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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  2004 Suzuki Verona EX - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Stan Smith - July 27 - 10:06 am

  Im pretty pleased with the Suzuki Verona. Ive read the other reviews and I havent had the same number of problems as some of the reviewers. I have only had two problems. The first is that in the city and on the highway I only seem to get 19mpg. The second problem that Ive had is the car occasionally stalling out at red lights. Thats the reason that I decided to post a review. I took the car into the dealership and they told me that they couldnt reproduce the problem but it happend again on the way home. The good news is that I put STP Gas Treatment in the car the next time I filled up and the problem hasnt recurred in 3 months. I suspect it was bad gas or a dirty injector.

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  Better than the others - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By mburgos - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Last Saturday I test drove the Verona S after testing "the others @ Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Solara, Matrix and even the A & B Scions. Also I test drove the Altima, Mazda M3 and M6 and a 2003 BMW 530 with 39000 miles and full warranties. It was like new and it did ride very nice. I could not find in these cars, except for the BMW 530, a real quiet, smooth ride. Only the Verona had the way far better ride.

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  Nice Car - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Sammy Felix - July 25 - 7:56 pm

  So far I have had no problems with this car. Its drive is very smooth and comfortable.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Caryl - July 25 - 5:43 am

  The Verona seemed like a great buy, almost luxurious with the leather, heated seats but in 2 short years I am now waiting for a buyback on it. In January (this is April)the engine and transmission were replaced; it is now sitting because of the same major problems and no doubt needs a new engine again. The transmission is erratic and also clunks into gear. The engine leaks oil into places they can not fix - such as the pistons. I didnt have the heart to even trade it in for another car, I didnt want someone else to be stuck with it. My suggestion - dont buy one!!

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  Unexpected Surprise - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Bob in Jax - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I liked the looks, and the price was right. What I didnt expect was just how much I was going to like this car. I traded in a Maxima for the Verona, and I feel like I traded up! What a surpise. It has more amenities and features than my Maxima and it has a much more comfortable ride. Its tight and quite. I have yet to see another Verona here on the east side of Jackonville. They dont appear to have caught on here yet. Thats okay...Ive got a ride thats unique and that I love to drive. For me, thats more than enough. If youre reading this and even remotely thinking about a Verona, please take a test ride. It will be worth your time.

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  Practical with a small kick - 2008 Suzuki Reno
  By rye - July 18 - 11:23 pm

  I drive 90 miles a day and I get from 420 miles to 380 miles on a full tank of gas so the mileage is alright. Needs cruise but hey its a good price on a car that get me to were I gotta go

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  2004 Suzuki Forenza - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Rick2004 - July 17 - 10:23 pm

  My 2004 Suzuki Forenza is a great car. Make sure you buy it from a repudable Suzuki dealer though because the dealer I purchased my Suzuki at later decided to stop selling them and now I have to drive half an hour away to the next closest Suzuki dealer for maintence. So far after 6 months and nearly 8,000 miles this car is running great. I have had a few problems, but overall the car handles great and is fun to drive. The car guzzles gas, but thats because I drive it almost a hundred miles a day. I highly recomend this car. It can be a little noisy but overall it is a great machine.

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  QUITE AND COMFORT RIDE - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By kamyeung - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Quite and smooth engine, ride comfortable and roomy, luxry interior in this class.

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  A hidden gem - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Brian Defferding - July 12 - 4:00 pm

  Suzuki Aerios are like the perfect secret. Its a little seen car that will last forever and is a blast to drive. It has plenty of headroom (something other Japanese cars like Hondas and Toyotas sometimes lack), has a spunky engine, performs well in winter. I drive my Aerio around to conventions all around the midwest, racked up tons of miles and any repairs it needs is routine maintainence and oil changes. And the best part - they are totally affordable! I bought mine used at 52,000 miles for $7,500. If you discover this hidden gem for sale, buy it!

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  A Very Nice Ride - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By DRS - July 10 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned over two dozen cars. The Suzuki Verona is a better all around car than most of my previous vehicles. First of all, I have only driven my Verona a few thousand miles, so I cannot comment on long term reliability. That being said, I have had not had to take it to a dealer yet. The 155HP V6 engine does not produce a fast car per say, however it is very smooth and quiet due to its inline design. I still can honestly say it is quicker than the Ford Taurus base V6, and much quieter to boot. This is a family sedan, not a sports car. I love both the unique interior and exterior design. Besides, I paid thousands under sticker price, and the inclusion of a 100,000 mile Suzuki warranty sealed the deal.