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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  sub frame - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By 724joep - August 7 - 1:20 pm

  I have an 2001 suzuki esteem wagon bought in 2002 with 4500 miles. as of 10/20/09 it only has 35000 miles on it. Last week we were going to town and the front sub frame just rusted out and broke. Could have been very bad but we were going slow. I called American Suzuki in Ca. and they are looking into it. I hope they man up and help me get it fixed. I have owned Suzuki motorcycles all my life and this is the first car I hope to keep it a long time. So come on American Suzuki and help a guy out.

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  great suv - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By psbassman - August 7 - 3:00 am

  this is the most overlooked vehicle, and I cant understand why. this thing goes and goes and only asks for gas and the regular oil change. I think its the best looking SUV around. unlike other so-called suvs, this things a real truck, with a ladder frame to prove. tough as nails. yet a great ride, smooth and comfortable. im almost glad more people dont buy them, because mine stands out in a crowd of minivancarsuvs that would snap in half if driven the way this truck was built to drive.

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  SX4 is a safe vehicle - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By talismanphl - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I have written before about my SX4 Sport sedan. It was totaled over a month ago when a brand new Chevy Impala rental car sideswiped it after the Chevy ran a red light, collided with cross traffic, and crashed into my car as I was crossing the intersection at about 40 mph. The Impala hit my SX4 in the rear drivers side door and ripped the left rear wheel off the Suzuki. The side impact airbags saved me from serious injury according to the police and the EMTs.

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  Heck of a car - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By deg - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought used with 48,000 miles on it, now well over 140,000 on it and other then tires and brakes this car runs perfect. Best little car I have ever owned

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  A Car That Really CAN! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Steve - August 4 - 10:23 pm

  This is about the new, very improved 2005 Aerio AWD wagon, whch stashes an amazing amout of cargo, and still allows plenty of room for people and pets. Ive known of the Aerio wagon for several years, and have driven it on occasion in various parts of the country, always with admiration. However, the elegant and sophisticated interior upgrades prove that an already great car can become greater! The 6 CD sound system, with 7 speakersand woofer provide concert hall acoustics along with steering wheel adjustments. And the headroom for tall people is miles beyond the norm. Nothing really compares with this Aerio wagon, with its AWD --which is usually only found in more expensive vehicles What this car offers under $20,000 is so exceptional that its hard to imagine what else Suzuki could further provide that would enhance the integrity of this vehicle anyfurther. Its a great driving machine, with plenty of heart!

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  Fun Little SUV - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By Southmiamiman - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This little thing is so fun to drive. It can really maneuver well. The small size and the V6 really make this quicker than the numbers indicate.

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  Dirt cheap and FUN! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By LiquidZero - July 31 - 2:00 am

  First off, I got a sweet deal buying this car, and walked out the door paying only $12,000. Now thats out of the way... this car is simply fun to drive for an econobox. It may not be the fastest car around, but it surprises a lot of people with its pep. Plenty of headroom and storage room. With a 5- spd it gets great gas mileage. Much better than the EPA estimates. Handles well in turns, if just a bit hesitantly. There is significant body roll, because of its height, but Ive never felt like it was about to lose contact with the road. A bit too early to say anything on reliability, but so far so good.

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  Seven Seater SUV - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By NetBloke - July 30 - 10:23 pm

  This car is a great all purpose car. 4WD for offroad and the snow, while seating up to 7 9albeit a coupel of kids in the back). Fuel economy for this size car is great but dont compare to a midsize car. It drives well and the standard features are fantastic. Compare it to other SUVs in this size and you will be amazed at the value.

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  Suzuki Has Really Improved - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By pastorbigc - July 30 - 6:13 pm

  I have driven in 2003, 2004, 2005 Grand Vitaras, but I got into the new body style and chassis and there were no comparison of how much better it rode. The power of the engine and the look inside and outside are extremely great. It has a little engine noise as you take off. Overall Im very pleased!

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  Great Town Car - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By Mario Branciforte - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great little car for short trips around town. Can haul four people, or two people and a weeks worth of groceries. Would be a great starter car for a new driver, inexpensive to buy/operate.