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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  a lot of car for a little money - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By peaceful bismillah - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Shockingly, this is a lot of car for $13,500. At first I was looking at the Verona, but I saw the Forenza in a brouchure. I loved its look better than its older brother and kept asking when it would be available. It just so happens that the first shipload came in the next week. So instead of buying the Verona, I saved a couple thousand and bought what I liked better. Now Im eagerly waiting for aftermarket products to personalize my Forenza.

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  Suzuki SX4 - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Tom S. - May 22 - 3:46 pm

  This is a nice small - medium size car. Has a very strong engine (for its category), a lot of space and it is priced better than the competition.

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  Worst car to buy - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By just another guy - May 21 - 5:30 am

  I bought this car used with around 17,000 miles on it. It was basically new, it was the worst purchase of my life almost. So many little things go wrong with it. the most recent thing is the cable to pop the hood has broken. AGAIN. this is the second time ive been unable to open the hood. also one of the door ajar sensors is malfunctioning so everytime u hit a bump the interior lights flash on and it dings. gas mileage goes is awful. its a "compact" SUV. its smaller than a mini van and gets worse gas than my truck. for a vehicle that size with a V6 and such little horsepower it should get way better gas mileage. the tire inflation sensor malfunctions too.

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  Fat on Fun; Skinny on the Wallet - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Jimbo - May 19 - 5:30 am

  I am very pleased with every aspect of this true little off road hustler. It is fully loaded with every option one could want, yet it only cost $21,000. It has a very nice highway ride and it is nimble enough to turn on a dime. I have not a single problem or squeak in the first ten months.

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  This is a Great Inexpensive SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Brian Chambers - May 18 - 1:20 pm

  We (my wife and I) have searched for a new vehicle for a month. We looked at all of the mid-line and some high line SUVs and for all around value there was no choice, the Suzuki Grand Vitara. First look at the warratny, included free roadside assistant program. plus thier new inventive keyless entry.

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  Fun - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Lots of Fun - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Enjoyable to drive, the LX comes with everything. Good buy for the money.

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  This SUV is sweet! - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By skaterizme - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I was considering the Santa Fe, then I had eyes on the Highlander but for $5,000 less, beautiful cloth interior, (Highlanders cloth interior was cheap- looking)nice, smooth, quiet test drive, I was very impressed with this SUV. I was also able to get the dealer to go with their listed internet price and purchased this SUV for less than it originally was listed for - it pays to do your homework. If you want a nice, reliable, roomy SUV, test drive the XL- 7 and you too, will be impressed!

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  Bring Back The Aerio - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By UW2012 - May 15 - 4:50 pm

  My Aerio has been a great car, bought it new, only 5 miles on it. Some initial buzzing in door panels, but dealership fixed that right away, just tightned some nuts. Gas MPGs started out low but kept improving with more miles. Now gets 25 city if I drive reasonably and as high as 41.5 mpg hwy with avg hwy mpgs around 33 mpg. Storage capacity is outstanding, specially with the back seats down. Only 1 warranty claim so far, the water pump bearing, and the dealership treated me like royalty, free loaner car and fantastic attitude. I constantly get compliments on the looks of the car interior. Has its minor quirks just as all cars do but none of them are serious. I recommend it to anyone!

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  Biggest Little Car Ever! The SX4 Sedan! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Patrick - May 15 - 11:10 am

  I have the vivid red SX4 Sedan w/ conv & auto. Ive owned over 150 cars in my life. New, used, old, big & small. This car really takes the cake for value, comfort, looks, performance, etc. I could go on and on. (Okay, I will!) I am 6 350lbs and I fit! No tipping the head to get in or reach out and close door. (Big guys know what I mean.) I can easily open the door in the parking garage and slip in and out since the doors are so short. Glass everywhere. Feels like a greenhouse. Tall seating feels like youre in an SUV. Handles excellent. Easy to drift if you want. Sharp appearance. Beats Toyo, Nissan, Subies and most other small cars in the looks, ride and standards department.

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  Good truck - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By nic0814 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle before I had a child, it was good until he moved to the "big kid" car seat. No one has leg room on that side of the truck. The truck is very reliable abd fun though. Only complaint is the room with a carseat.