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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  a great car! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By happy with it - March 4 - 11:03 am

  I bought my SX4 new almost 2 years ago. I love this car! Compared to other vehicles I have owned, the gas mileage is good. I like the AWD. It comes in handy. Knock on wood, I have not had any problems with it. It now has over 25,000 miles and it is still running great! You really feel like you are driving an SUV. There is alot of head room. I would recommend this car to anyone! Its a great buy!

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  Best Buy for the Money - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Skidney - February 26 - 4:36 pm

  I bought this vehicle new in 2001 and I have had no problems with it. It is the absolute best buy in the class. It has real 4x4, 3,000 lbs. towing, dual A/C, and third row seating for the same price of a CR-V or a RAV4. I have towed a 2,800 lb. camper with success (mountains were a little stressful).

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  Too Much Fun - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By 01Bigdog - February 24 - 10:00 am

  What a great little car, I read a great many reviews before I bought this vehicle, my suggestion to anyone thinking of buying one. GO TEST DRIVE ONE. Most consumer mags are not in my opinion very complimentary towards this vehicle, they tend to lump it with other vehicles that look like it, they nock the styling, handling, and some how conclude that the interior material is cheap or low quality material. I couldnt disagree more on all counts. I have over 6,000 fun filled miles in this little jewel. I am 6 feet tall about 230lbs & over the age of 50 and this car is just "Too much Fun", gas has avg 27mpg + daily commute 50mi round trip in Western PA.

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  Limited - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Crig - February 21 - 2:00 am

  It Excellent if you have any brains you will invest in this pearl. Its a great buisness move and you will be happ with your descision.Even if you dont have the money Suzuki can fiance anyone.I have no regrets I would have got even if I didnt have the money. This is better than the Durango I know because I have one.

• 

  Close Counts - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Fredmon - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive was shopping in the sports sedan/crossover category for a few months. On a whim I test drove the Susuki Aerio SX. Initially I was skeptical that a car of this price could pack in the features that it does. When compared. with the Matrix/Vibe I was sold. 14000 hard miles later, I continue to be impressed. I get 31-35 MPG at highway speeds and I love the interior room ( Im 64" )Actually, this is my third Suzuki, I owned a Samuri for many years while living in USVI and was never let down by the rugged engineering and reliabilty especially when you consider the the abuse it took on crappy island roads. . The Aerio is a good value. Recommended.

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  A car you love to drive - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Robbey Bagwell - February 12 - 8:36 am

  I just love the five speed manual transmission, it really takes the corners like a sports car, when you down shift too third gear and then up to fourth gear arounding the corner. I have been truly happy the car all around. Im a big guy about 280 pounds and dont have any trouble with getting in and out.

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  The Absolute Best... - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Lisa - February 9 - 5:33 am

  This is the best vehicle in its category. Far less external noise can be heard inside than in the RAV4 and even the Highlander. I will definitely buy this vehicle again in the years to come.

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  2nd review after 4 months with car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By sabkosalam - February 7 - 11:57 am

  There is no way youll find a better car for this price. It feels 10k more when you get inside. Nice materials inside. I just wish the GTS manual had leather available as an option. The cloth seats are good material too though. To this day, car is turning heads and people seem to look for which car it is. If I take away the Suzuki badges from the car exterior, people will think Im filthy rich. The guy at the car wash literally sat in it for a good 2 minutes checking the car out. Candidly speaking, I am glad the car is not selling very well. Otherwise itll just become another Sonata, people are already bored with its looks.

• 

  Great Value - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Matt - February 7 - 5:00 am

  The vehicle is very smooth shifting and very powerful. Its much faster than the Jeep Liberty that I had. The power is better that most of the vehicles that I viewed. I have not had ANY problems with my Grand Vitara. Neither has my wife who has the Luxury model. I have purchased 7 cars in the last 4 years and I would have to say I like it the most, over the Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Endeavor to name a few.

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  Aerio-DYNAMIC - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By brotherburce - February 6 - 5:06 am

  From the shiny exterior to the upgraded interior features, the Suzuki Aerio offers much more than its class competition. It comes with electric windows, door locks, mirrors, keyless remote entry, side airbags, a visually catchy instrument panel, and great CD/MP3 6 speaker sound system with steering wheel controls to start things off. Add an impressive 2.3 litre power plant with a responsive automatic transmission for quick highway response. As a tall person, I appreciate the high seating position that aids in visibility and easy access. Its steering is responsive and the suspension gives you a bigger feel than the car actually is. the Aerio has a unique design in the parking lot and on the freeway, I like Aerios stingy attitude toward gas.