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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  Door Handles - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Suzuki Forenza - November 3 - 8:36 pm

  I have had both all of the inside door handles break off. Ive noticed that those plastic door handles snap very easily during the hot summer months as well as during the winter.

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  Horrible Experience - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Tabitha Harmon - October 31 - 7:00 pm

  I bought this car to have a dependable vehicle. It has had so many problems. I have had it in the shop for the transmission (5x), the washer fluid box (2x), the air bag (1x), the windshield wipers (2x), and the AC (5x). Every time, the dealership promises the car is fixed, but it certainly is not. Now they are saying they are not going to pay to have the AC fixed because they claim a mouse has gotten in it. Yet, they have no proof of this. Im really getting fed up with Suzuki.

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  Second Suzuki - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By PBass - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Suzuki. The first was and still is a 2001 Grand Vitara, for which I have nothing but praise. We were looking for another new vehicle and decided on the 2003 XL7 Limited (without 3rd seat.) This car looks great (Pearl White) and rides as well. The interior leather is comfortable and the "woodgrain" interior looks rich. Great vehicle at a great price! Now if they could only make a SUV/Pickup like the Explorer Sport Trac

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  A lot of car for the price - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By James King - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I just love this car. It takes a little getting used to if you have driven a smaller car, but I adapted quickly. Make sure to buy the premium extended 7yr/100,000 mile warranty which allows you a 0 deductable on parts and labor nationwide at any suzuki dealership, mine was through Fidelity.

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  Qwsome - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Laura - October 24 - 10:16 pm

  I love to drive this car is comfy, and you get a lot of cool things in the car and you dont even pay much for it. I was going to buy a Nissan, but they charged me as much for a standard model as they did you a fully 4x4 sport model Suzuki and it drives a heck of a lot better.

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  This Car Stinks - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By deedals - October 23 - 2:50 pm

  I purchased my Verona on 1/31/05. I had to go back to the dealer because the engine light kept coming on. The engine was eventually replaced. When I put the car in gear and pressed the accelerator it hesitated before it actually moved with jerking motions. It went back to the dealer again and I have been going back time and time again with no solution. Im told the car is operating as it is should. If this car is operating as it should it is a piece of junk. I would never buy a Suzuki again or recommend anyone to do so. By the way I called the manufacturer in California and the response was as great as the cars performance.

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  Very happy with my Aerio SX - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jim - October 22 - 8:30 am

  After 2+ years and almost 40,000 miles we are still very happy with our Aerio SX. Oil changes and other fluid changes are the only money that weve spent other than a burnt out light bulb in the dash, (which was fixed in 15 minutes under warranty). This is a lot of car for not much money. Its gas mileage is a steady 27 - 29 in mixed city / freeway driving. We will purchase another Suzuki product when the time comes!

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  Fun and Functional! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Skwerl - October 20 - 3:03 pm

  I had a 2000 RAV4 which was totaled in an accident. I loved that truck and went to look at the new RAV4. I was very disappointed by the new design. It is way too big for my needs. So, I looked at all the usual suspects and was about to buy a Hyundai Tucson when I stumbled upon the SX4. I liked it immediately and have no regrets about purchasing one. Some of the reviews, Edmunds included, are critical of the SX4s performance. Theyre off base. Its quick enough for the average driver. The only real issue with the SX4 is the gas mileage. If that concerns you, look elsewhere, but if you want a fun and functional AWD crossover, this is it.

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  Its five, and still going strong! - 1999 Suzuki Vitara
  By TheMunt - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Great little truck for the price! Ive had mine for five years, and it runs great. Just follow the maintenance in the owners manual. I have the model with the manual 5-speed transmission, and the 2.0 motor. Have carried everything from bowling balls to kayaks and my spouse, 64. Only negative is some of the plastic pieces in the interior broke, but not a biggie. Good for long road trips. Convertible top easy to use.

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  I miss it already - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By L.E.C. - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Until 3/18/04 I really loved my little Suzuki. I did have to replace the tires and a bumper, which were a little pricey (but this not a ford Focus, so dont expect to be readily able to get parts for cheap). But I love it more now because that car saved my life. I took my eyes off the road for 1 second and ended up rolling the car over four times. Where I was in the drivers seat held up wonderfully. The passenger side, not so hot, but for the impact it took (hitting a culvert in a driveway at 45 mph) it did well. I was able to walk out of the car. The car is totalled, but I owe that I am writing this today to that car.