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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  A great little CUV - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Gregg - December 25 - 12:43 am

  The SX4 crossover has mostly met my expectations or in some cases exceeded them. I have read lots of complaints about road noise, for example, but I find it to be a quiet and smooth cruiser for its size. Careful driving has given me an overall mpg of 30. (Quick starts and remaining in a lower gear will drop the mileage quickly.) The instant mpg readout helps you re- adjust driving habits. Staying under 70 on the highway also yields very good numbers. It handles great and is "toss- able," adding to the fun factor. Plus, parking is a breeze.

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  Love It! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Sinjin - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a multitude of 4x4s over the years, but overall find my XL-7 one of the very best values. It may not be the fastest, most off-road worthy, get the best gas mileage, or draw the most looks but it has never let me down, even during -15 degree Colorado winters. You wont go wrong, but keep in mind it is not a $50k vehicle, so dont expect one.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By rey - December 20 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased my Suzuki Grand Vitara Xl-7 brand new in 2003.. I depend quite a bit on my vehicle for work and require a reliable vehicle that I know I can count on. this vehicle has been a great find and has surpassed my expectations. with over 100,000 miles I have yet to invest in any repairs or huge maintenance costs. good quality vehicle that you know you can count on for many years to come.

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  1998 SUZUKI SIDEKICK 4DR SPORT JLX - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Barry Alderman - December 17 - 10:00 am

  THE SUZUKI SIDEKICK HAS THE FEEL OF AN OPEN AND ROOMY PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.THE RIDE IS NIMBLE ON BACK COUNTRY ROADS AND SMOOTH AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE 1.8L L4 MFI DOHC 16V ENGINE COULD USE A LITTLE MORE PEP BUT MAKES FOR GOOD FUEL MILEAGE.

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  All good but the 4wd - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By giraffedan - December 11 - 3:49 pm

  It is overall very reliable, and works well. Power wen I need it, fuel efficient for its size when i baby it. 4wd on the other hand failed. My mom complained about the 4wd for years and mechanics said thats just how suzuki 4wds work. I finally brought it to the Suzuki dealership where they said the same thing. i asked them to just take a look. Their senior mechanic said he has never seen a 4wd fall apart like that. He said it would cost at least $800 just to take it apart and see what is wrong. Only other complaint is that the belt they used is too skinny so it squeaks every morning if it is under 40 degrees. If the 4wd still worked it would be a perfect car. Suggestions would be great

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  NICE TRUCK - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By jflippy - December 8 - 6:40 am

  We have this truck about 4 months and it is pretty nice. We have the Luxury model with all the bells and whistles.

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  So far so good - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By so far so good - December 8 - 5:43 am

  This truck is holding up well.The first thing I did was change the tire package. Changed to synthetic oil and gear oil And upgraded the stereo. It has been a good truck my wife likes the comfort the truck offers. The engine is noisy but produces just enough. A bit more would be nice. We like this truck so far. 23500 miles and still going

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  Snow Eater / Summer Racer - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By IBOT - December 8 - 5:36 am

  I love my Suzuki Aerio. I have not had any problems with it. We had snow last week it is fantastic in the slick stuff. I wish the interior came in a differant color though. More storage would be nice as well. The climate control works very well. The heated mirrors are a very nice touch. For the price no one can touch it. Plus it has a great warranty.

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  So far, so good.... - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By jontyrees - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Im finding my 02 Aerio SX, (wagon), to be a very pleasant companion so far. I have the 5-speed, 0-60mph in the 8.0- 8.4 sec range will let you scoot past most of the behemoths on the road. Its incredibly manouverable, and the handling is ok if a little bit too softly sprung. Interior design and space management is excellent - with cargo space matching that of small to mid-size SUVs like the Saturn Vue and Nissan Xterra. The seats are comfortable and supportive, controls are well placed, and the digital dash is terrific for visibility and speed of comprehension. Overall, I really like this car.

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  Great Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Patrick - December 3 - 10:36 pm

  I had a couple of TSBs to take care of on my Suzuki Aerio, but since then the car has been great! I am getting better than the rated mpg and I love the amount of room it has for such a small car. The interior is a little weak or "cheap," but the rest of the car seems great.