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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  Yuck - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By Joe - October 25 - 1:00 pm

  The acceleration on this is terrible. The seats feel like youre sitting on a rock. The gas mileage is OK and thats being nice. I guess I just expected more out of this car considering Im paying $455 a month for it and theres no cruise control. Even my 1993 Chevy S10 had cruise control.

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  "Suzuki" HA "SuDookie" - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Mr. Pissed - October 19 - 5:56 pm

  I cant believe there is anyone out there that is happy with their Verona. It must be that some are great and then most are junk. My Verona has been in the shop six times and it is still junk. I have read that the engine was not designed to run on fuel that has an ethanol content. My Verona has been in the shop six times and the engine is still not right. Suzuki does not stand by this great Warranty they claim to have. I have also read that a lot of Verona owners have had Suzuki buy back their Verona, why would Suzuki do that unless they know the car is junk. I am trying to make the same thing happen. Its a battle. Good-luck.

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  not too good, Even at that price. - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By medin - September 17 - 11:56 am

  Overall the car is not horrible, but I keep having problems with the aligment and the dealer has done it 5 times with no success. I have had problems with the door locks, body molding, radio and tires. The dealer has not been the most attentive one. I would not buy another and would not recommend it. I would also not recommend the dealer, Bill Seidel, for anything. The only positive thing that I can really say is that the car has a good pick-up and is a sturdy SUV.

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  Not for towing - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Johnny - August 18 - 6:43 am

  Decent back and forth to work vehicle, in many types of weather, buts thats it! Looks good, but Im very dissappointed in fuel mileage and the shift points in the transmission. The dealer says there is nothing wrong with it. Well you travel 460 kms (round trip approx 920 ) and spend 500 dollars in gas (497) this is ridiculous! Hauling a single axle aluminum snowmobile trailer with 2 atvs which weigh 525 lbs and 402lbs, trailer might weigh in around 400 lbs. This thing is being sold. My old Ford pick-up would get better gas mileage . Very dissappointed, however make sure when you ask about towing small trailers before you buy.

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  Worst Car Experience - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By adam - August 14 - 9:33 am

  This car has many electrical, and powertrain problems that may not be detected until after the standard and powertrain warranty. There are so many complaints floating around that raises questions about Suzuki Autos quality control. Not every vehicle is free of problems, but this is ridiculous. My advice, avoid the Forenza at all costs. The 2005 Forenza Wagon and other problematic models should be put out of their misery. Save your money, do your research, and invest in a more reliable auto. Dont even get me started on trying to get repairs done on this. This by far is the worst car experience Ive ever had. :(

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  Piece of Junk - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By ang - August 13 - 11:00 am

  I bought this car new. Since then I had to have my passenger door painted. My windshield wipers are rusted my rear view mirror always has a vibration. Also like many others I had a door handle break. Now every time I drive my car looses the gas my car looses speed. Now it has a leak under the engine as well. This is very unsafe and of course they tell my nothing is wrong with my car. Not reliabe and not safe. Worst car ever I will never buy another Suzuki. Dont waste your money no wonder they dont make these cars anymore.

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  Little Car, Many Annoyances - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Handy Dude - August 2 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive especially around the city. Being small it isnt comfortable on long trips. The interior storage is well thought out. It has never stranded me fortunately, but I dont trust the car much. Its annoying and costly to own. It goes through tires every 20,000 miles max, even with alignments and rotation; the rear alignment lacks a key adjustment; brake rotators warp easily and brakes need replacing often; fuel economy of a big V8, and the AC belt tensioner is hard to replace and doesnt last long before it gets really noisy. The interior clock light goes off when the headlights are turned on and there other annoyances. The black velor door panels are hard to keep clean.

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  Dissappointed overall - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By tonyw - July 28 - 7:16 pm

  Have 48,600 miles on this vehicle. Regret buying it to replace a Mits. Montero LX. Really poor mpg, underpowered. Handles well after replace OEM Yokohama tires, which lasted only 20,000mi. Have had to replace the drivers seat cover because of poor fabric quality. Second will not last, either. Very cheap upholstery and even cheaper carpet (have covered with rubber mats). Brakes are spongy (common complaint) low-beam headlights have shadows and point at the pavement (cant be adjusted). Have an intermittent engine miss or transmission slip dealer cant find. Have ping in a u-joint that dealer replaced a faulty rear hub instead. Overall, this is not worth the money and has not held value.

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  Buyer Beware - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Calais, ME - July 14 - 1:36 pm

  Purchased as a "Program Car" with 15,000 miles. The vehicle now has a total of 34,150 miles. Under 20,000 miles the heater and blower went. With 30,000 miles the front end suspension and struts needed to be replaced. With 33,000 miles two engine rotors, belts and brakes needed to be repolaced. The front bumper is easliy dislodged with any hint of snow. The 10 year warranty is a scam. Costs of parts and repairs are outrageous

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  Does The Job Nicely - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By llapper - June 23 - 11:33 am

  Approaching two years of onwnership with my Grand V Lux Pak and have been pleasantly surprised so far. Outside of three oil changes, Ive had no maintenance issues at all. The vehicle rides nicely on highway, but road bumps are a wee bit jarring. Engine output is just okay for daily commuting but passing is a challenge on CA highways. This car does what it is supposed too and as advertised. Alas, at the two year point I think I hear hear a Buick Enclave calling my name.