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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  First New Car - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Scott A Palmieri - December 8 - 3:26 pm

  The interior of my Grand Vitara is loud. It has a lot of engine and road news. However it drives smoothly. Its gas mileage could be a lot better. The interior could be better as well. The parts look and seem very cheap. The seats are already pulling. It needs a better quality sound system. Having said this, it is a fun vehicle to drive, it handles well, and it is very stylish.

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  The best car ever - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By aymanca - December 5 - 12:10 pm

  I bought this car October 2006 and I never had any problem with it, it runs good and it worth every dollar . Its really surprise me to know that the company has closed down in USA, its really a lost not to have this brand here. I recommended to everyone and I really enjoy driving it as the first day I had it. I just recently replaced the battery ( after 8 years) and I had no other issues. I love Suzuki and if the company still around it will be my first choice , better than Honda or Toyota .

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  Odd Headlights - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Tim - December 2 - 5:50 am

  I recently purchased a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4, luxury model. Its a nice vehicle with true 4x4 capability. My main concern is that the low beam HID headlights are aimed in a strange way. The left light does not illuminate as far ahead as the right light. After much concern directed to my local dealers, I was informed that it was by design from the manufacturer. They tell me that the reason is so as not to blind drivers coming in the opposite direction. Dealerships were not aware of it, and there is nothing mentioned about the headlight aiming pattern in the owners manual. It is an annoying vehicle to operate at night. If you are thinking of buying one, drive it at night in a dark area.

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  A car for Canadian Winters - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Max - December 2 - 12:30 am

  We purchased the Aerio for my wife based on budget, safety and AWD. My wife had not driven in 7 years so I wanted something really safe for her. What we ended up with was so much more. My first drive in the snow made me love this car. What a tank! I was plowing through side roads and averting traffic, while driving as if it where a spring day. Anyone that has to deal with a Canadian winter should drive this car. We even managed to fit a loveseat into the car with the rear seats down! European styling and decent handling make this a pretty good all round car. Our other car is a 1995 Honda Civic and I have to say I am going to have a hard time deciding whether to trade in for Honda or Suzuki.

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  Great Car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By prices - December 1 - 10:00 am

  We purchased car for our daughter to take to school. This car rides like a big car and gets 29 miles to the gallon. Very pleased with car.

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  Nice Vehicle for the price. - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By First Time Suzuki - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I checked out a few SUVs including the Isuzu Trooper, Honda Pilot, Isuzu Rodeo, Toyota Highlander, Ford Escape and many others. I finally ended up with the XL-7 Limited. For the money, this SUV is great. The leather is supple, the front dash looks very nice. The wooden trims combined with chrome accents give the interior a very expensive look. I especially like the part where the front cup holders and space are completely covered with the same interior color plastic. The self illuminous dash light is very easy to read during the day or night. More engine power, power seats and 2nd 3rd row shoulder to shoulder seating space need to be enhanced/added.

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  My First Suzuki and Maybe Not the Last - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By LMR - November 30 - 7:23 pm

  the Suzuki Forenza is a lot like a Toyota Corolla or a Honda Civic without the high price tag. It has a great warranty, although I havent had to use it! :-) It is roomy, gas-efficient, and has a nicely appointed interior. The trunk is deceptively large and the 40/60 split on the rear seats is very convenient. This car is very practical, but not very "sexy." I would buy another one.

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  Its okay... - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Ally - November 21 - 6:53 pm

  This was my first car so I was happy to druve any thing but it would not be my first choice. The good thing anout this car is that I havnt had too many mechanical problems with it. The bad thing about it is that it is a blah car. Nothing special about it. I have only seen about 5 others in my city!

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  # Yera Synopsis - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By mjconde - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Extremely reliable vehicle, No major repairs needed outside of routine maintenance for 86,000 miles driven so far.

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  Excellent, Every Respect - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Westmillguy - November 19 - 2:00 am

  An absolutely great car in ever respect. Its very nimble thus fun to drive. Just had the opportunity to experience the all-wheel drive in snowy conditions, performed exceptionally well! The car has lots of nice features including a super 6-disc cd changer, fog lamps, overdrive, cruise control ad on and on. This one was built in Japan and is tight with body panels well- fitted. Super warranty program!