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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  Alot for your money. - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Coyote2004 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a Suzuki Froenza after looking at other vehicles. I was impressed with all the standard options and the warranty. This vehicle has road side assistance and comes with a rental if it is to be in service for more than 24hrs. This is a plus when you need a vehilce to get around everyday. The standard options are so great to list i would run out of room.

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  Wow! What a GREAT CAR!! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By RCrowell - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my new Forenza and so far I love it! Lots of fun to drive and lots of great features. I traded in a 99 Acura 3.0 CL. I can honestly say I like the Forenza as much or better. Took it on a 400 mile trip 2 days after I bought it. Very comfortable and lots of fun. I almost hate to pull into the driveway and get out of it.

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  It just... runs - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By WiseOne - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle b/c I needed a good, reliable one for work travel. I also needed to carry up to 7 people (mostly kids) from time to time. The XL- 7 has delivered on all counts. Its large enough to carry what I need, but not too large to make it hard to park or killer on the gas mileage.

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  Fantasy Black Metallic - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By Tony - January 7 - 12:30 pm

  I have just the basic model of the Forenza, but if you would just look at it you would not be able to tell. My car has chrome wheels on it and the rear spoiler. If you have a Forenza add the spoiler it will make your car look even better. I love my Forenza(Lucy), but having a car like mine you will get a lot of people who are hate on it. My car handles very well in heavy rain (change out the wipers and get the new air dynamic ones they work way better than the ones that come on the car). Why go get a basic Toyota or Honda with crank down windows when you can get a Forenza for about the same price and get all power stuff.

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  Best buy, and Ive been looking forever - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Luv my aerio - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I have my yellow Aerio SX hatchback and I love all of the looks I get. Ive been looking for about 3 months now. Ive driven every car in its class and this is by far the best buy for your money. With the $2000 rebate or 0% interest rate, its much cheaper than the Toyota Matrix and the Pontiac Vibe. There is much more room in the back seat. Theres a built in cover for your privacy of articles in the trunk. The reversable floor mat and water bucket are very nice. Theres lots of storage in the rear and an additional cup holder for the back passengers. It drives like a champ. Theres plenty of pick up and the gas just never ends.

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  The "Zuki" rocks for the price - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By zukirocks - December 17 - 1:16 pm

  Needed a tow-car for the new RV. Not a huge listing of vehicles that can be towed all 4-wheels on the ground. Looked at the Honda CR-V, Saturn VUE and the Grand Vitara. Loved the idea that we could get a 4WD tow vehicle. Inspected all and by far the Suzuki gave us the most goodies for the dollars. I love the smartkey, the streamlined lay-out of the dash, different lighting in console, auto climate control (south Texas gets hot!) Fun to drive, very responsive. Not sure on the reliability yet. Havent had it long enough to gauge mileage. Know its not as good as the CR-V, but it has so many more features, we can certainly live with it. Looks to be a great little vehicle!

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  My First New Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By RJL - December 16 - 4:33 pm

  I just bought a 2006 Suzuki Aerio Premium and I love it! Its so easy to handle. Its a perfect little car to keep me on the go.

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  Good Quality for the money - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By allyoop1982 - December 16 - 12:43 am

  I love this car. It drives great especially in the snow. Mileage is pretty accurate to the sticker. Very comfortable for a small car.

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  Love my Red Zuki - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By kmw - December 4 - 1:33 pm

  The Aerio is a great car to drive. I have had it for almost a year with no problems. It is a cute commuter car with a suprising amount of room. I have loaded everything into it including my new range in the box. I traded my big SUV for this car and love it.

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  Good Inexpensive vehicle - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By pops - November 29 - 12:16 pm

  I have read reviews detailing problems with starting, fuel economy etc.. This has not been the case for me. Fuel economy is better than EPA est. and the car has been very reliable and comfortable. One of the best cars I have ever purchased. The fit an finish of the car are excellent.