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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  mad as hell - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By clarissa - March 22 - 3:26 pm

  as of 10/19/09 I have taken this vehicle to the dealer at least 6 times. it lights up like a christmas tree inside the dash board. check engine light, steering wheel, tire monitor all stay lit up and dealer cant seem to find the problem. I quess what they say, you pay for what you get is true, the forenza is cheap and is not worth the aggravation that comes with this car. I would not advise anyone to purchase this car, or you will be mad as hell the way that I am.

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  Save your money - 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By DenverSuzuki - February 23 - 7:30 am

  I had a bad experience with my second suzuki. I had it four days then the motor locked up. Four days of decent driving then out of the blue kerwham. The dealer has had my car now for 27 days, I keep thinking maybe tommorow ill get it back. its comfortable. The gas mileage it gets is terrible, I understand there is a breaking period however 7 miles to a gallon is terrible. I am driving a old 1977 ford truck that gets 19 mpg. Anyone in the market for a 2009 Grand Vitara with 247 miles on it?

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  2005 suzuki Aerio Sx. Not a happy camper - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Tim - February 21 - 10:46 am

  I can honestly say I felt the same way most of the other reviewers felt on this site about there Aerios when I first purchased the car however 36,000 miles later and its a much different feeling. My Aerio has went through 3 sets of tires which were rotated at 5,000 mile intervals. The front sway bar bushings have been replaced.One week later the squeaking is back. More squeaks in the dash. Paint is not very good. Easy to scratch when opening the doors .They do buff out but the chips on the hood do not. I am very disappointed in the car.I thought it would hold up better.The suspension is terrible on this car.Too many squeaks and rattles .I guess you get what you pay for. Not Recommended