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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  Lemon - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By madeline - September 7 - 7:33 am

  I purchased this vehicle due to its smooth design and affordability. Now I understand why it was so cheap. I am on my third engine now due to "out of the blue" stalling. The dealership was so patrinizing and rude. The entire experience left a poor taste in my mouth for Suzuki and the dealership that sold the car to me. I know of at least two other Suzuki owners who had very similar experiences with their cars - stalling and rude dealership staff. The only helpful person was my lemon law lawyer.

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  in the words of tony "ggrrreat" - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By tom sepel - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle everybody I know loves the looks along with myself. This is a great car I would recommend this vehicle to everybody.

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  Never again! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Holly - September 5 - 3:26 pm

  I have had problem after problem since I bought this car. ECM probs, and constant oxygen sensors going out. It is in the shop now getting the 7th one replaced and there is only 33,000 miles on the car. I was told after the warranty expires, it will cost me $300 to replace each sensor. Forget it. 3 year warranty is up next week. Its time to go trade it in for a Toyota Camry, something reliable. I was also disappointed in the gas mileage, about 21 mpg.

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  A Genuine Mini 4-Wheeler - 2002 Suzuki Vitara
  By Army Veteran - September 5 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle has been a pleasant surprise in comparison with the Jeep Wrangler. Unlike some competitors it has a 4WD Hi/4WD Lo transfer case, and is based on a true "truck" body. It has less than half the turning radius of a Jeep Wrangler. The rack-and-pinion steering has a more precise feel. I also got the advertised 25 mpg mileage, which is 40% better than the Jeep. The torquy 16-valve DOHC 2 liter four breathes freely at top end. Too bad Jeep doesnt make this little 4-wheeler!

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  SUZUKI AERIO SX FUN - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By bevierose - September 1 - 10:00 am

  The Suzuki Aerio SX is more fun with comfort. I wanted a car where the seats went down in the back so that I could have room for plants, dog & more. It is roomy, great looking, very comfortable for my bad back & isnt too high like an SUV or a gas guzzler either! MPG is great; it looks hi-tech; it has everything inside you need; a great CD/radio sound quality. I owned luxury cars, but do not drive long distances anymore & wanted a car that is smooth driving, easy to handle and fun to drive. If youre looking for a good deal, happy motoring days ahead & savings, go for this baby! Many other cars like this are overpriced too.

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  Aerio Driver - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Cheese - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had the following issues: rattling noise under car (dealer sais noisy compressor and would not fix under warranty) Driver side door buzz with radio turned up. The rear wiper only goes fast. No slow speed.

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  Suzuki Foreza - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By jesse gazur - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Well its a fun, affodable vehicle that drives like it has a v6 in it. Gets great gas mileage, which is really good around this time. You will get much more out of this car, than what you payed!!

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  Quality Car - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By JING - August 27 - 7:16 pm

  The Suzuki Reno has a great air conditioner, its cold air at start-up, and tinted windows, something the other small cars do not seem to have. These things have a lot of value in the Southwest desert. It runs smoothly and is very quiet at and above the posted speed limit on the highway. The seats are comfortable and the audio is great. It comes standard with 4 wheel disc brakes and good sized 15" tires.

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  Buyer Beware - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By psgibas - August 27 - 9:00 am

  This car is not only poor when it comes to fuel economy, but the technical problems I had with it go beyond my apprehension. I had major work done on it TWICE since my late 2005 purchase. I will not recommend this car to anyone, spend extra couple of grand and get something better.

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  Intresting Design, gutless motor - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By art howell - August 24 - 1:20 am

  Owned the car for just a hair over 2 years, put 33,000 miles on it. Overall it handles and drives better than any other car I have driven in the snow. I was able to drive in ~ 3 feet of unplowed city snow with out a problem. Downside, after 2 years I have valves tapping in the motor.. traded this in on a Subaru WRX instead. Overall the engine is my biggest complaint.. it has no power and I only got about 21.6 MPG out of it... honestly pick one or the other stink at MPG or stink at power not at both! Handles better than my Jeep in snow and ice, good reliable boring family car. For a 10-20k car it does its job but if you drive > 40MPH ever... find something better.