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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  My Grand Vitara - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Nike - April 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Grand Vitara. I had a 2000 that I just traded in for this car. I think this is a nice SUV for a lady.

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  Decent Ownership - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By RichW1 - April 13 - 3:23 am

  I bought mine new in 04, have been blessed with only minor items.Overall experience has been great. At 57,000 miles I need to spend $1200 on "normal" things like a water pump,struts, transmission flush, and timing belt. I cannot complain.

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  What the VWs GTI should be. - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By EC Transplant - April 10 - 3:46 pm

  I bought this car as a replacement to my 2000 VW. Value for the money, you cant beat this car. No problems whatsoever. I have entered this car in several autocross events and it has shamed cars costing at least twice as much. The styling is distinctive and euro, a nice touch. Interior is simple, the way I like it with just the right amount of convenience such as power windows, mirrors, and locks. Although the cars suspension is soft (see below), the overall balance is great. If Suzuki can bump the car up to about 150 bhp and stiffen up the suspension at least 50% the car would be a hit with hot hatch enthusiasts everywhere.

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  All in one car - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By SX4Sport - April 7 - 6:20 am

  My 5M Sport averages at least 29 mpg. Try to find another AWD car that can match that. And the AWD is for real. I have blazed trails through 6+ inches of snow before the plows have come through. I have pushed the limits in empty snow covered parking lots and I was incredibly impressed. The ground clearance isnt high enough for any serious off-roading, but the AWD grips like claws on the road.

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  Best Bang for your Buck in the Class. - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Gord Simpson - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. Im going on nine months with the car, through a cold Canadian Winter with plenty of snow and ice, as well as the heat of early Summer. Reliabilty has been 100%. Cold Winter starts have been no problem (regularily -35C in Winter). AWD was wonderful for Winter, although it does take a slight change in driving style over your typical FWD, took about month to accustomize to taking corners properly in an AWD on ice. But now that that has occured ill never go back to FWD. Air is very capable in Summer heat. Car has plenty of power for its class. Excellent standard options. Suzuki has built a winner here.

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  What a cute car! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By moimoi - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car purchase and I couldnt be more pleased. Ive had the car less than a month and have already put close to 1800 miles on it. Drives great and catches the eye of many. I was first interested in the Pontiac Vibe, until I found the Areio SX - an awesome value for the $$.

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  Nice Car - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By NaderTader - April 4 - 7:00 pm

  Very reliable, i tow my boat with it and no problems, good gas mileage on the highway, easy to park. The only problem is that it doesnt have much trunk space or leg room in the back. It runs good

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  My Wifes New Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Tazdiablo - April 3 - 10:16 pm

  I bought this little car for my wife. She like the color and and the interior creature comforts. I am 6 4" and have not missed many meals, but I can still get in with hardly any problems. The cabin is roomy even with my wife, two kids, and myself in the car there is plenty of room. The car has the power to do what we need and still gets great fuel economy. For a guy who loves the big cars I am really impressed with this little car. Driving it is fun, just ask my wife. She herself is tall and she is extremely comfortable in it and loves the stereo and steering wheel controls. Neither of us would be shy about recommending one of these little cars to our friends or family.

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  Bad Car - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Kat - April 3 - 8:00 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. I started having problems when it was only a few weeks old. It took forever to get the problem fixed. Then the car had the head light not working problem. Then my front drivers seat came disconnected from the base. The tires wore out in under a year. The check engine light keeps coming on for no reason. The mileage is not good for that small a car. I was just told that I already need to replace the rear breaks. The service from Suzuki is bad. They knew about the starter problem when I called and told me they were working on a fix, I would just have to wait. I only had the car for less then a month. It is a bad, bad, bad car. I used to love Suzuki.

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  Most Features For Your Money - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By VABeloved - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised with the XL- 7. I was in the market for something bigger for my growing family (previous car 2000 Camry, another EXCELLENT car). I was interested in 3rd row SUVs, but didnt think we could afford one. Heard a radio ad for the XL-7 and decided to check it out even though I was not a big fan of Suzuki. Was very surprised by the smooth ride (husband owns Isuzu Rodeo--ROUGH ride) and the luxurious look and feel of the interior and exterior. Very well loaded for a total price of @ 22K. Gas mileage (main concern for an SUV) is not as bad as you would expect either.