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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  Our First SUV! - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Brannan Family - August 23 - 4:26 am

  We have drove several SUVs and just couldnt find the right one. When we test drove the Grand Vitara and were very happy with the style, amount of pick up, and the build of the vehicle. Especially the 100,000 mile warranty. We are also very impressed with all the standard features you receive that are usually not in other SUVs and the great pricing! We recently discovered that Suzuki offers a large amount of assecories for reasonable prices so we can upgrade as we good. This vehicle drives like a sports car, has the power of a truck, and the style of luxury and class. We would recommend this vehicle to our friends and family.

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  2002 Suzuki Aerio - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By sricaud - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Pleasantly surprised with the acceleration and comfort of this vehicle. Priced several models in this category and got the best value and features for the money.

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  Its not the best car! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By bcchunk - August 17 - 6:46 am

  I have had this vehicle now for 3-4 years and havent really had major problems. My airbag light wont go off. Ive recently had my check engine light come on a lot. My friend says that it probably the transmission. The last time I got an oil change the service guy says I need new brakes and Ill probably need new tires. Im coming up on 60K miles and the service for that is over $400. Not cool. I dont want to put any more money in this car. The car doesnt really have a high value and the suzuki dealerships are going out of business so when trying to trade this in most companies are only giving me $3-4K. I should have left this vehicle where it was and tried for a nissan altima.

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  First Impressions - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Subvet - August 14 - 4:40 pm

  I wanted to trade a Hemi V8 that I loved for a vehicle with an automatic transmission and better gas mileage. I knew Suzuki for their bikes but knew nothing about their automobiles. After doing some research I found that they have been faily well known overseas in quite a few countries. Anyway, I test drove a couple of different models and was there when the new Grand Vitara arrived. The changes and improvements are quite noticable so I purchased the luxury model. I am coming up to 1,000 miles and my first impressions are favorable. The truck has good looks, and decent pickup with the V6 motor. The luxury package makes the vehicle and it gets reasonable gas mileage. Do your research on some owners sites and go from there. Good Luck.

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  Suzuki Aerio is underated - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By T. F. - August 13 - 4:03 pm

  This is our fourth Suzuki auto and we are pleased with it overall. We have no major complaints at this time.

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  Never thought I would buy a SUZUKI???? - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By John Cusmano - August 13 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Suzuki XL-7 Limited is a well designed SUV with all the toys for a reasonable price.

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  The Unknown Car? - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Keefe - August 11 - 1:30 pm

  This purchase was forced on me by my dying truck. I was trying to wait until the summer but had to go car shopping a little early. I test drove the automatic which was what I wanted. This thing moves pretty well. The steering is tight and very responsive. The interior has plenty of head room and the dash is very well lit. AWD is available, but I havent used it yet. Snow has been lite. Strange thing is people question me on why I brought this car instead of a Honda, Subaru, Ford,etc. For me, I like to think outside of the box and not be the follower. This car is more than what some would think. Give it a shot before you shoot it down. Youll enjoy the Crossover and its features.

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  Excellent Compact SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By TX SUZUKI - August 10 - 7:30 pm

  The Suzuki Grand Vitara is an excellent choice for a compact SUV. The V6 Luxury model has plenty of power and gets great gas milage. The interior is very nice with a great stock stereo and sound system. It is XM radio and MP3 player ready.

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  2007 Grand Vitara 5-speed - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Aly0705 - August 9 - 12:03 pm

  Ive only owned my Grand Vitara for two days, but love it! I have owned two Toyota Celicas, each for almost ten years, and was planning to buy a RAV4. Only the GV had a 5 speed manual available in the newer model, and the interior design and transmission far surpass the RAV4s. The speedometer in the RAV4 is on the left side of the main instrument cluster, which is unusual. The GV puts it in the center, with the tachometer to the left, and the gas/oil/temp gauge on the right. That is a much better design. The exterior styling is sexy, not cute. I hadnt known Suzuki made anything other than motorcycles and the Sidekick. Why isnt there more marketing/advertising for this amazing vehicle?

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  2010 Base Model Grand Vitara - 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By usps_merc - August 7 - 3:25 pm

  After 3 mo. & 2,700 mi., theres nothing to change my impression that this is a quality vehicle. It drives well, fairly quiet/comfortable, & getting 26.5mpg. The manual is easy to shift. Plenty of room & the side opening rear door is no problem. Too bad the nearest dealership is over 40 miles but no problems at all. Bought as used leftover from former Suzuki dealer with under 100 mi. on odometer. They lost books & nav but it was a steal. I dont miss the options I dont have.