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:

• 

  Very Good for the Money - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By BobP - May 2 - 10:00 am

  So far it has been a great SUV for me. It is the first I have owned. I looked at many others in this class and most were much more expensive, were less roomy, and the interior materials looked cheaper. The Suzuki was above average in all of these areas. The build quality is excellent. The engine and transmission are quiet and smooth. So far in mixed driving I am getting 20mph. There is plenty of cargo space and comfort.

• 

  Great CR-V replacement - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By LakebearOH - May 1 - 7:50 am

  I thought I would keep my Honda CR-V forever. It was 10 years old but I didnt like anything else out there (including the new ones). Sat in the SX4 Crossover at the Auto Show in Cleveland and fell in love. Im getting 28 MPG driving back and forth to work. I do wish it had a bigger gas tank because with the miles I drive (over 400 a week) I have to fill up twice a week, but otherwise I love this car. It is quieter than my Honda and rides very nice. Ive gotten quite a few complements on it and a lot of questions because there arent many Suzuki dealerships in the area.

• 

  Your Bang for your Buck - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Gene - April 27 - 3:13 pm

  I researched a lot of vehicles for my off-roadster. The 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara came up just in the nick of time. I almost bought the 05 version. What can I say? Our daughter has one which is over ten years, 160,000 miles old. I just drove it cross country and it is still going strong. She now criss-crosses CA at here leisure while attending college over there. The 06 Premium model with 4WD that I have is rock solid, and with and attitude to boot, not to mention the great, affordable price. My only complaint is the short ratio in first gear. I drive the stick, but this is an all-terrain after all. Once in 5th gear, it zooms. It feels like a truck, yet it drives like a car. It is a great achievement on Suzukis part.

• 

  Always in the shop! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By EJLowerre - April 25 - 8:06 am

  Bought this car to have a new reliable way to get to work (100miles/day). Within the first 5,000 miles we got a rattle in the dash, now at 30,500 it still is not fixed after 5 trips to the shop!, We also have had 5 check engine light experinces, replaced throttle body and control arm bushings. The car is at the dealers more than my driveway. I got a lemon off the lot! Will never buy another Forenza. even the floor mats wore out in less than 20,000 miles

• 

  Would never own another Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mary - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought my GV with 17 miles on it and by 13,ooo miles had to replace 2 tires. At 23,000 had to replace the other two tires. Had to deal with 2 recall issues, one happened before the recall notice was made. Brakes started to feel mushy and at 38,000 miles 2 more tires were wearing out!! Gas mileage was terrible and the head lights made driving terrible at night! Just traded it in on 09/06/10 for a Toyota that I love!! Buying the Suzuki was the most costly and stupid mistake I ever made.

• 

  Value and then some - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mark - April 20 - 9:33 am

  I have owned my Grand Vit since Aug.2003. Bought it new w/only 60 (demo) miles on it. I dont drive much ( thats why the LOW mileage after over 18 months. I live in Syracuse, NY. We get lots of crappy weather including SNOW (measured in feet) during the winter months. One of the standard features for this model is elect/defrost for the power mirrors. It also has electronic climate control for heat/AC and a Clarion sound system w/ subwoofer right under the drivers seat. I think those clipboard toting snobs at JD Power are being way too techy/harsh. This is an EXCELLENT VALUE for anyone wanting an SUV (4WD capable) with quite a few creature comforts- not a LEXUS but u can buy 2 Suzukis

• 

  Dicks SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Richard, NC - April 20 - 7:40 am

  The SX4 is a good looking vehicle. Folks are always asking what it is. Its great fun to drive. It has plenty of room and space for groceries and trips to the garden center and the beach. It has excellent-fitting and good-looking interior trim. My first tank of gas averaged 31 mpg!

• 

  Nice Ride - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Pud - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle 3 weeks and impressed with the Ride,Comfort, Style.

• 

  Dont Buy This Car - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Mike - April 18 - 9:33 am

  Proceeding up a bridge in my Suzuki Forenza, the engine died taking out the power steering and brakes. The Forenza began to roll backwards into oncoming and merging traffic in a two lane construction area. I was able to avoid a serious multi-car accident with quick use of the emergency brake. The dealer wasnt immediately sure what went wrong and contacted Suzuki Tech Support. Sight unseen, they were told to order a list of parts including water pump, timing belt and complete head assembly. Suzuki denied the frequent occurrence of this failure, but knew the exact parts to replace? The water pump pulley had been installed backwards, allowing the timing belt to skip. This car is unfit for American roads. Recall it!

• 

  Never look innovation in the mouth - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By ROOKIE - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Having read other Aerio comments,I could not resist. One should never equate innovation with the commanality of competitors. I specifically mean unfavorable wording re:digital readout for speedo, tach and other essentials. The vehicle is uniquely different; like Heidi Klum. Hasta la proxima- Dont lift.