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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  I have to have a title??? - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By stagmie - June 13 - 10:00 am

  A very fun vehicle to drive! Goes many places those big SUVs cant. Even my 2- Wheel drive model has gotten me in and out of some unbeliavable places. The comments I get about the vehicle when the top is down are a added plus.

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  Great Buy! - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By jimayaay - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The XL-7 is exactly what we needed at an excellent price. We have researched test drove and priced numerous vehicles with the seven seat capacity including the Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Montero, Volvo XC-90, and the Infiniti QX-4. Aside from the XC-90 the Suzuki XL-7 is technically comparable except for a few minor conveniences. Also in price the XL-7 is practically half the price of the XC-90 which was the biggest sellin point for our household. All in all we find the XL-7 an excellent buy for a solid and safe SUV.

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  Best Little Wagon for Moms - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By kspage - June 10 - 1:03 pm

  I love this car! When I was shopping for a new car that was sporty but also practical for me and my toddler, I never even knew about this car. But after my Mom took me to a Suzuki dealership, which was unusual because I am a Honda lover, I immediately fell in love with the look of the Aerio. Because I am in my 20s, I didnt want a minivan but also didnt want to revisit my teenie bopper days. Its a hip car with a mature feel.

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  My 4th Suzuki...another winner - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By ric1000 - June 10 - 12:40 am

  As a long time Suzuki owner, I would have been disappointed at anything less than a great value. I was not. The 2006 Suzuki Forenza reminded me why I bought my 2nd and 3rd Suzukis (and now my 4th). It has an excellent price, excellent reliability, all in a beautiful package. I am sure that this is not my last Suzuki.

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  2002 Suzuki Aerio SX wagon - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By puce - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Have had no problems. comfortable and enjoyable to drive. Not out to race with corvettes but performance beat the other i tried (Toyota,Honda,Pontiac) and pricing great. Great car for the money and very reliable.

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  Verona rocks - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By whatmot - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Brought car after checking out competitors offerings. Value for dollar motoring. throaty engine -gets up and boogies esp nice at 80 miles per hr. Interior finishing superb esp walnut & silver trim. Extra attention to finer details that make a great car.

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  One of a Kind - Fun to Drive - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By CSI - June 6 - 8:40 pm

  I have ownedmy 2004 Suzuki XL-7 for eight months and have had problems with the rear end differential and CD changer and problems with the 4x4 disengaging. Other than that, I really like driving it. The 4x4 does not disengage properly when the tempurature outside is less than 30 degrees, which is not a good thing in Minnesota. I get 16 -19 mpg and the gas tank is too small, so I spend a lot of time at the gas station. The engine is underpowered for the vehicle.

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  Awesome little car! - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Olivia - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my SX4 for a few days, so I dont really know how reliable or durable it is yet, but I have a feeling that it wont give me too many problems. My SX4 is the 2009 "Touring Edition" sport wagon with AWD, and it had 6,000 miles on it when I bought it. I fell in love with these cars as soon as they came out (the sport wagons, not so much the sedans), and I knew that if I ever needed to get rid of my Jeep in favor of better gas mileage, this would be the car Id get. Low and behold, my hubby and I have to move to another state with a warmer climate where I wont need 4x4 anymore, so I got my SX4! Its a great looking little car thats super fun to drive.

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  Suzuki Kizashi is awesome. - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Larry Rogers - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Driving the Kizashi is a very great time of fun on wheels. With great standard features that can help me enjoy the ride of my life.

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  Very Satisfied - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By m1wick - June 4 - 6:16 pm

  I loved owning the 05 vehicle so much that I purchased an 06. I would definitely recommend this car to someone looking for a compact.