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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  This Car Should Definately Be Revived! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By kimmypoo - February 2 - 7:06 pm

  I bought my car used from a dealership. Hadnt ever seen any model like it. I was actually one of the first in my entire community w/ this type of car, stopping traffic w/ people asking me what type of car it was how cute it was. So, that tells you something about its looks. Driving experience has been wonderful. No problems whatsoever. I use mine everyday over 123k now and still great. Roomy (even for 6,4 husband), reliable, works great! Id want to buy another one if needed but found its been discontinued. W/ this cars reliability record, this should not be! Bring it back Suzuki!

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  Great Buy - 2008 Suzuki Reno
  By Tony - February 2 - 4:43 am

  I bought this 08 Reno with 2,400 miles on it. Its my ride from home to work and back. This is the first small car that I have ever owned. I traded in my 98 Lumina (168k miles)and $5400 cash and drove it off the lot. So many of the reviews have been less than complimentary, but as an owner, I think this is a great little car. 3 year/36k mile bumper to bumper, a 100k powertrain warranty, and 24 hour roadside assistance. I dont like the fact there arent many dealerships around for service concerns, but I have only had one issue with the airbag light staying on all the time. Remember that you get what you pay for. I bought a 4-cylinder automatic. I dont expect to keep up with a Vette!

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  Very Very Nice Car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Colin Mack - February 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, never really knew that Suzuki built these kinds of cars, but I am glad they do. Very happy with my purchase. Car runs great, excellent price for everything you get.

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  "Git n Go" - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Altoid43 - January 29 - 4:50 pm

  I have had my Aerio SX for three years and have had no problems whatsoever yet. She runs just like the bikes. At 90 mph runs smooth as silk. Can run with the big boys, and the gas mileage is very good. I love this gal.

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  Still Happy after all these months - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By evb - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Been driving my Aerio for 6 months now and Im still smitten. Cant understand why there are so few on the road. Handles great, even in the snow with front wheel drive. Great head room and I love the height; all the convienence of my old Toyota hatchback without having to stoop to get in.

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  Alternator trouble - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Pascal - January 21 - 8:10 pm

  My wife and i bought two SX-4 in december 2006. At first we did like the car but after a couple of month we thought that it was consuming more gas than the seller told us, but we dealt with it by slowing down our speed in order to stay beneath 9 liters/100km. We now have them for a little more than two and a half year and last week at 72K km, my wifes car alternator jammed and it wasnt covered by warranty anymore so we paid to changed the alternator. 10 days later, at 78K km my cars alternator jammed as well! We tought thas was abnormal so we called the dealership and he told us he couldnt do a thing. We then contacted suzuki canada and they told us the same thing. Dont buy that car!

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  Little Work Horse - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By presently - January 20 - 1:25 pm

  This has been a remarkably reliable car. Ive got 142k miles on it now. After 130k I had to have the catalytic converter changed ($1500 at Suzuki, but I got it done for $600 at Meineke), but thats the only part failure other than standard maint. items like brakes, tires and batteries. Great cargo capacity and hard to match without going to a mid-size SUV. Comfortable and quiet to drive. Currently running Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus tires on it and theyre awesome and quiet. I also put a hitch on it and use it to pull a 4 x 8 utility trailer, so thats like having a pickup on hand when I need it.

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  One tough SUV - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By playinmachine - January 18 - 10:00 am

  The best part of this SUV is the build quality. I have 20,000 miles on my XL7 and no rattles. This is one stout SUV.

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  I love Mine - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By grassg23 - January 16 - 3:36 am

  Had this car for three months and I cant wait for the winter months to see how it handles in the snow!..A great, fun to drive little vehicle. It is very sturdy and you sit up high in it...lots of space and plenty of room for passengers. VERY handsome vehicle

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  So far - so good - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By BK - January 16 - 2:53 am

  We have 30,000 miles on our Reno and have not had it in the shop yet. It starts easily and is pretty good on fuel. I drive 40 miles round trip to work and run a few errands around town in it. It is a manual 5 speed and we average 35 miles per gallon consistantly around town. The air is pretty weak and living in Florida can be a bit frustrating. Overall, we have been pleased but we are holding our breath. We also owned a Suzuki Verona at the same time that was a nightmare - we finally got rid of it, thank God.