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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  Where are they hiding the x-tra 2 cyls ? - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Louienj1 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  To sit in this car is the best dollar for dollar lux-o-like sedans. Hit the road and you CAN NOT believe this car is 6 cyl. I drove many cars under 25k, none of the others had less power. Understand that true driving power is derived by the engine output vs. the cars weight. This car is "an attractive cow with the heart of a hamster". I really liked the interior of the car. Suzuki should use the XL-7 V6 engine, even if it adds $1-$2Gs to the price. If you really do want this car, wait. By 2005 they will offer a more powerful version. So buy a more powerful V6 or save on the 2004 models left or buy used (because the warranty transfers).

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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Tony - August 18 - 2:06 am

  I just purchased this car because of its looks and how it drives, On the road all you see these days is Hondas and Toyotas I wanted to be diffrent and bought a Reno. The car is very spacious and very confortable, it rides well too.

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  Fantastic SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Bev - August 13 - 2:26 pm

  Im very happy with my 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara. Ive always driven compact cars and I found this SUV easy to drive. The price is hard to beat with all the safety features that come standard on this SUV, not to mention the great warranty. The ride is smooth and its very fun to drive. The interior is appealing and the exterior is bold.

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  Death Trap - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By yolanda Meadowcroft - August 12 - 8:23 pm

  My car has been in the shop many times for the transmission and other defects that could of caused death to me and my daughter I felt I was pushed into the vehicle. These cars are the worst rated vehicle god help you when you purchase, say a prayer every time you drive the highway

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  Fun and economical - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By MGJ - August 7 - 2:53 pm

  I bought this car with 27k miles on it. I now have 115,000 0n it. So far the only major thing thats happened was I had to put a clutch kit in at about 87k. My daughter was trying to learn to drive a stick & I attributed that to her slipping the clutch so much. Before I retired I drove this car almost 1000 miles a week for 3 years. It gets between 28-35 mpg on highway and a little less in the city. It is roomier and peppier that the new Honda Fit which looks like the Aerio SX.

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  I love my Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Classylady - August 7 - 12:46 am

  I have always been a sedan driver. I preferred Nissan over other sedans. When I purchased my Suzuki Grand Vitara February 13, 2006 really was in the market for a new Nissan Altima but was amazed at the design of the Grand Vitara and how easy it was to drive without feeling like I was in a big Ford truck. Thanks Suzuki for designing such a wonderful vehicle. I have been a Nissan owner for over 20 years so to get me hooked on your vehicle says a whole lot. I love My Suzuki Grand Vitara.

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  Hate It - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By chris - August 5 - 9:13 pm

  I cant stand my Suzuki XL-7. I have had so many problems with it and the dealer refuses to fix any of them. I wish that I never bought it. I will never buy any other vehicle from Suzuki in my life and will tell all my friends not to either.

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  Very good - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jim Gunning - August 1 - 4:33 am

  The Suzuki Aerio is a very good small car. It gets 27 mpg average on highways and 24 mpg city.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Suzuki Lover 4 Life - August 1 - 12:46 am

  The the fit and finish of the 2004 Suzuki Verona compares favorably with a number of more expensive European sedans. This car has a quality Japanese engine and drivetrain.

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  Great Car, Buy it! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Buy it !!! - July 30 - 1:16 am

  OK guys heres the story and the word from someone who knows. Listen up, this is a fantastic car. It has tons of standard upgrades that other cars makers charge an arm and a leg for. It handles great, looks very European and very cool, and it comes with a CD/MP3 player 8 speaker system - standar ! I highly recommend getting the 5-speed manual transmission over automatic. The manual will give you more power, more control, and its a heck of lot quieter than the automatic. Take my word for it, youll love the car. I looked at the Honda Civic, Hyundai, and the Scion tC; and The Suzuki Reno beats them all hands down. The quality is second to none. Thats the story and the word.