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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  Good Value - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By rb - October 27 - 8:20 pm

  This truck is easy and fun to drive. The stability control is excellent. It has comfortable seating in the front and rear. The heated mirrors are nice.

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  Under the radar value - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By DavidW - October 27 - 12:36 am

  This car is an amazing deal and has been terrific so far! It flies under the radar screen because Suzuki doesnt seem to promote their cars too well. Im glad I did the research and found it. After 7,000 miles, no problems at all and I love driving it!

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  This makes 2 - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Dane T. - October 24 - 10:00 am

  After purchasing our first used Aerio Sedan in April, 2004, I was so impressed with it, that I bought a new Aerio SX in May...just about a month after the first purchase!!! These are sharp looking and performing cars...am a little disappointed that the gas mileage is not higher...but hey, at 29- 32 miles per gallon, who am I to complain with all the Aerio has too offer!!! I recommend these autos very highly!!!

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  Fun, economy, and unbelivable space - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By jiggha - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Fun, economy, and unbelivable space

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  Suzuki XL-7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By 2004 Suzuki XL-7 - October 16 - 6:03 am

  This vehicle needs a wider wheel base and extended flaps on visors to block drivers eyes from sun only. Everything else is great. Maybe a back door that opens away from curb rather then to the curb. The handling is sweet, likes its on clouds. The headlights are remarkably bright. No DVD player tho for the wife n kids??? Honda Odessy has one up on you. Ever consider getting rid of the "7 passenger" title to make more leg room and rear storage?? try it, you might be surprised.

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  Solid Designed Suzuki SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Nikki - October 12 - 2:20 pm

  I just took delivery of my new SX4 yesterday. I could not believe a vehicle with this level of design, features, and build quality could be had for $15,999. The test drive sealed the deal, as it accelerated nicely to highway speeds, while loaded with four (full-grown) adults riding along in surprizing comfort. This vehicle has plenty of leg-room and head-room to easily accommodate passengers six feet tall in both the front and back seats. The rear set of doors allow the back seat to be readily accessible for use with childrens car seats. Not having to change the timing belt alone will save some serious maintenance costs and remove the ticking time-bomb scenario that occurs with interference engines using timing belts.

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  Better than Honda, Toyota, Nissan or any - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By importuner - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Everything from the fantastic customer service to the ease of ownership of this car have been awesome. The car rides, drives, feels and performs better and more comfortably than the other compacts I test drove. Over the course of 6 mos, I drove a Civic twice, Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra and Kia, still the clear choice was the sx4, it feels so much safer, solid and substantial.

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  Long-Term Use Report - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By SFBay - September 26 - 8:30 am

  Got my Suzuki XL-7 in 12/01 and still like it today after 53,000 miles. It was the best SUV for the money at the time with its 3rd row seats and REAL part-time 4WD. I commute with it and now after break-in, I’m getting 20 mpg, I only got 17 mpg before. My XL-7 feels heavy but still it is still fun and sporty to drive. It did really well at the off-road course I took last year. The only problem I had was a coolant leak which may be the dealers fault. I recommend regular trans/diff fluid changes. And the original tires are lousy, mine were bald at 15,000 miles. Go with Yokohamas, mine are still like new after 30,000 miles. I solved my oil filter access problem by cutting a hole at the wheel well and bolted on an aluminum sheet door. The colored weather strips have all faded.

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  2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rodney Harkness - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Great all around small SUV; can cruise at 65 MPH in 4WD pulling a 1000 pound trailer. Never got stuck anywhere --and I do take this through the woods. Has a very nice sound system.

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  2011 GTS impulse buy / AWD w. navigation - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By KizDan - September 19 - 2:00 am

  We took our 2008 SX4 to the local dealership (Ellis Suzuki) for the 15,000 mile checkup. While we were waiting we saw the silver GTS and fell in love. Took it for a drive and came home with it. I hate impulse buys, but Ive not had any regrets with this purchase. I always wanted navigation, and this GTS had it installed. Stereo is wonderful, although I was surprised it only held one cd. Used the IPOD connection, and it sounded wonderful. Bluetooth worked with Iphone just great. I could go on and on. Oh, I could have gotten a 2010 for a lot less, but I really liked the changes in body styling on the 2011.