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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  2009 Suzuki SX4 crossover vs. 2008 Sedan - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Jaysx409 - November 27 - 7:00 pm

  I bought a 2008 SX4 Sedan last June that got totaled when someone rear- ended me on April fools day. So I get a 2009 SX4 Crossover with navigation, and would like to point out the differences I noticed from the 2008 Sedan, which I put over 13,000 miles on. 5-Speed: Smoother clutch action, easier to make smoother shifts. Shifter works smoother too. Ride: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is also standard. I noticed less body roll in sharp curves and a more stable ride quality. More fun to drive! Interior: Controls a little smoother, interior panels seem to be of better quality. And I cant help but love the hatch with the fold-and-tumble seats, along with a rear window wiper.

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  Just bought! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By KillerInstinct - November 25 - 5:13 am

  We needed a small car with some features for the son, and we found it to be an attractive vehicle. The Verona looks good. It doesnt have too much horsepower, but it has a nice body style and its good on gas. The premium package has a power sunroof, alloy wheels, fog lights and remote keyless entry. Plus a big trunk for storage. If youre lookin for ecomony, this is the car, if youre lookin for power, this isnt the car. The 3yr/36,000 mile bumper to bumper and 7yr/100,000 mile powertrain warranty are great. Its an affordable car, good for first time buyers that cant really afford a whole lot. The dealership offers free tires for life. The was kinda the kicker! ) Enjoy your new car.

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  Suzuki Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By JB - November 22 - 5:13 am

  Love the leather, heated seats and the way it handles on hair pin curves. Needs more cup holders. There have been some serious problems with it, so far most have been resolved with warranty (100K warranty thankfully!). For resale though, I sure wish I would have bought the Camry.

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  Fun and Practical SX - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By misterc - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Have had my Electric Yellow SX for about 3 months now and for the most part I am quite happy. Definitely a great value, lots of fun to drive and lots of room for 4 adults. Seats are very comfortable, acceleration is good although it gets a little noisy in the higher revs. 5 speed isnt as precise as Honda or Toyota, but its not bad. For the money / features - cant complain!! Much less than a Cruiser or Vibe / Matrix and more features. Have added console, dash cover, front air deflector, door protection mouldings, rear cargo carpet and bumper strip - looks good !!!

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  great - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By CBB - November 4 - 10:00 am

  rides great and is a solid car, great value for money

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  Almost an Accord - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Pittsburgh - October 30 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this car new in 05 as a leftover. I was in the market for a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. I put about 40,000 miles a year on my vehicles. I felt this car was more stylish and had more features for the buck than the other two. I have had some problems with this car. At 38,000 miles the top of the engine block needed to be rebuilt. There have also been some other small problems as well. The dealership has been excellent in working with me to limit my inconvenience. All that being said, this car is not a Honda or Toyota yet. However for the money I have been very happy with this car and would still consider buying another one.

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  2000 Esteem GLX Wagon - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By chaser - October 24 - 6:06 pm

  Since I purchased my Esteem Wagon in July of 2001, I have had one problem. About a week after I purchsed it (it had only 10k miles), the passenger seid front brake pad "de-laminated" itself from the mounting surface. The dealer covered it under warranty and not one thing has gone wrong with the car. Although it has a propensity for blowing brakelights. I have put 12K miles on the car since purchase and it has been a pleasure. Better than any US brand I have owned in the last 10 years.

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  Overall satisfied with my purchase. - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By GVL - October 21 - 2:00 am

  When I first bought my Limited Grand Vitara, I felt like it was designed for me. A year and a half later, I still feel the same. Its a Cute Ute, with some nice features. For driving from A to B, it is a nice little package.

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  Really Not Bad - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By really not bad - October 17 - 7:36 pm

  Edmunds.com really described the car in their review pretty well. The acceleration is a little on the poor side, but it is quite smooth and going high speeds is no trouble. I have to step on the gas when I start it because it is so quiet. but remember it is a luxury sedan, not a sports car. I also do not hear any wind noise whatsoever. On the handling you have to drive the car for at least 600 miles to get the feel for it. I can handle mine pretty well now. I went from a Volvo to a Suzuki. Overall it is different and I do like this car.

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  Great looking, but whatsup with the a/c? - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By sweetwolf54 - October 13 - 8:33 am

  I really enjoy this car in just about every department,except the air conditioner. I have had it back to the dealer twice and it doesnt COOL the interior unless its UNDER 80 degrees. Has anyone else had a problem on warm/hot days getting this car cooled down INSIDE??? Im really frustrated..