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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  Incredibly reliable experience - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Ron - April 1 - 6:20 pm

  We bought this Suzuki as a commute vehicle for my wife. Its simply been an incredible experience, as the car has been not only a lot of fun to drive, but it has been reliable beyond all expectations. With only normal dealer maintenance service, we have not had a single mechanical problem. As a huge bonus, the handling, braking, steering, and utility have all been enjoyed and utilized a tremendous amount.

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  Great Commuter - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By golf4frek - April 1 - 4:26 pm

  Great little car that is inexpensive and fun to drive! If youre looking for an inexpensive / economical yet stylish little car I highly recommend it Mileage has been about 30 in combined highway / city driving and as high as 33 in straight highway. Thats not to shabby. Power is average but adequate and I concur with the professional reviewers that recommend the 5 speed over the automatic, it couples the power to the wheels much better than the auto. Styling does turn some heads and Ive been asked about it from a few people. Interior is good and functional. List of standard features is great but has no cruise control standard which is strange. Im pleased, this is a great commuter car.

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  I Love My Suzuki - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Stacie - March 28 - 3:56 am

  I love my Suzuki Forenza! The only issue I have is that I cant find the fun accessories for it...if anyone knows where I can get Euro tail lights (majority silver with little red- opposite of maufacture) Please let me know! Anyway...the Forenza is a perfect size that easily fits 5 people. I am glad I went with it and not a high name brand because the funny thing is...Ive only seen two other Forenzas around where I live and I live in a major tourist destination!

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  I Love Driving This Car - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By One Satisfied Custom - March 25 - 10:23 am

  The Forenza Wagon is a great driving experience. It handles well on highways and in street driving, has a great turning capability, and gets OK gas mileage (there are more fuel effiecient wagons out there). The exterior styling is great, it looks like an Italian import. For price and overall value, I could not be happier.

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  Great Value for a "CUV" - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By gkato - March 15 - 6:26 am

  We have owned many SUVs and we compared the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and the new Toyota RAV. I was at a dealership that represented many manufaturers, and test drove the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The value and qulity for this little Cross-Over vehicle beat the competition hands down. This vehicle is for my wife, and her main concern is Safety. The Grand Vitara comes standard with 6 airbags which usually come only in pricier cars. The exterior and interior design are very contemporary and give the feeling of a more expensive vehicle.

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  Excellent SUV for any situation Simple b - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Carlos Ramos - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Increadible SUV The best SUV like this nothing Great For jumps sand montanins on the beach and carrier jet ski

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  Great Car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By rcopa1 - March 5 - 12:54 pm

  This is a great little car. I waited to write a review until i had the car for a while, about 5 months now. Each day i bond with it a little more. It handles & rides great. It really feels like a european auto. I can see where a V6 would take it to a whole other level but am amazed at the effortless power when passing on the highway. When i think im doing 60 Im usually doing 80. They really covered their bases with every comfort detail no matter how small. To sum it up i would say i feel "smart" in buying this car. So much car for so little money. I have to chuckle when i think people are buying in droves Camarys, Accords, Jettas in droves - BORING.

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  What a terrific surprise! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By tigerbangs54 - March 1 - 8:08 am

  Picked up a new Kizashi SE AWD recently, and was very impressed with all the features, but what really got me was the solidity of the chassis and the road-holding. This car feels as if it was carved out of a block of marble: the ride is Euro-firm, but never uncomfortable, and soaks up big bumps amazingly well. It seems to have endless cornering grip: virtually no trace of understeer. The interior is a cut above cars in this price range, with lots of nice soft-touch materials, tight fits, and excellent room for a big-and tall driver and passenger. Its quiet except during hard acceleration, but what engine noise there is sounds pretty sporty to me. Lots of content for the money, too!

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  Best test-drive yet - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Bazman - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I am still looking around, but from the three cars that I have test driven, Matrix, Elantra, and Forenza, the Forenza made it out ahead. I cant speak much for the fuel economy or reliability on this model personally, but I can say this: Forenza is roomy, handles well, great interiors, very nice exteriors, and a great price. Listen, the toyotas are nice, but their sales volume is not giving them much to work hard or be nice with me. The elantra may be a little cheaper but the Forenza handles well. I would definitely recommend buying this while it is costing less.

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  Good value - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By cuttter - February 18 - 9:30 am

  Fun to drive, nice looking, good interior space, moon roof, nice sound system. Very good value for the money. I looked at several SUVs in the same price range and this one beat them all by far.