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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  Love my SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By MySX4 - January 21 - 11:13 pm

  Owned my SX4 2 months now and absolutely love it! Came loaded w/all options: heated side mirrors, cruise, 6 CD changer, etc. Its the little "big" car thats a blast to drive. Its small on the outside, but very roomy inside. Love all the headroom! It sits up a bit higher making you feel like youre driving a bigger car. Taken it skiing and with AWD it had no problem in the snow. Gets great gas mileage. Bought it mainly for commuting, but love driving it so much I take it everywhere. Small-looking storage space in the back fools you; Ive loaded it down with tons of groceries w/room to spare (w/o folding seats forward). Our skis and gear fit with the seats folded down.

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  Wish Suzuki was still making this car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Conrad Usner - January 20 - 10:59 am

  Buy this car if you have a chance for a good one.... Ive had this car for 5 years, with not one, mechanical issue.... Never had to utilize the warranty for anything.... Only thinking of selling car because the 5 year bumper to bumper warranty I purchased runs out in December, 2016.... Couple that with the unfortunate fact that Suzuki no longer produces automobiles for the U.S. market, the dealer network is close to non existent.... (Closest dealer left is 1 1/2 hours drive away.) Parts will still be readily available until 2025 so says Suzuki Inc., for the DYI driver though...

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  Beware - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Dinslaken - January 18 - 11:30 pm

  This car has a lot of value for the money and the first 48,000 miles were trouble free. The engine needed oil frequently, which is not that bad, but despite more maintenance than required, the engine blew at 48,560 miles, then the transmission went at 54,000 miles. The axle seals were replaced twice, and the brakes need replacement about every 10,000 miles. The worst part is that Suzuki refused to honor their "Best Warranty" on both occasions due to "lack of proven component failure." According to other owners, this problem is increasing. Suzuki was sued for both instances, and we were reimbursed by court order. Other than that....nice car!

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  Just bought my 05 Forenza - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Robert Fisher - January 18 - 11:53 am

  I just bought this car about a week ago and so far I love it. Im very impressed with the high level of style & build quality in a car of this price. The styling reminds me of an Audi A4. Like just about everyone else I like all the power gadgets and the 8 speaker stereo cd/tape player that come standard. Dont know about the gas mileage yet but it seems ok. I traded in a Suzuki Swift with 138,000 miles on it. Got en extra $500 off for owner loyalty. I highly recommend this car. Already got one of my friends to buy one.

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  Great ride!! - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rick - January 18 - 10:46 am

  I am glad we decided to buy this suv. The vehicle is very solid and fun to drive. The mileage in the city is around 21 mpg with the four cylinder that should improve with time. Seems to be a great value for the money. Take one for a test drive before you count this vehicle out.

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  Vehicle - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Susan - January 16 - 8:06 am

  This is my 2nd Suzuki and really like the performance, value and mileage. Getting a fully loaded XL-7 for 10k lower than everyone else makes this vehicle very affordable! My salesperson really knew her stuff, but sitting in the XL-7 actually sold itself. And talk about performance, someone drove my vehicle and said it drove like his Tahoe. I recommend you test drive one and youll never buy anything ele. Unbelievable value for your hard-earned dollars!

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  not all that great - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By cbird511 - January 14 - 1:39 am

  all 4 tires only lasted 1yr, 17 rims just makes it very expensive to replace tires and spare only had 16rim, 6 cd player ate my cds and to replace costs hundreds, replaced battery 3X already, replaced both headlights 3X already, replaced broken rear shock that caused the car to fishtail in bad weather, was told it was a 4WD when I bought it but wasnt, seats very uncomfortable and hard, dummy lights continue to come on randomly, brakes always squealed, interior light just fell into pieces, if your auto headlight switch is off, which is hidden behind the steering wheel, you can be driving at night with no tail lights. very dangerous, window cracks too easy. 2nd window cracking. Etc Etc..

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  an over looked suv - 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By zukiowner - January 9 - 2:06 am

  ive owned this grand vitare since march, it now has 14,000 miles on it. i average 23mpg course im not a hot rodder either. its been back to dealer only to have its oil changed. i love it. smooth , quiet, fast. up in colorado at altirude, i got 29mpg, super..!!!!

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  A great decision to buy this car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Cheyenne Driver - January 6 - 9:16 pm

  We bought this car for safety, air bag protection, and traction in snow and ice in Wyoming. Also zero percent financing. It is the best decision we have ever made. My wife loves this car and we have driven to Denver, Estes Park, Yoder Wyoming with no problems.

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  2003 Step up model - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By bjnspr - January 4 - 2:00 am

  No complaints, reliable, vaule for money, improved interior.