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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  Aerio SX, best in class - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By adnizzle - January 18 - 9:50 pm

  I got my 2003 Suzuki Aerio three weeks ago and so far its a beauty. By looking at all the other high reviews for it, that doesnt seem to change as time goes on. It is a great, reliable car...in my opinion best in its class.

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  In Love with my Suzuki - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Joey - January 15 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this truck last week and am falling more in love with it as I drive it. It really drives nice and is very comfortable,The great thing about suzuki is the roomyness it is really roomy I had the Aerio and was amazed by the room.

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  Best Buy - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By PromoGirl - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I drove a Honda Accord, followed by an Olds Alero (CRAP), and this is by far the best price, and most comfortable. Great visibility, large windows, and lots of energy. First car Ive had without power locks and a sun roof, and dont miss them at all. This car is way too much fun! And there arent too many of them on the road.

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  LOOKS...PRICE...HANDLEING - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By beachwoods - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Suzuki and will not be my last. I have driven many different cars..from german..BMW...japanese..Honda, Toyota..etc...and this car comes in better or close(BMW). As far as price I got $3k off sticker...so for $17K you cant beat it. Test drive it, and you will love it!

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  The Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Boltontam - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Verona. I went from a Focus, which is much smaller and I am very impressed with the Verona. There is alot of car for such a good price. I feel safer out on the highway with a bigger car. This car is a tank in the snow.

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  very nice car!!!! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By sarge - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I traded a honda crv which I drove for 4.5 years in on the suzuki verona s.The crv had a 146 hp 4 cyl..The suzuki has 155 hp 6 cyl..The suzuki has much more get up and go than the crv.The motor has more than enough power.The verona rides and drives great.I test drove cars $5000 more, that wasnt as nice.I also got bumper to bumper 7yr./100000 for $800 more.

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  First Suzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By John Q - January 9 - 6:56 am

  I originally planned on buying a 05 Toyota Rav4. But after not being able to find a new one in the color I wanted with the options I wanted, I started looking at other small SUVs. I couldnt find anything I liked besides the Rav4 until I came across the 06 Suzuki Grand Vitara. I instantly fell in love with the styling of it. The exterior looks sharp and the interior is well thought out and looks more like a interior youd find in a Lexus than a Suzuki. Right now I have around 2,500 miles on mine and Im averaging 20 mpg. Im hoping that will improve as the engine breaks in. The only problem so far is that the leather on the drivers seat has stretched out which the dealer is fizing under warranty.

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  Better than the rivals! - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By zukiguy - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This car has been the easiest car to own, with specials etc. I have no out of pocket cost for maintenance, it gets better gas mileage than estimated. I average 32 mpg mixed driving. Drives and handles like a more expensive European car, volvo s40-ish. The power is highest in its class with 150 hp and its great, very peppy. Its very comfortable and interior/exterior fit, finish and style are top notch and it doesnt look for feel cheap like the other compact sedans I considered buying. This car is worth a look, youll be surprised as I was, its awesome and very reliable, never had one problem

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  VERONA - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By TOM ALLEN TOOTHPASTE - November 22 - 10:00 am

  ITS SO GREAT ,CONTROLS ARE ALSOME,THE GAS MILEAGE IS GREAT, THE ROOM INSIDE IS JUST RIGHT AND IT LOOKS SPORTY...

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  Refined, Good looking, Head turning - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By djXavier - November 20 - 3:20 pm

  Well its the Labor Day weekend and I finally decided to replace my 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara which was the most reliable car Ive ever had. Folks, that 99 Grand Vitara never needed to visit the dealership except for normal items like an oil change, brakes etc. My new 2007 Grand Vitara was the obvious choice to replace my old Grand Vitara at 115,000 miles. My new Grand Vitara is Jet Black, beautiful with a tan leather interior, refined and loaded to the max with everything you could ever want in a vehicle. I ran errands today with it and heads were turning and people were asking questions about it. Its powerful and well built. This car and I will be together for a long, long time!