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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  Great value for the dollars - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Computerman - June 12 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Suzuki. My wife and I have owned and swore by Nissans for 25 years - Sentra, Stanza, Pulsar, Altima, 300zx. We left 2 Nissan dealers holding new Altimas for us after we test drove this car. This is a loaded automobile with very well thought out features - trunk lid opens right down to the bumper, radio and cruise controls on the steering wheel, mute button, intelligent transmission, wide opening doors with red interior lights, driver cant be locked out with keys inside. 7yr/100k warranty, great visibility and short turning radius. You need to see this car. You wont believe what youre getting for the price.

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  Verona EX - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By mm9351 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  The overall quality, workmanship, and fit / finish will exceed your expectations. On par with Honda, Nissan and Toyota. Power, while not in abundance, is more than adequate, and it feels stronger as it breaks in. Low end torque kicks in and peaks at only 4000 rpm. In-line six is noted for its smothness and was designed by Porsche. Suzuki has a real winner with the new Verona. It offers the most "value" (i.e. bang for the buck) for any mid- size car currently available.

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  Heathers Review - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By heathergirlie20 - June 9 - 9:10 pm

  My experience my 2005 Suzuki Forenza has been great. I love it. Its my second vehicle and I wish it had been my first vehicle because I love it so much!

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  Luv My XL-7 - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By pam - June 7 - 8:20 pm

  We bought my XL-7 used it had 60,770 miles on it. My husband wanted to get me a better vehicle for my 40 mile commute. I love it. I never really thought I would like a utility vehicle but this one has surprised me. Corners well easy to handle and I can see out all around. Great little truck. I would highly recommend it to anyone that needs a 4X4 and it sports plenty of room and a third row seat for my grandchildren. My teenage daughter even likes to drive it. Very stylish looking and I would definitely buy another one. Best vehicle I have ever owned and I have had quite a few.

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  Great Suzuki Wagon 2006 - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Great Wagon - May 31 - 9:40 am

  I purchased my wagon used with 13k miles for $9,200. I previously owned a Grand Vitara but it was too bumpy on the road. The wagon is smooth, average 25 mpg, can get as much as 27.6 on highway. I used 87 octane and read a former owners review and he suggests to use 91 octane for more miles. Just wish there was a rear release button for the trunk door. I now have 20k miles and no problems. I definitely would recommend this wagon over a SUV. Maybe one day they will improve the gas mileage and softer seats. The leather seating is so much better, but i didnt want an additional $1500 expense. Overall I am happy.

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  I love my Aerio - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By nicole - May 26 - 5:03 am

  This car is much quicker and agile than I had expected. The interior is great and very easy to keep clean. Overall I think it was a very good value. My best friend has a VW Golf and she paid almost $5,000 more and the only thing she has that I dont is a nifty switchblade key.

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  Beats Out the Subaru for Us - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By bensx4 - May 25 - 8:56 pm

  We live in the mountains at Lake Tahoe and drive a lot through the snow and over the passes so we need a car with AWD, good gas mileage, and able to haul our gear around. We had all but decided to buy a Subaru - however we found out about the Suzuki SX4 and compared it very closely with the Impreza and found that the features were better in the SX4. The warranty much better (100,000 miles), the financing rate was lower, and the overall base price was about $4,000 less (plus its pretty cool looking!). So far weve put about 1,000 miles on it and have really enjoyed the car. It drives well, has enough pep to make it up the mountain passes, is very comfortable, and has lots of interior space for a smaller car.

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  A pleasure to drive - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Louis Anderson - May 20 - 2:43 pm

  This is a terrific 2WD SUV. The 6 cylinder engine handles the mountains of NC, TN, and AL easily and delivers more mpg then the sticker claims. This is a comfortable ride on long trips and it has great visibility. The fact that it is packed with the latest safety features and creature comforts make this a great auto. The second row seating has adjustable backs and the full swing open door makes it easy to load / unload especially for seniors. Its great brakes and esp make this a safe car.

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  Great car! Wish I still had it - 2011 Suzuki SX4
  By mplser - May 17 - 2:11 pm

  This is an AMAZING car! If you live somewhere with lots of snow and ice, the awd lock is your best friend! feels like there isnt even any snow under your car when driving! It looks great, and My big tall 65" self fit in it with plenty of room to spare. Has more space for the driver than my Camry, which was my previous car. I can also, unfortunately, attest to the unbelievable safety of this car. I got in a head-on crash at about 50 mph with a large Infiniti. all the doors still opened after the crash, and the only injury i sustained was a small burn on my arm from the airbag opening and rubbing against it. I already miss my little SX4 :( I might even buy another one with my insurance check

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  Love my Forenza! - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Dani - May 11 - 4:56 pm

  Just bought the car and love it! Handles well with lots of get-up-and-go with my 5-speed manual. Really hugs the turns, clutch is a little soft though. Still havent found the "sweet spot" for 1st - keep peeling out on accident if Im not paying attention :-D And the gas mileage is excellent.