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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  No Your Average Little Cute-ute - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Moonlighting Consult - February 10 - 2:00 am

  The Suzuki Grand Vitara is no comparison with the Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4. When choosing to buy a small SUV, the GV was my only choice. After reading critics praising the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4, it never changed my mind on buying the GV over the other two. The shift on the fly 4X4 with hi/low makes the GV more versatile the both the CRV and RAV4. The exterior is masculine and the interior is just right. The V6 155 hp engine is quiet and smooth. If you want a grocery getter, buy a Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4... If you want a rugged 4x4 that has confidence to play with the big boys, buy a Suzuki Grand Vitara..

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  Fun Car - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By benny - February 8 - 4:00 pm

  Hey, I really love this car. I think its awesome. I have not had any problems with it and I love taking curves fast and driving fast. I only pay $200 a month for it and I put zero down also. It is not a bad car at all. If you go buy one, dont forget to ask for the $1,000 rebate. It puts the car at less than $14,500 for the 2007 model. If you find a 2006 model you can get it for $13,500. I read the complaints that some have about the resale value. Well you just bought a new car you cant expect to resell it for more...its not house. The best thing to do is just hold on to it and have fun with it hey it does have a great warranty and it looks really good.

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  Does what I need it to - 2003 Suzuki Vitara
  By grouse - February 4 - 2:16 am

  I bought the Vitara because of the 4 wheel drive system, I need that low range. Included, is a comfortable ride, good handling, and enough cargo space for my son and I to go camping with all our gear (and drag along my boat or put the canoe on top). Reliability has been top notch and I take it places where people say "how did you get that up here". It is underpowered and consequently fuel mileage is so-so, I cant wait to get my hands on an 09 2.4L 4 cylinder - more power, more room, and better mileage (I hope).Had one since 1990 - probably always will.

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  Unhappy follow up to "Bye Bye Benz" - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By tsloan - February 1 - 11:03 pm

  Ive had the 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover for less than a month now. It is scheduled to go into the shop early next week because the airbag light has come on and will not go off. Browsing the internet blogs I have discovered that this is quite problematic for Suzuki and the SX4. Other owners have complained that Suzuki is not honoring its warranty and are not being cooperative. A courtesy car will most likely not be offered since the car is technically operable (just not sure how safe it is to drive? will the airbags deploy when I driving down the street? do the airbags work?) The fuel economy continues to be very poor. The drivers seat is causing back pain, and Im a healthy 38yo man.

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  Tire Eating Machine - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jose Hernandez - February 1 - 2:50 pm

  This car has eaten three sets of tires in 70,000 miles. Something is wrong with the rear end. The dealer says that nothing is wrong, yet it eats tires. Im on my 4th set of tires, good tires Michelens Symmetri. It also has worn out Goodyears and two sets of Bridgestones.

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  At 60,000 miles as good as Honda or Toyota - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By reyz - January 27 - 9:08 am

  I am happy to report that my GV has been very reliable. I bought the GV new in October of 2005, minus a recall for an idler pulley, and an oxygen sensor that went bad I have only had to perform regular maintenance. The body, and interior have held up well. No different from a Honda or Toyota product, which I have also owned. The GV has taken the harsh NJ winters with stride. The GV offers lots of value, and its interior is quite spacious for a small SUV.

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  Regularly Check for a Recall - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By jackie_o - January 26 - 11:42 pm

  In one sense, I love my car. Because it is my car, and it looks okay. But thats where my affection for the Suzuki ends. I bought this in 2008 from Carmax with 10,000 miles on it. Within one week the transmission slipped and I learned about the faulty sensor. It was replaced. Resurfaced 2 mos. later, so it was reset. And again, and again. Have dealt w/ the "check engine" light and transmission slip for 5 years. No one has the answer nor can they fix it except temporarily. Its ridiculous. I keep expecting to see a recall to no avail. Also: Shoddy paint / flaking wheel cover. Cracked pillar trim (I often see this on passing Forenzas). Awful. Be not tempted by the price.

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  The Lil Truck That Could - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jon Yankasky - January 24 - 2:00 pm

  The ride is astounding and the features this car has in unreal. Climate control, all time 4wd, anti lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring system and many others. There is plenty of leg room and head room and the ride is so nice and smooth. I did have the front seats altered. As someone said they were uncomfortable and it is an easy fix. In both seats are three steel rods that can be easily removed and when this is done, the seats are just perfect and comfortable. I also had an upholstery man make a 3 inch pad and add it to the center console and this car is a great comfortable ride. Buy the car/truck. You will not be unhappy.

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  Strong purchase - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jeckaroonie - January 23 - 10:10 pm

  The car is perfect for its price range, although I do have a few problems with it. The 3rd day I bought it, the check engine light went on, and when we took it in we learned the O2 sensor blew. However, it was covered by the spectacular warranty. Also the transmission is slow to respond. When you go from R to D or D to R the transmission jumps. The gas mileage is OK, I average 24 mpg. For my small body (55") I fit just great, however, my husbands 6 5" body has a tight squeeze. I have the base model and I dont feel like I am missing out on anything.

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  Went down hill quick... - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By raninator84 - January 23 - 12:14 am

  I bought this car new in 2008 for $17,800, looking for a reliable vehicle with AWD. The car was great to me for the first 60k miles. At around 70k I had a rod knock, it turned out that my motor had slipped two bearings, I took it to the dealer(under warranty) and the job required an entirely new short block! I have owned 5 vehicles and have never thrown a bearing! The car hit 100k I had a broken slave cylinder so out of warranty this was a $1300 job (over 2000 at the dealer!), and at 106k my engine has a rod knock again! I will be trading it in tomorrow for a camry to avoid the $3,000 it would take to fix again. I will never buy a Suzuki again, and if you do, listen for the rod knock!