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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  Happy New Owner - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By spbehrens - March 4 - 8:36 pm

  My 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara has clean lines and an aggressive look. My wife finds it easy to drive and maneuver. It provides good comfort over longer distances. The fuel economy is much better than our previous 1998 Isuzu Trooper. The price was very good considering all you get for the money. Our dealer is friendly and helpful.

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  GREAT Little Car! - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By peackno - March 3 - 10:56 am

  This is my first Suzuki and I couldnt be more pleased. For all of the standard equipment included, the value of this car cant be beat. I looked at and drove a lot of other small cars, but the SX4 came out on top. The 5 speed and good pickup makes it a very fun car to drive. Shifting is smooth as I buzz around town and parallel parking is a snap. I also do highway driving and it has sufficient power to hold its own. I was especially glad to have the on-demand 4WD during a VERY SNOWY winter. On several occasions, I zipped up snow-covered hills past other vehicles. NICE! Slip control is great! Im getting 27-28 MPG on combined driving. I have gotten 30 MPG on highway.

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  Verona Rocks - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Ray Hingson - February 26 - 11:03 am

  I bought my Verona in Dec of 2004 me and my wife love it its a great car and such a smooth driving car. Never drove a car you cant even feel the transmission shift . What a car for the money great car Suzuki!

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  Great Car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By mancow - February 24 - 4:40 am

  I bought this car new in 2003 My work round trip is 184 miles my car just went over 402000 miles I have had no problems. Just oil changes and two set of brake pads and at 250000 clutch presure plate thowout bearing all which are wearout parts.

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  10 out of 10 - Not your typical Suzuki - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By ToddA - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I honestly was looking at Mercedes and Audi, the C300 Sport and A4. In between the two dealerships was the New Sutliff Suzuki. Having owned 2 Suzukis before I knew they were good, reliable, tough little cars... But whats this big BMW looking car on the lot? After a little deliberating and going back and forth between the Big two I choose the Suzuki. Why? Its just better all around. The lower cost is a bonus. Having the only one in the corporate lot is a big plus. It drives like a BMW (think 2002-2006 3 series), has build quality like a Mercedes (seriously, not kidding around it does) and all the safety features of an Audi A8 (10 airbags, EuroNCAP 5 star-higher than C300)!

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  nice and new - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By rafael - February 21 - 10:13 pm

  really nice vehicle for the money great service only paid $12000 after rebates

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  2008 SX4 Southeast regional version FWD - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By dcnpcfl - February 21 - 4:30 pm

  So far it has been a lot of fun to drive and is getting good mileage which is what I was looking for. I have owned Suzukis in the past with great reliability and value. For the price it is a hard to beat vehicle.

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  Diamond in the Rough - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By Suki - February 18 - 11:03 pm

  Suzuki is on to something with the Verona and Camry and Accord better take notice! This car really impressed me, the acceleration may be a bit slow off the line, but whos looking to race...not me, my kids are riding with me. I fell in love with this car and am looking to enjoy if for many years to come. Suzuki keep the innovations and power coming, and you will see this car soar!

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  32,000 Miles and No Problems - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Lloyd - February 16 - 11:53 pm

  I purchased one of the first Veronas to appear in Portland and have never regretted the decision. This car is quieter and smoother than any car I have owned. I have had no problems and the car is solid and rattle free. With all the features, the $19,000 price was a real bargain.

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  Fantastic - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By S.K.T.Kumar - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 2003 Suzuki Aerio as brand new. WoW. a lot to say about good thing. very roomy, so comfortable, very very good on gas on FWD vehicle. I had few problems on this car too. The wheel alignment goes bad so frequently. at least every year I have to do wheel alignment. Breaks are very good. Engine is so super. less noise compare to other cars on its class. The other problem is, The quality of the body, They made in cheap material. The front bomber get damaged easily. The side skirt that came with it as original also very cheap material. I dont have them in my car right now. They were flew away years ago. High way drive in fantastic. very comfortable view. Totally its a super car.