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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  my xl-7 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By my xl-7 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have less than 13,000 miles on this suv, but have had the abs changed on front wheels, and rear wheel bearings changed. And now the remote is not working! Too many problems for a new automobile. I fear that other problems will arise.

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  Safe Car - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By TC - July 7 - 4:10 am

  I had a black metallic Forenza until someone ran a red light hitting me on the passenger side of my car causing me to become airborne and going under the wheel of an F 250. All that and I walked away without any injuries. Plus the driver airbag did not deploy and i am still having questions about that. After all that I am still going to buy another Suzuki because my Forenza never put me down.

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  Gas a Holic - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Steve - June 28 - 2:43 am

  Purchased a Forenza LX Wagon , auto trans and all the bells and whistles. While I did realize the vehicle was no penny pincher in the fuel economy arena, I am disappointed in the fact I am averaging only 13 to 14 MPG in City driving. Automakers need to meet actual fuel economy estimates and not be allowed to sell vehicles that do not meet the advertised specifications. Hoping MPG will increase, and I wont be disappointed in my first foreign auto.

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  Cant believe I bought it - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By Nilka Alamo - May 22 - 2:00 am

  In the beginning I had virtually no problems but over the past few months it is one thing after another. The car isnt even a year old yet. It has been an inconvenience for me to have to take the car back and forth to the dealership. I just wish I would have never bought it.

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  Unhappy customer - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By cj fish - May 9 - 7:06 am

  Hub caps are plastic, alarm doesnt include trunk. Not happy with the car. I would dump in a heartbeat if I could get someone to buy it from me. Rear seats do not fold down.

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  Disappointed - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Rosebud1955 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This was a good car for the money. The dealership was very accommodating. I havent had any major problems and found it very reliable. Low trade-in value.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Vickie - April 18 - 3:50 am

  At first loved this car. Disappointed at 15,000 miles needed new tires - Have 28,000 miles on and wont pass inspection - needs new brakes and left rear wheel bearing. Compared to my other cars in the past I never had this many problems at 28,000 miles. Tire pressure light constantly comes on. Very noisy when you turn the a/c on. Just feel this car was very cheaply made. Worried if my brakes and tires went this quick - what about the engine?

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  Airbag Issue? - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By denise_from_sc - April 8 - 3:56 am

  Our Suzuki was totaled out after an older Ford Explored hit the driver side on March 19th of this year. None of the airbags deployed. I loved my car. I doubt I will ever buy another just for that fact. A co-worker has an 07 Forenza...was hit by a deer...twice, within a a few months of each other. Practically the same spot on car, and location within her community; and neither time did the airbags deploy. How can you trust a car that isnt protecting you?!

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  Why oh Why Verona - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Jessi - March 2 - 12:20 pm

  Ive had my 2005 Verona for a few years. Like a few other owners my air bag light came on shortly after i brought her home. Its still on today. I had no problems with this car until the 100k mile mark. At the present time my car is parked, and I cant drive as there is something terribly wrong with it. I lose oil and anti-freeze but nothing is ever found on the ground. So i guess until I figure out the issue Ill continue to wonder why oh why I bought my Verona.

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  Not impressed - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By lugster - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car purchase.6 months later,started having problems w/ transmission.1st-Replaced parts,2nd- entire trans.assembly,& on way the way home from service dept.had problems w/ 5th gear(all under warranty).Dont know if problems are Suzuki related or service dept. related,b/c service dept.is not reliable and provides the worst customer service I have ever experienced--have not contacted us in 3 months with issues we have brought 2 their attention(the service manager drove the car w/5th gear prob.!)Think the interior plastic is very poor quality & scratches easily.Feel like if keep the car long-term, it will fall apart very early.