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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  Superb Value - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rey - November 2 - 4:53 pm

  Before purchasing my Grand Vitarra (GV), I considered the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. However, after doing some extensive research, I found the GV to be a well rounded package, which offers true off road ability and standard equipment found in much more expensive SUVs. I now have 1,500 miles and thus far the driving experience has been very good. The road noise is kept to a minimum, the V6 is smooth and peppy and the brakes do a fine job, stopping short and straight. The interior looks upscale and the exterior looks modern and "fresh." I especially like the front end. The fuel mileage is good for a V6. Prior to this, I owned a 2000 Nissan Xterra, and that was quite thirsty. The GV is highly recommended!

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  Great Car - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By deon - October 30 - 9:36 pm

  The 2006 Suzuki Forenza is a great buy. It provides superior value and has a strong warranty.

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  Bargain, bargain, bargain - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By jbrew - October 28 - 3:23 pm

  This car is an absolute bargain. There isnt a car out there that comes to the SX4 package, including AWD. I bought this car because I live in the mountains and wanted an economical vehicle that could handle the snow. Drove through the snow the other night with no problems. Not only do you have the AWD, but also the Electronic Stability control which is included in the sport model.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By M. Miller - October 27 - 11:36 am

  Manual version is very fun to drive as long as you dont mind driving the stick. The car is looking great from behind; very sexy. It has great lines and it feels sleek and "in style" even after 4 years. I recommended it mostly for in-town commute. I drove it from Atlanta, through DC and NY, when I moved up to Chicago. I drive it in Chicago and it fits perfectly here; easy to park, easy to move around on short distances. I dont understand why only 7.2 in Editors review.

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  Love it, every day I get in it!! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By gruss - October 21 - 5:13 pm

  This is my second GV. Sure the mileage could be better, but its right there on the sticker when you buy it. I generally drive a couple of miles below the speed limit or right at it. So my mileage is great, 30hwy. Great stereo system and the six of my CDs of the moment sound great through the speakers and sub!! Seats are very comfortable, like your favorite chair. It is longer than the previous model, and it was noticed, in backseat room and cargo space. I cant say I needed it and I liked my 99 better in that respect, but I got over it. To you, drive it, love it, buy it, and love it again everyday till you are ready for a new one! I know, and will get another when the time comes.

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  Dont Buy One! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By MESX - October 19 - 12:56 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my Suzuki Aerio. Its bushings came out of the sway bar four times before it was finally fixed by having new modified ones installed. I had the viscous coupling replaced for AWD, had power door lock fail, had all four tires replaced due to factory alignment defect destroying them, and the rims are all scratched and gouged from several attempts to repair all the defects. I still have a clunking noise from the front end. Also, the styrofoam is detached from the rear bumper (behind exterior plastic) and the gas mileage is poor.

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  Fun all-weather crossover commuter - 2011 Suzuki SX4
  By morin2 - October 15 - 2:09 am

  My sx-4 crossover has the 6-speed MT, the first 6 speed I have had - and I really enjoy having that extra gearing for high speed interstates. My normal commute is 55 miles each way and its mostly in 5th gear. The fuel economy is much better than claimed. I usually get 31-32 mpg commuting using E10 fuel but a little better now with the AC off. I got a high of 35.7 on an interstate trip with ethanol-free fuel. I have the base model with nothing that I dont want. The base model lacks cruise control and I am fine with that. I prefer to have features that Ill actually use. I didnt realize until I drove it home just how great the visibility is on this car - great for merging to the right!

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  SX4 Suzuki - the Peoples Car! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Graham - October 13 - 9:06 pm

  Recently, I purchased a SuzukiSX4, for my girlfriend. Her trip to work consists of driving on a highway on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, notorious for hazardous weather conditions. Both she and I are avid car buffs, when we went looking for a vehicle that has four doors and AWD capabilities we were looking at ridiculously over priced cars in this group. The Suzuki SX4s performance, looks, and overall features are possibly the best deal out there, Im well versed on the performance and handling of vehicles, I drive a Subaru STi, and 4x4 1-Ton Dodge cummins. Currently, my thoughts are leaning towards having two SX4s in the family, they are so much fun.

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  Maintenance costs - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By fap - October 13 - 7:50 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a small car with reasonable mileage and comfortable seats. Mileage is constant 27mpg with commuter driving 110 milies per day. Ride great for small car and the seats are better than some larger cars. My wife at 55" has hard time with view at front left due to bad blind spot. Heres the rub, needed first break job with rotors(no warning) at 42k (not bad). Could not get dealer appt. and had metal on metal so we had our local garage do the job. None of the parts are available after market and the front pads alone cost $200. With rotors the front brakes were more than $400.00. AWD maintenance is also greatly out of line with other makes.

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  Verona Vomit - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Stupid Steph - October 12 - 6:36 pm

  I have owned this car for approximately fifteen months in which time I have experienced a rear brake fluid leak that caused them to go all the way to the floor. Now that I am want to get a different car, no one will give me much for it because they say that the word is "the transmissions are no good." I myself have experienced it stalling and shifting in and out while driving down the highway.