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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  2001 Suzuki XL-7 - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By STAY AWAY - October 3 - 12:10 pm

  I loved this car when I bought. However, the tires do wear out soon. The major problem is the timing chain tensioner. It is a bad design. Suzuki is not offering any help with this. This repair costs around $1600.00.

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  Affordable Fun Car! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By slsawyer - September 30 - 10:00 pm

  The Suzuki Aerio wasnt my first choice, but it was definitely the right choice! It has a roomy interior and lots of head room. It is great for going uphill with overdrive off. I am still breaking in the gas mileage rate. The first comments from everyone who sees it is "Cute!" So far it has been very reliable. I put it in the league with Honda/Toyota, only affordable. The interior seat fabric could be upgraded though. Also, the sway bar and passenger mirror had to be replaced right away, but that has been the only problem. I love this car!

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  This car blows my mind!!! - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By jimmy cuba - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this..i love it..it looks like a highlander..the paint is gorgeous..it has it all..you can not get a car like this for this price anywhere ..check this car out..man,you will not believe it..its got a awesome interior and you can load up half a codo!!..BUY ONE!!..

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  Most Dependable Car Ever - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By trnscndr - September 29 - 3:31 pm

  I have no complaints, used to be Toyota man, but my maintenance costs have been nearly nothing in the first 100K miles

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  Nice Looking Car, but Keep Looking - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By Jack H - September 24 - 2:30 am

  I bought the Reno because I desperately needed a car. I should have done more research. My car has had starting problems many times. It also gets terrible gas mileage for a compact car. I average about 21 mpg with city and highway driving. A friend has an 06 Impala that gets 30 mpg with a V6 engine. The seats are a little uncomfortable and the manual transmission is terrible. How much would a decent linkage cost Suzuki to put in. The engine is also underpowered. I am considering trading in the car for a Cobalt since the reviews that I have read about it are quite good.

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  Love It! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By knbconklin - September 23 - 3:36 am

  I bought this SUV 2 years ago and fell in love from the start. The only problem Ive had besides normal wear and tear was the ABS kicking in prematurely when I first bought it. Once the problem was fixed with my warranty the car has been nothing but awesome! The gas mileage is average, but the way the car handles and the fun I have driving it makes up for it. I was sad to find out Id have to get rid of it, due to child #3 and no room, but I am trading it in for a newer XL-7 with a 3rd row seat. I have driven several SUVs, this has been the best by far! Love it on long trips, which are taken often. Anyone who has numerous problems must have a lemon and should give the XL-7 a second chance.

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  A Lot of Truck for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By kevin johnson - September 21 - 8:56 pm

  I love the truck. I have been watching the Grand Vitara for a bit and the articles I read all had positive things to say about it.

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  Not a Happy Customer - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By AERIOSX - September 20 - 5:10 am

  The brakes in my Aerio went out the month of Nov. I had to wait one week to get this fixed I had to rent a vehicle to drive. I am not a happy customer. I do not like this car. I have spent more more on repairs in six months than I did on a used vehicle in a year. This was suppose to be economical for me, so far I have spent over $1,000. I still need to get an oil change again. I drive a lot. I need my car to get to my grandson. This is not a good vehicle for me. It is not acceptable that dealers do not keep parts in stock when they know no one else can get these part for a year before they release the correct specification.

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  Overall review - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Reclass459 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Well appointed, compass should replace thermometer. Seats should be electric option. Lighted mirror in visor should be available

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  2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr. 4WD auto - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By semco - September 18 - 12:26 pm

  I got our 2007 GV Lux 4WD auto last Jan as a second 4WD vehicle in the family for my wife. She and I love it. Great car, no doubt, very comfortable for family of 4 (two kids: 5months and 16 y/o). Loaded with everything you could ever want. Quality is much better than in Toyota Rav4. 4WD is impressive, CRV or other cant stay close. Just be careful with stock tires Yakohama, they are too bad in winter!