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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  Reliable but ugly - 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
  By JLite5784 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this relatively high mileage (over 100k in 2000) sidekick for use at my second home in the NC mountains. None of my other vehicles have four wheel drive, so I needed a cheap and reliable vehicle to drive in the winter. This thing is anemic in normal driving, but for its low price and winter-driving ability, it cant be beat.

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  Lousy - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By A chump - March 28 - 7:50 pm

  Fuel economy turned out to be lousy. Companies say 21 MPG in the city. That might be the one they tested. But the one I had only 17 MPG in the city. Going city to city was 19 MPG. Facts are facts. Thats why I got rid of it.

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  Reliable and economical transportation - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By vr6stud - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new. 17 months of trouble free driving at an average of 42 mpg in the city. Perfect commuter transportation for those who arent in a hurry to hug the bumper of the SUV in front of them. Comfortable front seats with controls and gauges ergonomically designed. Not having ABS brakes makes for some fun cornering if youre in the mood, but dont expect to accelerate past much of anything on the road with 4 wheels and a motor. 79 horsepower is the price you pay for that great fuel economy.

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  BUDRO - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By BUDRO - March 19 - 10:00 am

  MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT MANY DIFFERENT MID SIZE SUVS WHEN CAME UPON THE XL7 WE REALIZED WE FOUND JUST THE RIGHT MIX. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES. FIT AND FINISH IS SUPERB, THE RIDE IS NICE BUT YOU CANT EXPECT A CADILLAC RIDE FROM AN SUV STILL THE XL7 FEELS GOOD. THE INTERIOR LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING YOU WOULD FIND ON A MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE VEHICLE. ACCELERATION IS GOOD JUST DONT EXPECT V8 TYPE POWER INA 2.7 LITER V6.

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  I love my Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By lig1948 - March 11 - 11:10 am

  In my opinion the Forenza is one of the best looking traditional station wagons around. For the price, I dont think you can find anything better.

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  Tried and true - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By alby - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Aging it may be....but the the "Bug" was aging as well. Does not mean that it cannot be a good reliable vehichle for getting the groceries, shopping or just knocking about for us older Babes. It is as comfortable as any other car/truck that I have had.

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  Sweet - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By ateuptomuch - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car it has speed, good handling and lots of head room

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  Good car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Janell19 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I drove my Aerio from Wa state to Texas and back on each drive we averaged about 32 miles to the gallon. In town I get about 30- 40. I was a comfortable car as well as hardly any one had seen one yet so it made it that much more fun.

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  Not bad at first - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By curt fletcher - March 5 - 2:00 am

  If you notice reading all of these reviews, the recent ones are not good. All of the good reviews are from 2006-2007 when the car is fairly new with not a lot of miles on it. Seems like once it hits the 50,000-60,000 mile range is when things start to go pretty rough. Our front door handles broke off quite early, but they replaced them at the dealership no problem. Just recently the transmission has been slipping and has almost caused a few accidents. Ive noticed the tires arent the greatest either, seems like a pretty uncommon tire size, too. Luckily the car is under warranty, so hopefully I can get the transmission problem fixed soon.

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  2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By owlsnest - March 4 - 2:13 am

  The 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury is one niec truck to drive. Its interior is very pleasant. It has a very solid and quiet highway ride. Suzuki has a winner on its hands.