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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  First three months - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Ray Suryadinata - May 9 - 12:33 pm

  We bought the car in 2007 and got an end of year discount on this 2006. The 2007 is bigger with larger engine and built in Canada. But this 2006 is the last import to Canada still made 100% in Japan. True the 2006 is less spacious than the 2007, but the 2006 seems to be built more solidly and has better standard features. Just came back from 1000 km trip. The highway mileage was pretty good, better than expected considering still in break-in period. We havent used all seven seatings, but had six people several times and smallish adults in the third seat row had no complaints.

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  Value is Key - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By badandy - May 5 - 2:33 pm

  If youre looking for value, then this is your car. I found an internet special for $10,400, minus a $500 military discount and I paid $9,999 for a well equipped small car. Pound for pound the Corolla / Civic are a better quality cars, but in terms of value....my Forenza is the winner. It looks good, rides well, and has adequate power....what more do you want, unless you want to pay more.

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  Love this car!!! - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By Love this car!!! - May 4 - 10:33 am

  First I would like to know who reviewed this car? It cant be what I am driving because I love this car. I owned a honda civic for 2 years prior to this, also 2008 sedan model and the forenza drives better. My car payment went down 200 bucks! Smoother ride and quiet. I got 26mpg on my first gas tank. Not bad city/highway. If you are thinking of getting one of these cars, just get in it and drive. Youll be sold! 11k for a new car, nuts!!!

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  I enjoy my little wagon - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By burt weiss - May 2 - 11:50 pm

  Picked Aerio SX after much hands on comparison with Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix. The Aerio has much more equipment, is much peppier up hills, and costs about $3,000 less. It might depreciate faster than the Toyota, but I plan to keep car until the end of its warranty, at least seven years. What I like most about the car is how it is so easy to get in and out of. You dont sit down in this car, you sit up - just slide right in and buckle up. It has lots of foot room and lots of headroom in the back. Does this height compromise cornering? As I do not do high speed chases through town, I havent noticed. There is an occasional creak coming from somewhere that I could do without. Also, I would have liked 16" wheels. This car has a great stereo. I can tune in out of town ball games.

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  Renos great mileage and Comfort - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Robert Garrison - May 1 - 1:13 am

  I kept looking at that Reno sitting up a pedistal outside the dearlership for about a month. The looks and the price was very attractive. I decided to stop and see how the performance was and to tell you the truth. I was actually surprised by what that 2.0 liter will do. If your not afraid to put your foot in it, it will get you down the road quick. Anyway, I am 62" and I fit in that car like Jim Carey says, "like a glovvvveee". It handles real well, and the mileage...OMG...I go to Illinois from Alabama and I dont stop for gas until I get to Champagne which is like 450 miles from Huntsville. I love this car. Great car!

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  Shes a looker - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By DEALERS DAUGHTER - April 29 - 12:33 pm

  As a auto dealers daughter, I found my Suzuki SX4 crossover on Edmunds.com-- what attracted my curiosity was the AWD option in a smaller size car. Very happy with my vehicle. Its built solidly and gives a safe handling ride--really look forward to another winter when my little baby purrs and passes all those big, expensive cars. I added a narrow side accent moulding to the car and I must say it is definitelly a show stopper. Gas mileage could be a bit better but its decent for an AWD and I would really like to chop off the top and have a sunroof. You wont be dissapointed in this car and will love to drive it and strut your stuff!

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  Great Value - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Alex - April 26 - 2:33 am

  I bought this car from my cousin in 2006 with 69,700 miles. The car has been very reliable with some problems here and there, but its mostly due to age. The transmission has never given me any problems. Its amazing in the snow; after 10 years of ownership, this year was the first year it got stuck in the snow because the street wasnt plowed and the vehicle got high centered. The snow was up halfway to my thighs (Im 62). Recommended transmission fluid change for the A/T is at 100,000 which I reached 2 years ago. No problems with the transmission even though it had the original transmission fluid for 16 years. This car has a rust issue, but it has seen very severe winters over the years being in Boston when my cousin owned it and now here in NY with me. The rust has gotten so bad that the part where the chassis meets the bumper is has almost completely rusted away on one side. The most expensive repair has been the 4WD auto locking hub in the front left wheel that slipped out of place which was due to my dad accelerating too hard when he engaged 4WD; that part cost around $450-$500(labor inc). The other two expensive repairs was the EGR valve and alternator that each cost between $200-$250(labor inc). The car has been very reliable over the years. Being in NY it doesnt feel as solid as it once did because the potholes in my area are horrendous, at one point even loosened the plates in the muffler which caused it to rattle. We average about 12 mpg city because of the heavy traffic in our area and about 25mpg on long interstate stretched. The car has been great, but it is now 19 years old and its time for a new one.

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  Extremely Dangerous on Highways - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By khunt2 - April 25 - 1:50 pm

  The 2005 Suzuki Aerio is a danger on the highways because the front axles may suddenly break without warning!! In July 2011 while in a parking lot about to make a left turn from a stopped position, the left front axle broke. The dealers shop replaced Control Arm only. Two weeks later, went someplace else & had wheels aligned because car vibrating badly. Found CV joint damaged & boot ripped. CV joint replaced Sept. 2012. Oct. 2012, while stopped at a corner about to make a right turn, the right front axle broke. Called Suzuki in Calif. but they arent interested in the danger. Owners should stay off of highways and have front end carefully checked at once under strong light.

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  2007 sx4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By bill varnell - April 21 - 4:56 am

  We have owned this car since 2/2007. It is our 1st Japanese vehicle and we like it very much. It is great in the snow and quite comfortable on long trips. We even tow our two jetskis several hundred miles on vacation without a problem. The cons are the fuel mileage and poor quality interior. I would buy this model again but would like to see several improvements.

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  The Forenza is an EXCELLENT choice - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By LuvMySuzi - April 20 - 10:00 am

  After seeing the commercials, and advestisements in magazines I decided that the Forenza was at least worth a look. At first glance the Forenza looks a lot like most of the cars in its class. The exterior styling is fresh and new. The interior is very well equiped, especially in the LX modle I purchased. The most impressive thing about this car to me is the durability, and quality in the materials used to make it. After having an 03 Maxima, and comparing its materials and quality to the Suzuki Forenza I found myself amazed. There really isnt any comparison; the Forenza just feels all around like a much better built automobile.