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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  So far So good - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Forenza005 - July 15 - 8:20 pm

  I bought my 2005 Suzuki Forenza and the dealership failed to give me a car fax and tell me it had been in a tiny wreck prior to purchasing it. I have spent money on it for 60K tune up, cost me 2K, at least that and the tire rims well they bend easily and cost 150 bucks each and can only be purchased at the dealership. But its paid for and NO I will not buy another one. I want a Ford or a Honda next time. My car makes odd sounds and groans like I do when I have to go to work. But at 116K miles and going and the gas mileage is excellent 35+ on the highway, I will not give her up unless my little silver money drainer dies first.

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  Great car! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Holly - July 13 - 7:00 pm

  This is a great car. I have owned this car for 21 months and I am very happy. It is not great on the hills, but is a good car overall. Almost no mantinence(which is great). My car averages 24.4 miles per gallon. Very roomy for people of all sizes. The car is very easy to get in and out of. It is good to have the AWD when the weather is bad. I am very pleased.

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  Fun Car, Has Everything I Wanted - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By yoyobob - July 12 - 5:30 am

  This little car has everything I wanted including power. If I was to improve it I would reduce the power a bit and try to get a bit better gas mileage. I can fit all the camping gear, bikes and freinds I want into it. Im now hauling my new Kayak on top and it has worked out great. I love this car.

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  Greatness is here - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By mike nile - July 12 - 4:13 am

  The sport utility/SUV is a nice design feels like you are driving in a 55,000 vehicle. I prefer the rwd vehicle over fwd types which end up having misalignment problems and tire issues, the towing capacity is good 3000 the others offer about 1500, the heated leather seats and mirrors are a nice feature, the engine is strong and will thrust you in your seat when you tap the pedal, plenty of pick up and go! Nice cargo space and rear foldable seats is a plus when more space is needed. Many extra features are included at different package levels on vehicle of choice. I suggest to take one for a test drive then try the competition you will then choose the grand vitara a great purchase.

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  Classy Little Ride - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By NioGio - July 11 - 1:16 pm

  Back in 96 I purchased a new Suzuki Tracker 4x4 convertible. It was probably the best all around vehicle I have ever owned...fun to drive, never got stuck ANYWHERE, stingy on the gas and an easy to maintain stylish interior(for the money). So in 2000, when Chevy introduced the Chevy Tracker 4dr 4x4...I just HAD to have it! It had an upgraded goodies package that raised the price to $21,000. I couldnt WAIT to turn that thing in when the lease was up, it was awful and nothing but problems! In 2005 I came across a used XL-7, took it for a test drive and fell in love all over again. It is everything I loved about the Sidekick in a bigger, beefier package! Sorry Chevy, but Suzuki wins this one hands down.

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  My Suzuki Areio SX - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By ronjoanlo - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the vehicle to replace a 9 yr old four door sedan and that had past its usefulness My wife fell in love with the SX. We purchased the vehilce in Memphis Tn and drove it to Las Vegas, Nv where we retired. the ride accross country was uneventful and we got 32mpg which was terrific. The handling is more than expected from a small car.

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  Suzuki, Im Impressed!!! - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Rob in UT - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has fantastic bang for the buck! The Aerio SX comes fully loaded - - options that cost extra on the Toyota and Mazda cars. The Aerio is a fun to drive, reliable, economical vehicle -- offering room for 4 full size adults (5 in a pinch). Ive had many people ask me about this car... its sporty and functional.

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  Love this car - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By veaja - July 10 - 12:40 am

  We just got our Forenza wagon. We love it. It has room for our family. The stereo system is great. We travel on the weekends to ball tournaments and it hold all my sons ball stuff. Drive like a dream. It has lots of extras for not a lot of money. I would buy one all over again.

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  The best car ever! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Johana Flores - July 4 - 3:06 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for about seven months, and they have been great! The car handles beautifully and I love the sound of the engine reving up. In the city I cant drive so fast but on a recent trip to Las Vegas I had fun! Handles curves nicely, great on inclines, and great mileage for gas!

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  A lot for the money!!!! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Gerardo - June 30 - 8:23 pm

  The 2004 Suzuki Verona is a good, reliable car It has a good quiet ride and handles well on the road with good passing power. Its controls are easy to access. It does not have much horsepower, but the torque kicks in at the right time