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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  Hidden Value of Intermediates - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Robert Gross - February 1 - 3:23 am

  My "other" car is a Mercedes AMG, so that is a good reference point when I say the fit and finish on this car is superb! My first car with a CVT and it is smooth. Good MPG. Buy one of these because everyone finds out about them.

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  Great car - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By dfrasure - January 18 - 2:07 pm

  I bought this on an impulse and have not been disappointed. I love this inside ans out. I have yet to find any problems.

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  Very under-estimated car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By cdrl - January 16 - 10:00 am

  In my opinion although this car came sixth out of six in its category, it came number one in both engine and transmission. This is 90% of what you want in a car. Very cormfortable seats and guess what - all my friends (some have a Matrix and a Protege 5) think that this is the most fun car to own. Love the sound of the peppy engine, very fuctional interior unlike the competitors who have useless storage for things like cellphones Safety hazard) and junk food (no place for wrappers. Gets quieter at higher speeds

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  Very Reliable Ride - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Ross - January 16 - 9:26 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Gas mileage is about 25MPG city and 30 MPG highway. Very peppy drivetrain. Turns on a dime, lots of storage space. Nothing has ever broken down on this car (knock on wood). I have only replace oil, air filters, and a battery. I highly recommend it.

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  Suzuki, More Bang for your Buck! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Juan G Lozada - January 14 - 4:13 am

  My Forenza has is not only worth every dollar I paid for it, but it tops any Toyota or Honda in its class. We are a family of five and fit comfortabilly and there is space for my daughters wheelchair and luggage. The gas mileage is great, compared to the Toyota I used to have, and is as reliable as the Nissan and Honda we had. If you want more bang for your buck any Suzuki model is worth every cent. I was also an owner of a 2002 XL-7 when I lived in Puerto Rico and with bad roads and weather conditions, I felt super safe and it was fun to drive.

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  Got another one - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By CJ - January 14 - 1:36 am

  I had a 1999 Grand Vitara for 3 years and NEVER had a lick of trouble with it (except for the typical air conditioner problem). I then bought a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo LS, which I hated. I had lots of problems with it. I regretted getting rid of my little Suzuki, so I decided on another Grand Vitara. The level of refinement from 1999 to 2004 is amazing, and Im happy to be back in a vehicle I have a lot of confidence in. I read what owners say about this truck, I know my experiences with the vehicle, then I read the "experts" tests. Well, the "experts" are nuts IMO. They are worried about defrost button illumination, minor engine noise, etc. You think that this truck gets poor gas mileage? Drive a V6 Rodeo around for awhile.

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  youll be surprised - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By leb526475 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  this car is affordable, reliable and worth every penny. youll be impressed with the interior design. i love mine

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  One great car! - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ginny - January 7 - 1:43 pm

  I had a 1991 Suzuki Sidekick for years and loved it. When I went for a new car in 2005, I knew exactly what I would purchase. This car drives like a dream and is extremely comfortable.

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  I Love my Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Vince Donofrio - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I always said that I wouldnt buy a vehicle not made in America. But guess what, I did and I love it. It rides great, its very easy to judge parking, has plenty of power and it is, for me, fun to drive. It has all the amenities that, with maybe the exception of one or two, that I could possible want in a car. I never owned a 4WD before and we had our first snow fall a few days ago and it worked great. I have only two small complaints. Im a smoker and I am not crazy about where the ash tray is, and, while the engine produces heat quickly, the interior takes a while to warm up. Thats it.

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  You can not find a better value in a SUV - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Jeremy - January 3 - 6:10 pm

  I actually did not plan on buying this vehicle when I visited the dealership. I sat in one on the showroom floor and was amazed. Our other vehicle is a 2003 Ford Explorer Limited and for a mere $9000 less the XL-7 blows it away. The only option missing is power seats. Fuel economy is a little lower on the highway than rated but most of my travel is above 70 mph. Overall it is a quiet smooth ride. There are no options on the EX version, everything is standard.