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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  Quality, and much more than you pay for! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Yokemate - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The leather interior is polished and professional, the ride is quiet and refined, the seven year transferable no deductible power train warranty (3 year bumper to bumper) is outstanding. You dont pay for a bunch of extra doodads. The XL-7 is two inches narrower than the ML 320, and is maneuverable, as a result. The XL-7 is truck based but rides like a car and has a part-time 4x4 capacity, which can be switched to at up to 60 mph. The XL-7 has done quite well in crash tests. The XL-7 has crunch zones, anti- lock brakes, beams in the doors, pretensioners on the seat belts, and second generation air bags. Weve been surprised by the high initial quality.

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  Happy Me - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By TammyC - September 2 - 9:26 am

  Bought this vehicle the day after turn in and I have loved every minute! I have found no problems with its get up and go at anytime! Including getting on highways on short ramps and getting through heavy traffic. Its now on its second journey to Tenn. from very flat Florida and has been a rock for dependablity. Even though it has spent most of its life a couple feet above sea level it does not not hesistate to tackle the Smokey Mtns with a vengance and ease. I do agree that its a bit shift happy when the cruise controls on or going down hills but I dont have many hills to go down at home and the hills I have encountered (ie: Smokeys), Ill gladly take it downshifting to slow itself!

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  The Daddy Mobile - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jason - August 27 - 10:23 am

  I am a large fellow and this car is a perfect fit for me. I have plenty of leg room and am very comfortable in it. Its style is just sporty enough to make me feel young (Im 27) but also responsible (I am a father of 1). Its safety features are very important to my wife and me and were one of the deciding factors in buying the car. Ive only had my Forenza for a week and I couldnt be happier with it. Although the wheel covers could be improved to help the look of the car, the car itself far outweighs such petty gripes!

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  I Love My Car! - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Joann Ponder - August 21 - 3:43 am

  I have only had my vehicle for about 1 month but so far it has been my best. I actually enjoy driving again. Would highly recommend to anyone.

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  Love the Aerio - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By HappyCSA - August 17 - 10:00 am

  The Aerio is fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. It has a roomy interior with plenty of room for myself 2 teenagers and all of their stuff.

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  LOVE MY SUZUKI GRAND VITARA - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Terry - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Owner for approximately one year. Have owned Honda Accord & Nissa0n Altima and traded a Toyota Rav 4 for this Suzuki Gr-Vitara. The Suzuki is the Best of all of them as it offers more versatility cargo area just a hair shorter than the RAV 4 but full feature with the addition of the NET for shopping pkgs etc. The all leather appointments look & feel better than the other vehicles. Overall it performs equally to these others, is soundproof and dashboard steering wheel conveniences. I LOVE DRIVING IT!

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  Great price Great Value Great car !!! - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By Mopstick - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a graet way to get this car for thousands cheeper, just get the 4 cyl. I got it loaded for 16000 and its tight Very reliable most of all Its big in a small way I hope you enjoy it We do We have bought a few suzuki products over the years and the value and reliability is what you com to expect from any japanese car compay with out the heavy price tag !!!

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  Great Vehicle for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Tharpomaximus - August 7 - 1:10 am

  Very reliable and fun to drive. No tire wear problems as others have had. Handles great in snow. Gas mileage as advertised - dont expect anything better. Seems to depreciate quickly, but purchase price was low in comparison to CRX and Rav4.

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  Our First Family SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Sherwin - August 7 - 1:06 am

  When we first test drove the Suzuki Grand Vitara, we could feel its intense power and handling. It was widely noticed with its hot sleek looks, and came with a 4 mode 4WD system that I only expected from top end vehicles. The 2006 model was the first to have the new looks. Recently we went through a blizzard and the SUV handled amazingly. No slipping or getting stuck in the snow.

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  Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Christopher Trifaro - August 3 - 6:20 am

  I was looking for a small SUV on the likes of a Jeep Liberty. I thought that the Liberty is an overpriced vehicle. I looked at the Grand Vitara Luxury and it sold itself. It had every option I was looking for for half the price. The fuel economy was better than the Jeep Liberty and the ride was more comfortable because of the independent suspension. Every extra option that you ask for in the Jeep is more money. It seems like they threw all the options in the Grand Vitara Luxury for free. Very nice truck not a snail off the line and on the highway it has some power also.