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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  A Good Looker! - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By Brian Devo - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle as a starter-car, and I got a nice deal on it. Although I did not know much about the Esteem, I have grown to really like its styling, handling and performance. It took some adjusting, as I was accustomed to driving larger vehicles, I now find this vehicle fun to drive. The vehicle is light, and can get blown around on a windy day on the highway, but I am no longer looking for the speeding tickets associated with faster models, that encourage me to speed. This is a conservative looking vehicle, and just what I wanted...great car, great price!

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  Good ride - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Wade - September 28 - 6:56 pm

  I bought my car in December, 05. I love my Forenza. I drove it from Louisiana to Colorado and had great gas milage. I bought it to commute to school and it has served that purpose well. If you need a car to get around town or are a college student, get this car!

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  Excellent - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By BigAl - September 28 - 3:10 pm

  I love everything about this car. It gets good fuel economy, has style, ergonomics, decent handling, and a nice interior. To top it all off, its a bargain. I cant believe the reviewers are so negative on this car. They must just be biased.

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  2004 Suzuki Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By eddie c. pollard - September 27 - 1:16 am

  The car has been in the shop quite a bit as a result of a stalling / hesitation problem with the engine. Also, the cruise control has quit working and has been replaced once and will need to be replaced again. The cruise control is a mechanical unit that sometimes surges significantly once set and poses a safety problem.

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  DUSTIN AND JESSICAS REVIEW - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By DUSTIN - September 26 - 10:00 am

  GREAT GAS MILEAGE AND FOR A FAMILY SEDAN TYPE CAR, VERY ZIPPY. COMFORTABLE AND GOOD AUDIO SYSTEM. PLENTY OF ROOM. (QUICK BUT NOT TOO FAST)

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  Extinct- R.I.P. - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By Funkhybrid - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I was so happy when I heard Suzuki was discontinuing this model, it was the most intelengent decision made regarding this car, as oppose to mine. This car is a good way to throw out $10,500. ( New) or $16k which is how much it has cost us to maintain. I have nothing positive to say regarding this auto. Except, I am glad we have three years left.

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  Not too bad a car - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By dennis - September 17 - 10:46 pm

  Well, I have owned my car for one month right now and I have to say that I am rather happy. Did have one minor glitch my clock did not work-service said fuse blew out- just did not know how that could have happned. Anyways, rides fine, has good pickup when giving it the gas, sound system is great, didnt really find the leg room space as others have found. I had an orginal 1986 Pontaic Grand Am which I found to just as have as much leg space as this car but the backseat is more comfortable to sit in as my friends report.

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  So nice!!!! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By kuzuki reno - September 17 - 6:06 am

  I love this car. It drives so smooth. I had one car on my mind for the last year and well it was not this car but when I saw it i had to test drive it and fell in love with it.

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  Life after Death - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Ken - September 14 - 7:53 am

  I had very few issues with the vehicle. Most of the issues were that maintenance personnel didnt know what to do with it, expressly Jiffy-Lube. This car is so well built that it saved my life!!! Its gone now. It was a total loss when an idiot ran a red light at 70 mph!! He destroyed the front clip and the front pillar, but didnt shatter one glass!! I owe my life to it. Ken

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  My Little Buggy - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Cindie - September 9 - 3:03 am

  So far, so good. The gas tank could be larger. I feel really safe in this car, and it is well built and has many amenities for the price. I wont fear snow this winter, and the car is so easy to park. I like sitting up high, and the visibility is so much better. I have a hip problem, and the seats are very comfortable, so Im not in pain. Ive never owned anything other than GM cars, so this is a totally new experience for me. A great car for a 50-something single woman.