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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  Great Value - Luxury, Perf., Utility - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By BobP - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for an SUV as a second vehicle to compliment a luxury sports sedan that I have. I seem to have found it. The style is contemporary. Interior is beautiful and plush. There is plenty of cargo room. The ride and quietness is almost better than my 35K sedan. I drove several SUVs in the low 20s and this one by far could compete with those 10K more. I think it will be a great experience

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  Mini-Cooper on Steroids! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Gene W. - May 11 - 3:06 pm

  The SX4 Crossover should be advertised as a "Mini-Cooper on Steroids!" This little beauty is fun-omenal to drive! These cars are so agile and responsive, youd think you were on a Go-Cart Track! The handling is absolutely marvelous! Trading my 07 Hyundai Accent Hatchback for the SX4 Crossover, was a smart thing to do! The SX4 has superb power and a comfortable ride. I preferred the convenience package for my needs, while my wife took the touring package. We are both extremely happy with our choices, and still cant get over how Suzuki was able to cram so much value in such a small package! Thanks Suzuki! After owning 5 Hyundais, Im sold on Suzuki!

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  Own New Suzuki SX4 Sedan - 2012 Suzuki SX4
  By ron_suzukisx4 - May 11 - 11:51 am

  I never write reviews but this time i am trying to apprise others about this good car. I have been driving cars from around 14 yrs, driven cars of varied types in multiple cities and multuple countries. I wanted to buy a new car and took test drive of multiple vehicles including Hyundai, Hondas, Nissans and finally ended up buying Suzuki Sx4 Sedan. I have this car only for 4 days and i really liked it, its manual drive, It has all the features you need ina car, including 8 airbags. Most importantly, car runs very fast and smooth. Zip and energy in car this car is impressive, sound system is good. I like the car in and all. currently mileage 30 should certainly improve aftr Iservice

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  Suzuki fan - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By kacz - May 10 - 6:56 pm

  I have enjoyed the last year with my new Grand Vitara. It looks appealing to the eye and has an atractive interior. The heating and cooling system are very good. The interior is very functional. Also, the lights are great. The safety features are outstanding! Overall, in my first year of ownership, I have become a fan of the Suzuki brand.

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  Wow! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SAL - May 6 - 11:20 am

  As a realtor I drive a lot of miles, so I decided to buy this nice SX4 sedan sport with navigation as a second car. Believe it or not I purchased this car because it had a gps navi, but fell in love with it. You get a lot of car for much less money than other brands. 17" wheels, fog lamps, smart pass entry & keyless start, rear spoiler, ground effect spoilers all around. I feel like in the purchase of a navi you get a free car. This car is worth much more than what is priced for.

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  best kept secret - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By malexa00 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the XL-7 Touring model without the 3rd row seat. Very happy so far. Comes with a lot of standard features for the price paid. The size of the XL-7 is somewhere between the compact SUVs (Rav-4, CRV) and the mid-large SUVs (Pilot, Explorer). Fun to Drive. If Suzuki came out with a full size SUV it would give the Explorer and Pilot a lot of competition.

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  A Good Long Term Investment - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Satisfied Buyer - May 5 - 10:20 pm

  My Grand Vitara has exceeded my expectations. This is a solid well-built vehicle. There is only one way to get this SUV - with the Luxury Package. The keyless entry and start is fantastic. My wife never takes the control unit out of her purse. The combination of two-tone leather, brushed aluminum and wood grain finish is rich and classy. The driver seat subwoofer will rock your world if needed. The driving is nimble; ride is acceptable for a SUV. However, watch when you test drive one. The dealers over inflate the tires (40 PSI), resulting in a bumpy ride. Once we got the correct tire pressure (32 PSI) the ride was fine. The strong V6 engine gets, 21 MPG on avg (itÂ’s an SUV). For the money, extras and quality this one was the best product.

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  forenza rocks =) - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By forenzalovr - April 30 - 10:36 am

  I have owned the car for 2 weeks and it has 30,000 miles on it. It has no problems, no not starting issues, or any other issues. It rides and drives great, it is very comfortable, you do not feel like you are squished in a compact car. Looks great, i have the summit white paint color. Love the interior design and feel, looks above and beyond what you would expect. Everyone throws down on this car, I dont know why, its a great car, if you treat your car the way it should be treated, it will work just fine! With 30,000 miles on it, i am pretty sure i would have experienced a problem if there is any by now.

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  Class Value. - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Carsel - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Just a test drive will confirm what others have been saying. The car rides very smooth in normal driving conditions. The interior looks upscale and controls are very well located. The best thing is the price and features compressed into the car. On highways and hills the car rides very well. The inner space is large and easily sits five.Trunk space is good.

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  Amazing Vehicle! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By jason132 - April 24 - 1:47 am

  I bought this car new and now have over 290,000 KMs (180,000 miles) today. You did not read that wrong! I have never had a problem with the engine or transmission. To put this in further perspective, I live in the coldest city in the world, Winnipeg MB. This car has been an absolute blast to drive! It still handles beautifully and still has as much power today as the day I drove it off the lot. With routine maintenance I dont think this car will ever die. I would recommend this car to everyone!