it looks. Im lovin mine.

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  Rear Tires Gone Bad - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By OhioDriver - March 20 - 4:16 am

  I agree with the 8-18 dated review, by Evelyn, all Vitara owners be on the look out for rear tires going bald, it is not a Yokohama problem, its an alignment issue. DEMAND a courtesy 4 wheel alignment on yours before 12,000 miles or you will be stuck spending $300 on two new rear tires. Mine was out on the alignment report a lot, from the factory, but its too late now.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By LEMON - March 18 - 3:20 pm

  I have had this vehicle for two years. I have experienced numerous and costly repairs for leaking seals, transmission oil leaks and A/C problems. This truck has been a Lemon with a capital "L". I would NEVER buy one of these again. My extended warranty has not covered any of the repairs and service has been SLLLLOOOWW getting vehicle back to us.

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  I LOVE MY ZUKI - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By keit parsons - March 17 - 1:16 pm

  I talked to the service department at my dealership.I asked them what car they have the least problems with.They all said hands down XL-7.So thats what i bought; the only thing it goes to the shop for is oil changes.Thats why ive owned three....

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  Our replacement vehicle - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Previous CRV owner - March 17 - 12:23 am

  I wasnt looking at Suzuki at first to replace our 2004 Honda CRV which was totaled after a accident but after owning and driving the Vitara I am quite impressed with its performance and styling, inside and out. The fwd/rear mounted engine is easy to work on, having low range control is great.

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  SX4 Sport Sedan with Automatic - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By talisman - March 16 - 11:40 am

  Car is brand new with only 1900 miles driven so far. Fuel mileage was 29 mpg in mostly highway driving (75 mph) on the last tank of gas. Just drove from Los Angeles to Phoenix and found that it has plenty of passing power and a firm but controlled ride. The deep metallic blue color looks awesome on this car - I received 2 compliments on the cars looks when I was at a rest stop.

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  too small - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By Ms. R - March 16 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is a good mode of transportation, but if you have children, it is not the car for you. The vehicles preformance is excellent, but it is just TOO SMALL.

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  Engine performance - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By lorenzo menendez - March 16 - 5:40 am

  This vehicle will generate more power & acceleration if you move the stick from the regular D to its left, this will double the power, you will feel it, after you get up to the speed you want to move it back to the regular drive mode.