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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  Expectations - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Jean67 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I never had a brand new vehicle. We traded in a 2007 Honda civic, which I absolutely loved. I dont know if its us or not but the passengers side seat is very low on the floor. Does anyone have the same problem? We have 1400 miles on it and only get 25 mpg. Im disappointed in that. I think its sluggish when first taking off. Dont like the funny looking long button near the speedometer. It looks stupid.

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  Good small truck not crossover.... - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By fred102 - March 23 - 4:39 pm

  I have my 07 Grand Vitara since a year and half ago... so far it is doing great. I bought it will 45,000 miles and already has 71,000 and it feels as good as new....of course, synthetic oil every 3,000 mls, besides that gas. Dont use cheap gas on this truck because you are wasting your money. the truck wont run the right way and in the last run, you are just cutting the life of your truck. Tires, it came with hancook tires and still has the same in great shape. Remember and dont get confuse, this is not a crossover Mickey Mouse AWD car. this is a small 4x4 truck with a real chassis and frame and thats makes a difference...

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  Its Perfect For Me - 2003 Suzuki Vitara
  By Camperjoe - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I traded a minivan for my Suzuki Vitara and I couldnt be happier. It performs perfectly, I LOVE the gas mileage. I like the way it handles driving around town especially.

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  Aerio - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By augoct221 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This Vehicale is great in snow. The gas milage is a little disapointing for its class.

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  Good Little Truck - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By ed - March 16 - 2:43 am

  I brought this little suv brand new 10 yrs ago. Its been really good for the most part. Only problems are a/c condenser and the steering rack needed replaced (after driving on nyc roads for 10 yrs, I dont blame the car). Also, the body panels had to be glued back on twice (Suzuki covered). I still own it but due to my kids getting bigger and needing a pick-up for yard work, its getting traded in soon (Ill miss it).

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  My Aerio - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Yvonne08 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my little Aerio. At first, when i saw the car i was hesitant, but as soon as I got inside and saw all the cute original features that the car has, I fell in love. Ive had my car now for four months and Im so happy. I hope it lasts a long time with me. =)

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  Mutiple trips to the dealer - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Therese - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I wanted to buy a vehicle that has a lot of style/ comfort and reliabilty and a good warranty so I chose the Forenza. I purchased this car last Saturday and am happy with all but one aspect of the car...it pulls to the right regardless if Im accelerating or driving at a normal speed. I have made 3 trips to the dealer since buying this vehicle and have been told that this may be NORMAL for this car by the service dept. There is no way it is normal to drive off the road! I have also been told that the hard pull to the right when I accelerate is due to the torque steer/pull. That it is normal for it to due this.

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  Id like it to last forever - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By dotteddancer - March 8 - 7:06 pm

  My daughter bought the 2001 Suzuki Esteem Wagon in 2004 to drive between college and student teaching. It had 60,000 miles on it. When she graduated I bought it from her to drive to work with 90,000 miles. I have driven it now 5 years and it has 212,000 miles. So far there have been no major repairs required. My husband finds it uncomfortable but I dont have any problems driving it. It is low to the ground and tends to catch flying rocks on the windshield that a taller vehicle would have hit the grill. It averages 30-31 MPG highway, which is the majority of my driving. I would like cruise control. The biggest problem has been an oil leak at the head gasket and the CD doesnt work.

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  forenza sedan "S" - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jean - February 28 - 5:40 am

  This car has so many features I doubt I could list all of them. With the automatic transmission it a takes off really fast with a sufficent amount of pedal pressure, but then it seems to shift to low in order to keep the same acceleration. Other than that its a great car. It has alot of cabin room, great looking interior, and a sleek looking exterior! Everything is automated like windows, gass cap, mirrors (heated) trunk...etc. Seats are manual and uncomfortable. Has driver/passenger, and side airbags. I like the 15" wheels with P195\55R15 Kumho touring tires. Also has very stylish high intensity headlights. 2 cooling fans on radiator. Has 4 wheel disc brakes. Its a great car for the $.

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  Suzuki now has a good reputation - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By cdang - February 25 - 8:30 pm

  I have driven many SUVs and cars in my life, and Im 18. This SUV is among the best small SUVs available out in the market. For the price and standard options (most would be options on other automakers), this is the most affordable Japanese vehicle. I own an 07 Toyota Highlander as well, and compared with engine, this SUV isnt the best. Highlander, which is bigger in size has a larger engine, more horsepower and better fuel estimates (based on my driving) than the Vitara. The engine on this SUV is good for the size of the vehicle, but is a gas guzzler. The engine is quite loud. But everything else is very good.For what I paid, it is a true bargain.