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 Car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Philip - August 9 - 1:46 pm

  I purchased this car for my daughter, She likes it with the exception of poor gas mileage, she gets approx 19 mpg, this is primarilly in city though.

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  Overall a good SUV for the money - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By nina mingledorff - August 9 - 12:33 pm

  All in all its a good vehicle. Gas mileage could be a little better. The tires do roar some due to the brand, Yokahoma. But so far I am impressed. Ive never had a Suzuki but glad I went with the Grand Vitara. I was impressed enough with Suzuki I went out and got a Reno.

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  Great Little Value - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By gtk - August 7 - 5:53 pm

  I bought a Suzuki Grand Vitara for my wife to take skiing, and for everday use. We looked at the Toyota RAV, Honda CR-V, and the Saturn VUE V6 AWD, and picked the Grand Vitara for its great value, warranty, style, and features. My wife recieves compliments daily on how great this truck looks. The interior is first class, and the four mode 4WD system is a unique feature for small SUVs. The mileage could be better from a company that specializes in high performance motorcycles though. The few nit-picky items would be, no extendable visors, 4 wheel disc brakes should be standard, its lack of a locking gas cap, and the instant gas mileage readout should do "averaging." We just purchased Crossbars and bra for the roofrack system.

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  Suzuki SX4 2009 Review - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By tarias - August 5 - 11:06 am

  Im very happy with this car. I have a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids under 13 years of age). We have a SUV too but we use this vehicle for most of our daily driving,trips and errands. I especially like the amount of torque the car has when carrying 5 people. You barely notice any power loss with 5 passengers and Im not scared to get on the highway with it. We traded in a Honda CRV because of that problem. I have 45k+ miles on it and its been very reliable. Aside from routine maintenance like oil changes, wiper blades and air filter, Ive done nothing. Brakes will need to be changed at 50k miles. Tires need changing now at 45k. My view of Suzuki has positively changed with this vehicle

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  My Forenza rocks! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By SurlyMae - August 2 - 11:26 pm

  I love love love this car. It was obviously well taken care of by the previous owner, had 41k miles on it when purchased. Zero problems so far. I am 510" & it is roomy enough for me. Averages 27 mph, city driving. So fun to drive that I honestly drive more than I should.

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  Perfect Little SUV For the City - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jim Archer - July 31 - 9:16 am

  The Grand Virara is surprisingly nimble on the highway, as we learned on our first two roadtrips (approximately 350 miles each). It is very comfortable for an SUV with a short wheelbase and acceptable fuel mileage. We are totally happy with the intown driving experience...easy to park, easy to enter and exit, and easy to love. This will not be our normal trip vehicle, but will be our first choice for around town!

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  Love it! - 2011 Suzuki SX4
  By ncvike - July 30 - 9:10 pm

  Overall, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover has to be one of the most underrated cars on the market and a terrific value. This car was a few thousand dollars less than a comparably priced Subaru Impreza or Toyota Matrix. The looks inside and out wont blow you away but are more than adequate. This car handles well, is fun to drive, and has a smooth quiet ride.I am currently averaging about 26.5 MPG combined city and highway. One of the biggest complaints that I consistently read about from other owners was the quality of the radio. Initially, I agreed but later found that the radio bass and treble controls were set to zero. Once that was corrected the sound quality was much improved. I love my Suzuki!

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  What a Change! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By S. J. MacGregor - July 29 - 10:20 am

  When we purchased our Kizashi,we put Pur-gen in the tires and switched to Mobil 1(synthetic oil). We then gave it a wax job. The first time out, we averaged 33.9 MPG on the highway. On the second trip we averaged 35.6 MPG. On the third trip which included half city driving, we averaged 32.5 MPG. The car had excellent control and power on the highway and is very comfortable. I did not like the low profile tires as they seem to have more road noise, but was definitely quieter than my previous vehicle when it came to other noise. The Uni-body is solid and tight. What a great surprise.

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  Should have had recalls - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By clover5 - July 27 - 2:45 am

  I bought mine new and have always had an issue with it having gaps in acceleration. Dealer said nothing wrong. Clutch worn very fast 35 k or so. Dealer said I had to replace I still have not 142 k. My major problem is it has always had poor gas mileage and codes it is not running effiecient. I have replaced the throttle body and sensor since you cant get just the sensor, O2 sensors, plugs wires etc. It has had all normal and regular maintenence. The "gaps" are getting worse and it is not an automatic. The automatic ones just shift gears at any time. No problems with these have ever been a recall. I owned a KIA before and never had any issues. I can see why these cars are gone !

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  Love my Suzuki - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Becky - July 16 - 4:13 am

  I love the way it handles, great mileage. Cant wait to try the 4 Wheel drive this winter.