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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  2 1/2 years old -- a look back and ahead - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By SilverGirl - January 6 - 3:16 pm

  This is my second Suzuki, first one was an 1987 Samari, I had for 15 years. But the 2002 has had a few recalls. This vehicle has had all the recommended maintenance. It was a reliable and fun vehicle until 18000 miles. Now I am told the engine needs to be replaced. The dealer has had it for over two weeks with no estimated completion date. The dealer was quick to give me a rental car. New cars in the past were reliable, I do not know what has happened to the quality. I miss my Suzuki and hope it comes home soon! I think in the future I will lease a vehicle instead of buying....

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  Not bad at all - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By lakerfootball - January 5 - 11:33 am

  I was not sure I would like this car at first. I am in sales and need a car with some room. I had a Chevy Camero Conv. before this car. So the power was not there I was used to. But, this car offers great comfort, ok gas milage and a nice look in and out. I wish the tail light we designed differently but oh well. I have had no problems with the car but low miles and not all that old. I just wish the dealer was closer. I would recommend this car to someone.

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  Transmission and value - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By triniprinces76 - January 4 - 7:53 am

  I bought this car brand new back in September 2007. I was desperate for a car, and it was all that I could afford. I should have resorted to taking the city bus! Right around 60,000 the transmission started slipping, and the gears dont go in right away... And if youre fed up of it, bull still making payments, dont try to trade it in. Its worth NOTHING! Lesson learned...I will stick to the cars that have been tested time and time again.

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  Everything Breaking - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Crystal - January 2 - 1:30 pm

  Ive had my 2007 suzuki forenza for a year and a half, since then,3 of my door handles have broke off, which i had to pay to replace, said they werent under warranty, my transmission is slipping from drive to neutral,about wrecked the other day, going into shop on monday, paint came off all 4 wheels during a paid car wash, they said not under warranty, as they said transmission not under warranty as well, i bought this car with the feeling of not being broke down for a long time, i still owe 9,800 on it, I have taken extremely good care of my car, but it was so cheaply made its unreal, I feel suzuki should pay for the replacements of these parts, i would never recommand this car toanyone

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  Best of the small breed!!! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Ronzo - December 31 - 2:13 pm

  I did a ton of research waiting for the right vehicle to be produced...for quite a few years might I ad....a small SUV, with ample interior space, comfort, small engine with adequate power, nice ride, looks, 2WD, AWD, and 4WD(mine has all three which I dont see anyone really talking much about - I have one of the first built-do they all still have this feature..?)...have never been stuck, no mechanical problems, etc.....mileage is decent for a vehicle that does so much. It was a well thought out, well engineered product. Ive even heard that this can tow 2k lbs and they make body hitches for it.....actually listed as 2400 lbs in some sites. Has anyone tried it yet...? Maybe for short trips.

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  GREAT car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Flanders - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as it was coming off of a rental. Even after being beaten to death as a rental car, it is still holding up WONDERFULLY. It is my first car and I have had experience driving many different vehicles, I must say it is an awesome car to drive. Very fun. Very comfortable. I like that its built for "real" sized people. I am 59", my brothers and dad are all well over 6 feet tall and none of us have any qualms about head or leg room.

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  my Suzuki - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By nuprin6790 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Its easy to drive ,handles great, and gets great gas mileage! Its a great first new car!!!! The cassette/cd player,and speaker system is awesome!along with the controls for them on the steering wheel. What more can I say!

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  I love this car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By McCarol - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle. It is very stylish and economical when it comes to gas mileage. The only problem I have is putting car seats in the back. I have three and it is a little difficult to get them buckled.

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  Forenza - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Arbormist97 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my 2004 Forenza the only thing I wish was different is its mpg. I feel like I am constantly putting gas in it.

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  Aerio! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By suiteseptember - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The new Suzuki Aerio is fun to drive! I have only had mine for 2 months, but I love it!