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 vehicle - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By happyowner1 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  My family was looking for a SUV which comes with real 4WD so that we might travel on the national sea shore at south Texas. We also like a vehicle that would take more than 5 people because our friends visit us very often. The XL-7 has been running on the sea shore with no problems. The 4-WD and 7 seats feature provides us lots of fun. We are not playing harsh on this vehicle. Our 4WD XL-7 so far handle very well on the muddy road and by the sea shore.

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  I Love My Suzuki - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By gigindaut - November 19 - 1:06 am

  The Forenza has plenty of power, awesome stopping ability, and a great suspension.

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  Love My Suzuki - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By sheila - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with Purchase. Its just right for our little foursome family.

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  The best - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By gregeber - November 14 - 2:00 am

  price $15000 plus for the 5speed GS alloys and spoiler and it has some nice things for it price

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  OWNER - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By NYRICAN69 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  ITS BEEN THE BEST THE PICK UP THE WAY IT STOPS WHEN YOU BREAK THE COMFORTABLE SEATS AND THE STABILITY ON THE ROAD IS SUPERB! WHAT I REALLY LIKE IS WHEN I EXCELERATE PASSING A CAR IT GIVES A GOOD PICK UP

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  Sad to see it go. - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By blacktiger - November 13 - 8:07 pm

  Bought The Frog, a Desert Green Base model 5-speed 2006 Forenza, when it was a year old with only 4000 miles for a bargain, only $9900. In only five and a half years I drove it to over 141,000 miles. The exhaust, cooling and A/C systems required no attention. Paint maintained original appearance and the car would not rust. Maintenance included changing the oil, synthetic only, filters and the rear brake pads. Suzuki also replaced a fried splice pack for the headlights, under recall. No other service or repairs were required! Everything else, including the battery, was original. I could have replaced the timing belt and continued trusting it indefinitely.

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  2005 Suzuki Verona LX - Great Car - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By jason - November 13 - 9:26 am

  Other than the low fuel economy and only a 155 horsepower engine, this is a great car. Its a really fun car to drive, they just need to put more horses in it and improve its fuel economy a little.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2012 Suzuki Equator
  By gonetruckin - November 12 - 7:01 pm

  This a great truck! Although it is a Suzuki, in reality it is a Nissan Frontier but with better looks,emminaties,and standard features. The reviews of this truck are not always fair. Test drive it and you will quickly see why. Gas mileage is that of a truck. But bang for the buck it is the best. Im glad I picked the Equator, a solid choice.

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  4th Suzuki SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By dsrtdawg - November 10 - 1:40 am

  Only wish mileage was closer to 30 mpg. Other than that love the car and its usuability. 1.5 ton towing capacity is great for hauling the ATVs.

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  Best In Class - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By tony - October 29 - 11:00 pm

  I must be honest. My other car is a Porsche, so I expect alot from a car. I have an SX version, red with auto trans. This car is great for an all around commuter - 28 mpg, lots of room for passengers and cargo with more power than anything else for 15,500. Most Materials for the interior are outstanding for price. I think it compares well with the likes of Honda CRV and Hyundai Tuscon, if you dont need the extra 10-15 cubic feet of cargo space - especially with the Aerio being $5-7,000 less. The handling could be a little crisper with flatter cornering, but the red dash lights and the supurb stereo system more than makes up for it. I dont seem to be driving my Porsche so much.