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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  Great Little Wagon - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Salena - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Im a college student who needed a new car, and I lucked out with my Aerio. Both my father and I fell in love with this car within minutes of driving it for the first time, and after a few months of ownership, and a once over by Suzuki, I am happy to say I have not experienced any major problems. My radio had to be replaced upon purchase and the light in the temperature/clock display didnt work, not major problems. Found out this was a rental car before I owned it, so considering that its in great shape!

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  my take on it - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Hay-Oh - March 19 - 2:00 am

  A fun car to drive. Easy to park.

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  excellent - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By maka gellar - March 19 - 2:00 am

  this car is the best. get it now because it can drive well, it is a good size, the mileage is grat, and the kids love it.

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  classy - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By DSEDWICK - March 14 - 10:00 am

  JUST WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR.

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  Little Fun Car! - 2001 Suzuki Swift
  By Mary - March 11 - 5:40 pm

  Its a very economic and reliable little car. In almost six years the only problem I have had with it is the A/C, that it has to be recharged once a year.

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  My Suzi - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Marlyn - March 5 - 2:10 am

  I got my Suzi at 35k. I love my car. It has a sunroof and other cool stuff. The engine has its own quirky sound. Its the perfect family car for 4. The sunroof button is starting to stick. I would never trade it.

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  2002 Suzuki XL-7 - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Lorry - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a fantastic SUV. Not only does she look sleek and classy. Her handling is excellent. Brakes are a little squashy but still are very good when stopping is a must. The back hach opening is a dream. Opening from the side instead of downward, is way better and convenient. The 4wd in bad winter conditions has proven itself to me as the best ive seen yet in handling slushly, slippery roads. All in all it was thee best investment ive ever made!! Suzuki out did themselves with this SUV.

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  the smallest truck one could own. - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Robert - March 1 - 2:26 am

  I bought this Sidekick JX 4-door, 4x4, 5-speed about a week ago from a private party to replace my Grand Vitara. The latter is great in all aspects except the gas economy. So, I got this Sidekick for better gas mileage. Comparing with the Grand Vitara I am surprised to find that the Sidekick is not so much less in acceleration, and climbing grade. But what troubles me is that the Sidekick does not seem willing to get beyond 65 MPH speed. The RPM gets to 3,000 at 55 MPH, 3,100 at 60 MPH and 3,500 and growling in loud protest at 65 MPH. I havent yet dare to try but wonder if it can get to 70 RPM. I hope someone could share with me his experience and insight on this over the Internet.

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  Never buy, cant drive my family safely around!! - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By maloney1124 - February 25 - 6:46 pm

  I got my Suzuki two years ago this month... Bought it wil 18,000 miles on it. To start, they replaced the transmission a day before I got it. Dealer never said anything and said nothing was wrong with it, that it belonged to an elderly woman who only used it to run errands... I get the car n 6 months later (4,000 miles if that!) they had to replace the transmission again! 35,000 miles currently n on its 3rd transmission and current will need replaced yet again cause its slipping. It randomly shuts off, speakers blown out, outside door handle paint is all off n dealer repainted them, check engine light goes on n off, gas light doesnt come on until your out of gas, Nd much more! Dont buy!!!

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  Nice Little Wagon - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Alan Jay - February 19 - 12:53 pm

  Nice practical wagon. I average about 25 MPG with the automatic, better on highway trips. Great interior. I love the styling. Engine a little noisy on hard acceleration, but quiet at speed. The 2.0 Holden (Australian GM made) engine has a good long record for reliability in Europe, where it is used a lot. The ZF (German designed) auto transmission had a couple of minor quirks, but was fixed with a recent program update. It now is buttery smooth. Great sound system. It has started and run flawlessly. No squeaks or rattles. Handling is competent, but not sporty. Ride is quite good for a small car. Seems sturdy. (It weighs almost 3000 lbs.)