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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  Never again! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Holly - September 5 - 3:26 pm

  I have had problem after problem since I bought this car. ECM probs, and constant oxygen sensors going out. It is in the shop now getting the 7th one replaced and there is only 33,000 miles on the car. I was told after the warranty expires, it will cost me $300 to replace each sensor. Forget it. 3 year warranty is up next week. Its time to go trade it in for a Toyota Camry, something reliable. I was also disappointed in the gas mileage, about 21 mpg.

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  Its not the best car! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By bcchunk - August 17 - 6:46 am

  I have had this vehicle now for 3-4 years and havent really had major problems. My airbag light wont go off. Ive recently had my check engine light come on a lot. My friend says that it probably the transmission. The last time I got an oil change the service guy says I need new brakes and Ill probably need new tires. Im coming up on 60K miles and the service for that is over $400. Not cool. I dont want to put any more money in this car. The car doesnt really have a high value and the suzuki dealerships are going out of business so when trying to trade this in most companies are only giving me $3-4K. I should have left this vehicle where it was and tried for a nissan altima.

• 

  Let Me Down - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By tlambert - May 20 - 6:26 am

  I am very disappointed with my Suzuki XL-7. At 48,000 miles the air compressor pump/belt went out. It cost $1,600 to replace! I live in Oregon, and only use the A/C 6 weeks of the year!

• 

  Decent Ownership - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By RichW1 - April 13 - 3:23 am

  I bought mine new in 04, have been blessed with only minor items.Overall experience has been great. At 57,000 miles I need to spend $1200 on "normal" things like a water pump,struts, transmission flush, and timing belt. I cannot complain.

• 

  the smallest truck one could own. - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Robert - March 1 - 2:26 am

  I bought this Sidekick JX 4-door, 4x4, 5-speed about a week ago from a private party to replace my Grand Vitara. The latter is great in all aspects except the gas economy. So, I got this Sidekick for better gas mileage. Comparing with the Grand Vitara I am surprised to find that the Sidekick is not so much less in acceleration, and climbing grade. But what troubles me is that the Sidekick does not seem willing to get beyond 65 MPH speed. The RPM gets to 3,000 at 55 MPH, 3,100 at 60 MPH and 3,500 and growling in loud protest at 65 MPH. I havent yet dare to try but wonder if it can get to 70 RPM. I hope someone could share with me his experience and insight on this over the Internet.

• 

  Not Horrible - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By KC - February 2 - 12:26 pm

  I bought the car new in 2000 and faithfully do tune ups. I had a problem with the catalytic converter at 48,000 miles. The warranty covered PART of it. Then the catalytic converter went out again. I contacted Suzuki and they would not cover it. I now hear a rattling coming from the engine every time its rpms are over 2,000, which is not so good if you need to pass emissions:)

• 

  2007 Suzuki Forenza - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Stephanie - December 24 - 5:46 am

  I have owned my 07 Suzuki Forenza for two and a half years and my transmission is having major problems and most likely needs to be replaced. I did have a decent warranty at my time of purchase, but unfortunately my dealer went out of business. I am still trying to figure out where to take my car to get warranty work done at no cost to me. I am very frustrated with Suzuki in general.

• 

  Good while it lasted. - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By jend26 - December 8 - 6:35 pm

  Well, bought used from a dealership, and was great at first. Had no problems until a couple months later the electical system started having problems. Radio clock wouldnt light up, and radio would turn off on me. Started idling really high, and the brakes and tires were having to be replaced often, sometimes once a month. I was buying used tires, then when I had the money bought new ones. But even with new ones, they kept leaking for some reason, so would have to put air in quite often. The rotors went bad very quickly also. Dont think the dealership did a good check but thats a gamble we all take when buying a vehicle. Think I payed way too much for it also. $12,000.

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  SX4 w/con/package auto. - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Taiino59 - December 6 - 11:50 am

  I currently own a 2005 Toyota Camry, and I get better gas mileage in my Camry than my new SX4. No arm rest, no place to put items inside of the car. I was really disappointed with the gas mileage for such a small car. Limited positions setting on the drivers seat.

• 

  Suzuki - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By pferraro - November 16 - 5:03 am

  Decent vehicle with good reliablty. Retained value over time is very poor however. Plan on keeping this vehicle, even if you acquired it for well under list price, as its trade in value is very low.