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:

• 

  Sleeping Giant (well in spirit @least) - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Snookie - January 2 - 3:53 pm

  We have owned this XL-7 for 2 years. It is the 13th car we have owned but by far the best value for the money. Have had Fords Dodges and Hondas all nice but this one really beats them all, hands down. All the toys and goodies of an expensive SUV with the reliablity of a solid Japanese Mfg. It may not be big is stature but it is a Giant in value.

• 

  Rock Solid Decision To Buy A Kizashi - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Smokey - December 29 - 11:50 am

  Love at first sight at last winters Greater Phoenix Auto Show. We had a long courtship. Yesterday, we tied the knot. For months I dated a VW CC, Hyundai Genesis, Nissan Maxima, and this little terror named Kizashi. My friends said, "Dont pick her. Shes weird, has a funny name, no ones heard of her, you surely cant get your golf bag in her trunk." But every time I took her out (and I test drove her 4 times), she was awesome. Now, shes mine. Comfort? A. Technology A. Driving sensation? A. I could have married a slightly faster or prettier one, but Im not much for gold-diggers. I like value. We are gonna go the distance. And the golf bag fits just fine.

• 

  Awesome toy - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By russgoble - December 27 - 12:16 am

  I bought the car and to be honest with you, stock, the car isnt much, but after putting some 17" rims, limo tint, a sound system, underglow light, a custom grille and much more, that car has turned into a one of a kind here where I live. The manual has a lot more power than it look like. Adding NOS, turbo chargers, intake, exhaust will really make this car get up and race with the best. If anyone wants a car at an affordable price that you want to fix up and make unique, then I recommend this car

• 

  Suzuki XL-7 - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Amrit - December 23 - 2:13 pm

  This suv offers a good value for its price. It is equipped nicely. The third row seat is very handy.

• 

  Buyers - Beware - Research this Car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Kerin - December 21 - 5:50 am

  I purchased this car just a little over a year ago after previously owning a Grand Vitara and an XL-7. This is a beautiful car and you definitely get a lot for your money, but there are so many problems with it (it was a brand-new model in 2004) Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to read all the complaints on this vehicle - definitely educate yourself before you buy! I have to say that the dealership Ive dealt with has been very nice but they keep saying they know theres a problem, but theres no resolution for it - Suzuki needs to do something! Were in the process of starting the lemon law procedures...

• 

  THEY SASTIFIED ALL MY NEEDS - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By irishtlk - December 20 - 8:20 pm

  THE XL7 GIVES ME EVERYTHING I NEED IN A 7 PASSENGER SUV. IT FITS IN MY 1 CAR GARAGE, IS EASY TO DRIVE AND PARK. GIVES MY FAMILY THE PROTECTION I WAS LOOKING FOR WITH THE FULL LADDER FRAME, SIDE IMPACT BEAMS IN THE DOORS. MY WIFE LOVES THE STYLING.

• 

  DisSatisfied - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By dontbuyforenza - December 18 - 9:14 pm

  It makes me sick to my stomach to read all the reviews on the Suzuki Forenza. It is sad that there are so many problems and no recalls. I have a 2007 Forenza & have had multiple issues. Tires are always in need of balancing, the door handles paint is starting to chip off, oil changes once a month because the oil light comes on and the engine knocks really hard even though there is plenty of oil, now as of yesterday, while I was driving, the trasnmission hit hard and the check engine light came on. The gear indicator flashes with a square with a line through it. I also almost got into an accident. Pep Boys ran the codes and as of many many other Forenza drivers, 7000 & 7005 came up.

• 

  The Perfect SUV! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By CRS1122 - December 17 - 9:03 am

  Ths Suzuki Grand Vitara has an excellent ride. It is absolute FUN! It has a smooth, sleek design, and I am getting over 30 mpg highway gas mileage. This truck has lots of zip.

• 

  Overlooked Treasure - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Tony - December 14 - 7:56 pm

  This is one great little car. It has room in back and space is flexible between cargo/luggage with the fold-flat seat. Front seat comfort is outstanding for the class, and the performance for the money is in a class by itself. Its the little touches that make it so very nice, like dampening on the sunglass holder.The interior is very upscale for the price, except for the carpets underfoot in the cargo area. Comfortable seats, and the switching has a high quality feel.I use this as my daily driver, and I consider myself fairly critical of cars - my other car of comparison is a Porsche. Again, I repeat - this is one great little car.

• 

  My Toy - 2003 Suzuki Vitara
  By KIMQDA - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my Vitara, I was set on getting a 4WD after last winter and being stuck in the house. I shopped around for the best value, with the features I wanted and the price I wanted to pay. I did over 3 months of looking before deciding on the Vitara. I LOVE IT!!!!!