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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  Into the Unknown - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By paul rush - January 27 - 8:40 am

  We originally owned a 1995 Suzuki Wagon 4WD and liked it very much, with the exception of slightly uncomfortable seats. We now have an XL-7 with all the toys including steering wheel radio controls and heated leather seats. We are recieving 20 mpg out of its V6 engine. The 95 Suzuki would give us 23 mpg with a 4-cyl. We find the seats in our new XL-7 comfortable. I think this car will hold up.

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  LOVE IT - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By LuvItSUV - January 27 - 5:56 am

  This vehicle is the best I have ever had. Ive had many other vehicles from various makes and models, but this by far is the BEST.

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  Is there a higher selection than 5 for excellent? - 2011 Suzuki SX4
  By mmagana - January 26 - 3:50 am

  I purchased my SX4 AWD for zipping around town safely and to go up to my cabin in Big Bear on the weekends, in fact, when going up to the mountans, I dont have to place chains on the tires when snowing, saving me time and hassle. The All-Wheel-Drive system works perfectly!!! The car drives great, very comfortable seats that sit up high and give me a very secure feeling. And with 8 airbags, Im very comfortable placing my family in the car. I did a lot of reserch before buying, based on the value, safety ratings, and Consumer Reports recommendation, my choice was very easy. I have nearly 60k miles on it and never had a problem other than routine maintenance.

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  Great Car - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By nhurta - January 25 - 8:53 pm

  I looked at 3 different cars that looked just like the Reno, and in my opinion nothing compares to it. This car handles better than the other ones I looked at, and is more comfortable.

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  Suzuki Aerio 2002 GS - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By blubaustin - January 25 - 1:36 pm

  Pretty cheap car to buy bought one for $1400 with 95k miles, currently has 98k miles. Pretty good starter car if you can invest the money in it to keep it running. For example: a person who cant consistently pay a car payment ontop of full coverage insurance but can afford to save up money and eventually fix stuff. Car is pretty peppy so I dont know what other people are talking about on the car not having pep. Also seems to get pretty good gas mileage. Hwy it averages about 35mpg city, I havent really measured.

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  Great small SUV!! - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Daniels family - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We love our Grand Vitara!! With the rising gas prices it is wonderful to have a 4x4, attractive, and dependable family car!! Even though it is small, there is plenty of space! The interior is comfortable and stylish also!

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  Great Car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Brunson - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car about 2 years ago, and I have not had a speck of trouble with it. Only service that I had done to my car is getting regular oil changes; whoops! A tank of gas cost me less then $20.00, and it last me about three weeks around about town; it last me about a week in a have going from Harford Co. to Balto.City to work 5 days a week. Its a Great CAR!!!!!

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  Suzuke Aero GS Sedan - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By suzuki000001 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Well built, handles well, good performance for the fuel mileage. Averages 30mpg

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  Just bought it - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By Mike - January 24 - 12:36 am

  It was okay when I test drive it. The sales manager accepted my offer and I paid really cheap with very low mileage. The following day "engine check" light came on, but the car is still running. I hope nothing major repair and more to come.

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  Good Wagon for the Money - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jim Malkin - January 22 - 7:30 pm

  Its hard to find a company that isnt discontinuing its wagons in favor of some kind of crossover thing. Suzuki still proudly offers them and I was pleasantly surprised with the price, standard features and styling.