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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  Adding power, better gas mil., c-control - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Lorenzo Menendez - November 28 - 2:10 pm

  Wrotte a review on 11-13-2006, since then I improved the little monster, added a TURBONATOR (cheap in cost) and H&K air filter, they increased the horsepower and the little monster flies the speedometer needle moves like the ones in the race car. The mpg changed from 30 to 37 mpg on a flat hwy, using cruise control that I had put in after writing my review in 2006. One thing to remember, keep the tires properly inflated. Had the SX4 since 2006 without any mechanical problems, runs like a true champ. Have gone thru some major storms and floods in AWD without any problems.

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  Great Small SUV! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By blueyedangel1207 - November 23 - 10:46 pm

  We just bought the Grand Vitara and have only had it for a couple of months. So far we LOVE it! Its a great vehicle to drive and to be a passenger in! I have 2 kids and they fit comfortably in the back seat (with 2 car seats). In the back cargo area I am able to easily fit the double stroller along with any shopping I have for the day.

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  Very Happy - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By docellis - November 19 - 7:03 pm

  After driving a 2000 Suzuki, Baleno, 4x4 Wagon in Russia for 7 years without any problems, we decided to give Suzuki our business again when we moved to the USA. The one which caught our eye was the SX4. We purchased the last 2007 on the lot. Immediately we were getting very good gas mileage with highs as much as 38 mpg. Around town usually we get 29.7 on the average. We take very long trips with our work and always end up rested and with gas money still in our pockets. In snow we have not lost traction even one time. The 2WD, AWD and Four Wheel Drive options are great. We have 56,000 already without a hitch. I would buy again and recommend this car to any one.

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  A Very Luxurious SUV for a Reasonable Price - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By christa - November 14 - 6:26 pm

  I love the Suzuki Grand Vitara! I fell in love with it at first sight. I drove a couple of them until I found the right one. I love the Smartpass system. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Joey - November 13 - 8:36 pm

  This car is a dream to drive. It was my first SUV and I am very impressed with all of its standard features, performance, off-road capability, and craftsmanship. It handles well in all weather conditions and has a comfortable ride with plenty of room in the passenger and cargo areas. For an SUV it is great on gas. I just wish I had gotten the Luxury model with the Smart Pass Entry System. I highly recommend it over over all the other SUVs in its class.

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  My Car ROCKS - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By his&hersAerios - November 10 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I bought two Aerios in July. We both love them. He wrecked his after one payment and promptly replaced it with yet another Aerio. They are fun to drive so far! I have the standard comments on the + and - sides: + Zippy for the price, great sound, cute car, lots of storage, good gas mileage. - the door mouldings on the inside rattle. I cant configure the tilt and seat position to reach the gear shift properly so my shoulder hurts if I am in stop/go traffic. Other than that, we both love both cars.

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  Rise of the Tall Cars - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Michael Rahl - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Aerio because it was the least expensive AWD vehicle I could find. The new style of building the car up rather than out is what sets this vehicle apart. I shopped the competition but their interiors felt cramped in comparison. Why do automakers have you sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you? This is a style of automaking that should go the way of the dinosaur. The exterior styling has grown on me, and I enjoy being one of the few in my area that has this car. I get many favorable comments on it from other motorists. I cant believe that a car in this price range has so many standard features.

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  My Experience in a Suzuki - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Barney - November 4 - 2:00 am

  We as a family drive Saabs and we wanted to make sure we had a deep snow vehicle. We were very impressed with the ride and handling after looking at several other vehicles we felt for the Money this was our best choice.

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  My Suv - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By olewinel - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I looked at several Suvs, but when I sat inside of the Grand Vitara, it just felt right. The size was just what I was looking for and almost all the features I was looking for were standard. Financing and dealer service were also a big plus in my decision. I would definetly purchase another.

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  Little big stuff - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By nicejohn - October 28 - 5:20 pm

  Quick road hugging and fun to drive. I have had several small cars such as Toyota Matrix 04, Honda Accord 92 and Chevy Aveo 06. The SX4 beats them all in overall performance. The trunk room is great and the interior room head room cannot be beaten for a car of its class.My daughter is a tall 5ft10ins and she loves sitting in the rear. The car is perfect for commuting and long travel. So before you buy your gas saver test drive the SX4 you will not be disappointed.