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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  Gas Guzzler of a Small Wagon? - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By psc210b - February 18 - 11:03 pm

  I have put 2,000 miles on my Suzuki Forenza LX wagon. Just like others have said, the fuel economy is terrible on this car. I have gotten less than 15 mpg in the city and 27 mpg in highwaydriving. Also, the steering wheel is always vibrating when it starts to take off. I like its design though, pretty much looks like a Jetta wagon. I would hope these are all the problems I have for the next few years.

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  Paint Problem - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By suzcust - February 9 - 6:20 am

  There is a problem with the paint on these cars. At first I thought it was rock chips but the more I paint chips I find on my car it appears to be a defective paint job...paint lifting off the car and flaking off. Suzuki must stop ignoring the problem and come clean that there is an issue

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  second xl-7 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By vegastom69 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  great suv had a 2001 plus for 2in half years never had a problem,moved to michigan a year ago 1st winter was ok but need a 4 wheel dr and wife wanted auto trans so far the snow is no problem did have to change the tires forn the snow a must for the cold weather.

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  My Forenza - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By gbandlb - February 5 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle. Rides smooth and handles great. Has plenty of pickup for a car in its class. Its a pleasure to drive and ride in as well.

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  diamond in the rough - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Jet - February 5 - 1:13 am

  I bought my 2006 Aerio SX premium package based on my roomates expirience with his 2004 SX AWD. I think its the best car for the money. Its warranty has no deductable and is FULLY transferable, not just to a family memeber like the Korean brands. The only negative about the car is buzzing door panels on rough roads. Talk to your dealer, they will fix for free like mine did. If you can find any of these cars left, then snatch it up because they are no longer making them. A new car is coming out but it wont be an Aerio. Hurry before they are all gone!

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By Jana Green - February 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst mistake I have ever made. I bought it less than 2 months ago, tried to give it back to the dealer two days later. The only good thing I can say about this car is it has good gas mileage. But I have learned there is more to life than Gas Mileage. I feel my kids and I are very vulnerable in this car, not much to it to keep us safe. We were overcharged so I cant even say it is a good value. We were misled and the car was misrepresented to us. And to boot, the seats are very uncomfortable, and why doesn’t it have tilt?. I am counting the days till I can sell it. Wish me luck.

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  Listen to owners not reviewers - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Luka - February 3 - 10:00 am

  The reviewers seem to have a bias against the XL7. Many of their criticisms are accurate, but of little significance if you are purchasing this vehicle based on needs rather than on how it stacks up against a Lexus or BMW car-ute. This is a little truck that will tow 3000 pounds and handle much more rigorous terrain than the AWD "car-utes". Im stepping down from a 1984 Toyota Land Cruiser with 210,000 mi. This was the ONLY little ute to meet my criteria between a mix of true truck-like utility and durability and on road manners and economy. Check your needs, not the reviews...and see what owners think of this totally under appreciated vehicle.

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  Not Horrible - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By KC - February 2 - 12:26 pm

  I bought the car new in 2000 and faithfully do tune ups. I had a problem with the catalytic converter at 48,000 miles. The warranty covered PART of it. Then the catalytic converter went out again. I contacted Suzuki and they would not cover it. I now hear a rattling coming from the engine every time its rpms are over 2,000, which is not so good if you need to pass emissions:)

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  My Second Aerio, better than the first.. - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Gkxp - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had most cars in this class including a Civic, Insight, Corolla, Cavalier, Elantra, Sephia, Escort and Swift. Having a previous good experience with my Suzuki Swift, I bought a 2002 Suzuki Aerio with the 2.0L 4 Cylinder. I loved it so much, I went back to Suzuki and bought another! The power improvement for 04 is VERY noticeable without a penalty in MPG. Suzuki also addressed the lack of a driver armrest and my 2004 seems much quieter on the inside (engine is very quiet on both). I would suggest to would-be compact class buyers to test drive an Aerio after driving an Echo, Corolla, Civic or Scion XA or XB & Im sure youll be impressed!

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  Excellent Value - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By CK - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Our family has had the XL-7 for a month now, and are very pleased with the vehicle. First, it has high value as it provides more features than its competitors do compared to selling price. Second, the exterior styling is pleasing -its lean and clean. Third, the interior is comfortable and the ride is very smooth for a truck. Controls are logically positioned. Lastly, the third row seat is a definate plus. Overall, the quality is very high in all aspects. The XL-7 is a great alternative to a mini-van and is a lot of fun to drive. There is a lot to like about this vehicle compared to what you pay for it.