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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  Reno 2005 - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By Jacqueline Range - June 23 - 3:43 am

  The vehicle is very easy to handle on the road. Drives smooth. Not a very big car but plenty of room. Great looks. Two thumbs up!

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  Way to go Suzuki! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By John - June 20 - 1:06 pm

  This is a big car in a little package! It is fun, safe, and very roomy. The Aerio is very practical, especially if you have pets or children.

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  Nice little car! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By StephenC - June 20 - 12:43 pm

  This is a nice little car. I like it a lot. As to what was written in the offical review. It is just a matter of getting to know what your car can do. Sort of like bonding with it. Once you know what it likes and dislikes, this car is really fun to drive.

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  Suzuki Reno? Something very special!!! - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By LS - Atlanta - June 18 - 9:26 pm

  I bought this car few days ago and I wanted to share how excited I was driving this car. From afar the European design catches the drivers eyes. Very roomy, sporty, strongly built, with a predictable steering when strolling or cruising on highway. High quality for the crafted interior as well as the sound system. Comfort gets a 10 as well. The base model comes with a lot of "power everything". The engine performs outstanding. I think it is a great, great value for the money.

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  Diamond in the Rough - 2009 Suzuki Equator
  By Mike V - June 18 - 4:26 am

  I needed a newer truck with better gas mileage and Suzuki delivered. Suprised to find the price was $2000.00 less than the Nissian Frontier. I have been driving Equator for 3 months / 3000 miles and averageing 20mpg around town. The automatic transmission does take a bit of getting use to, maybe due to the 2.5l engine. I added spray on liner and a trifold cover. Many people surprised Suzuki has a truck and impressed with the look.

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  Love My "Super Suzuki" - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By llravon4383 - June 17 - 5:40 am

  We bought the AWD version of this car in April 2008. Love it! Fun to drive. Fits our growing family of 5 (4 adult size and one child)comfortably enough for short trips. Good on gas (getting 21.5 city driving). Lots of trunk space. Cant wait to see how it handles in the snow. For a 4 cylinder vehicle, it does great on hills.

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  Great Compact SUV - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Chris - June 12 - 4:20 pm

  After having the 2007 Grand Vitara for a month, I feel I can fully review this vehicle. It drives great and has a good jack-rabbit jump to it. Its interior is attractive. The comfort is A+. It handles great in the rain. I love the 4 wheel drive. The Grand Vitara does not sway in high winds (under 45 mph). It wont shake when going over 70 MPH. One plus is the vehicle warms very quickly in the cold morning and cold in the hot afternoon!

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  Fusion Red Forenza of Hi Quality - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Ray Hg S - June 12 - 2:00 am

  - The safety rating is highest - Love the ext. look produced by Italian Pininfarina + the Fusion Red color. - Interior f+r l+h spaces roomier than Corollas Civics Sentras. Interior materials great quality. Drivers seat has nice side & adjustable lumbar support, nice for aching lower backs - Engine is torqy, 126 hp & 131 ft/lb, silent, smooth & enjoyable ( someone with new Mitsubishi Galant tried to race me, but lost ;-)) - Standard design features good, 195R5515 Kumho tires, good in cornering, Porche-Opel suspension, claimedly tweaked by Lotus, giving definitely good drive - OK 8 spkr cd/cas/radio, pwr: door locks, mirrors, windows, trunk

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  XL7 - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By wolf6275 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  We have had some trouble with the keyless entry system 2 times and the door alignment. The biggest problem was the tires are already toast. They didnt last long. Other than that smooth sailing.

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  Why I DIDNT get a Reno - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By DC - June 9 - 10:06 am

  Although I was impressed with the Reno LXs ride, features, performance, and quiet cabin, the following items turned me away. 1. Very weak AC, which I found in all three Renos I drove. Sub-par at best. 2. Poorly designed sunroof operation, with no "one-touch" closing, requiring you to keep a finger on the button and your eyes on the sunroof as it closes, meaning having to take your eyes off the road to make sure it stops and seals where it should instead of going into vent mode. Frustrating, and a safety hazard while driving. 3. Tight rear storage. Not enough lateral room for my guitar cases without putting seatbacks down. That means no passengers. 4. Sub-par gas mileage No thanks.