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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  Fully loaded beauty - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By selene gordon - August 2 - 8:30 am

  These cars are absolutely beautiful. Completely loaded, better than a Camry pricewise, very luxurious inside, lights up like a Jetliner at night. This car is so awesome. I am so glad I found one. I feel very classy in it.

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  Very Impressed... - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By DOCMITZ - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Traded 130K Nissan Maxima. I was concerned trading down in horsepower from 255 to 177. Then the thought of saving $12K on new Maxima made me turn the corner. I could not be more impressed. I drove both and while there is quite a difference in get up and go, the Verona drove so much smoother and quieter. Only concern in the back of my mind is Fuzzy Technology Transmission. Needs to get to know me and I need to get to know it. Seems the thing has a brain that reacts to its drivers tendancies. Only time will tell if the savings and value are there, but with a seven year 100,000 mile warranty, no worries and the price is outstanding for a fully loaded model.

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  Forenza is good - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Bobby Garcia - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Great for first car, even if you are 35 like me. I bought the car after having a Honda Civic, a 99. I like this car much better, has more features, and less noise, with as much pickup.

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  My White Forenza - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Joel Porto - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The handling at high speeds is superb, very tight. The gas mileage is as expected on highways. The Exterior is great, looks similar to the Corolla S, also has Altezza like tail lights. The interior design does not look cheap at all.

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  Still smiling!! - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By jaydee11 - July 30 - 8:27 pm

  I only stopped at the dealer for an appointment for an oil change for my Chevy HHR.The next thing I know, I bought a Kizashi!! I love browsing the lots,so my Chevy dealer is also a Suzuki dealer. And there it was! Tucked in between a bunch of Chevys, a black Kizashi. He says how do you feel about this one? It looks nice I said."Would you like for me to get the keys?" I said yeah,sure. But if I get the keys, youll have to test drive it! Yeah,whatever I said. MAn, did I have a ball!! He went with me and showed me a twisty backroad which I never knew existed! God does that baby handle great!! I thought it was the AWD version,thats how great it felt!

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  First new car in a decade - 2013 Suzuki SX4
  By suzukiguy - July 30 - 3:06 pm

  I purchased this car after owning a 2002 Hyundai Elantra for ten years. I had the choice between this and a 2012 accord, and I chose this. Im super happy with my decision. This is an awd with excellent gas mileage and lots of ground clearance. I hope the sx4 turns out to be as awesome as my Elantra was.

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  Great Value, Runs Strong - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By gomaingo - July 28 - 10:00 am

  The Aerio has the feel of a large car, with its high roof and large trunk. You sit higher than most drivers which gives you great visability. The real fun comes while driving this quick little car, that handles suprisingly well. My only surprize is that I do not see more of them on the road.

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  Best Mid-size Suv for the Buck - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Stan D. - July 28 - 10:00 am

  A great SUV that has so much to offer for the price. I also like the piece of mind I get with the 7-year 100,000 mile warranty.

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  Best Bang for Your Buck - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By harmonic - July 26 - 8:56 am

  This vehicle has AWD for under $17,000 plus a plethora of amenities not usually found in a package for such a reasonable price. The initial quality impression is excellent. The interior fit and finish is clean, functional, and very roomy. Sitting high gives you the impression of being in a much bigger vehicle. It comes with standard power doors and locks. It has great visibility all around. Its nimble and agile suspension makes this the perfect urban road warrior.

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  Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Kimanzi - July 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is a nice family car. Car seats fit nice and snug, better than any other cars.