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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  First Brand New Car - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By Texasdude47 - November 29 - 2:56 pm

  I have been driving for more years than I would like to share! I have driven all types of cars and trucks and motorcycles. (Owned a Geo Metro back in the 90s with a Suzuki engine.) And have owned 2 Suzuki motorcycles, all with excellent results. I just bought the car yesterday. My wife and I love it. We think it will meet our needs nicely. I am a big guy and I have plenty of room in this car. Nice interior, comfortable, looks great. This car is worth a look, bigger interior than the Hondas and Toyotas Take a look and compare for yourself, you will be plesantly surprised. When the "after glow" from the purchase wears off, and when I have some miles on it, I will let you know!

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  Fun to drive with awesome power - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Supererb power - November 29 - 2:16 pm

  Its been a few weeks since i bought it and I already love it. As others, i do have a :( about the Fuel economy but i cant complain since its an SUV. My first one for ever. Its nice, peppy and great interiors. The fuel economy of the new car generally increases within 1-2 months of the purchase. Love the ESP, Tire pressure monitoring, mp3 and great interior. The head lights are similar to new Land rovers and are really bright. I also like the audio controls on the stearing which come standard. It gives me around 20-22 (hwy + city) and 24 hwy yet but i am sure its going to improve a bit after a month.

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  Great Little SUV - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By gr8wit - November 25 - 9:10 pm

  Traded in a 2007 Chevy Colorado for the Suzuki. I have had nothing but pickups for the last 12 years or so and was always happy...until the Colorado, but that is another story. I decided on an SUV for the cargo capacity and wanted something compact, and different. Back in the 90s I had a Geo Metro, and my wife had a Geo Tracker, both were very well made and reliable, so it was a natural to go to the Grand Vitara. I love this SUV, very well made, comfortable, and looks great. The only problem is a 16 gallon gas tank. Averaging 25 MPG, the tank is too small. Also, the radio stinks,too dim. Would I do it again. At this point, yes. You are cheating yourself if you do not look at this SUV.

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  2006 Aerio SX AWD - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Crs1122 - November 25 - 6:46 am

  My Aerios gas mileage started out low at about 20 mpg highway, but after 3,000 miles its up to 25 mpg. So far this car has been very dependable! I receive compliments on its comfort and style from lots of people.

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  One month Later - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Frank H - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Nice comfortable family sedan. Quality is good and gas milage not bad. Few quirks but, I knew about them before my puchase. Needs a bit more horsepower, and a dimmer for the climate control display. Owned it for one month and got a recall notice already! Bottom line, A lot of stuff for your buck. So far so good.

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  DO NOT PURCHASE THIS CAR!!!! - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By angrysuzuki - November 15 - 11:46 pm

  I bought my 07 Suzuki Forenza in June of 2010. At first it ran great, but once it started hitting the 60k mark, I have had problem after problem. First it was the door handles breaking, then the tire pressure light, then the passenger air bag light went off, then i got my gear shift fixed, then my timing belt broke off, then a new engine, then i needed new shocks and new struts, then something with my tires wearing down , and now my transmission is having trouble. I wish i would have known about this car before i bought it.

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  Dont do it - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By guyandron - November 12 - 9:27 pm

  I bought my 2005 Forenza brand new. Ive bent numerous rims on it (7), Its been through 2 transmissions only one of which was covered under the warranty, its gone through 4 sets of tires and Im happy to say I just traded it with 126,000 miles on a Ford Taurus. The gas mileage was horrible even thougg I did mostly highway driving. The car left me stranded on three seperate ocassions and Ive had numerous electrical problems. Also went through 8 headlights. If youre looking for a car in this catagory, stick with the old timers like Nissan, Honda, and Toyota. You may pay a little more up front but your cost of ownership will be significantly lower. I will never buy another.

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  Good Family Vehicle - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Wanda - November 9 - 1:46 pm

  My XL-7 is a great family Vehicle. Its small enough to park anywhere yet roomy enough to fit 7 comfortably with room for storage. I highly recommend this inexpensive SUV for the price conscious consumer.

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  Forenza rocks - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By jolly8286 - November 7 - 7:43 am

  I think that this is an excellent car. It has the feel of a sports car. It may not go as fast as most, but it can hang with some of the most sought after vehicles. All in all a very nice ride.

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  Best small car! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By jayqohardd - November 4 - 10:54 pm

  So my best friend has had her Reno since 2005 so over the years road trips have been abundant! This car is sooo much fun!! I love it more than anything. I am actually about to by an LX for my commute to and from work. The reliability is beyond expectation, I mean, we have put over 200,000 miles on it in 7 years! She just keeps going. Now, the bad thing is that the stereo system in the doors went out quickly, the fact you have to push down to shift from Drive to park, etc.. has made the shifter loose & you have to press the shift towards the driver to make sure it locks in when turning off the vehicle. Other than that I cannot complain!