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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  I love my truck! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By hpeaks - December 30 - 8:00 pm

  I love the way the Suzuki Grand Vitaga feels when I drive. It feels good and is fun to drive!

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  14K miles, not a hiccup! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By outfieldpete - December 30 - 6:40 pm

  I bought this car new in March 2007, and after 14,000 miles and 14 months the SX4 is rock solid. It goes in the snow, seats 4 adults in a small car thats large inside, and parks anywhere.

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  this cars 4 u - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By sent2u - December 30 - 10:00 am

  *****Very fun car/little suv.As much as i hate it, i WILL SELL MY CAR! Dealer went out of business in Little Rock , Arkansas so no place to get it serviced with in 60 miles!

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  Great Suzuki - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By ginlj - December 30 - 10:00 am

  We wanted a midsized vehicle after years of owning larger luxury vehicles, but didnt want to drive a commonly seen Altima or Sonata. Happened upon the Suzuki Verona, and fell in love with the Sapphire Grey color and supple leather seats. The touches of wood, combined with lots of chrome and luminescent dials, make it a treat to drive. Excellent sound system! And the leg room is impressive; the back seat is at least as comfortable as the front. We recommend the Verona to those who are tired of the commonplace.

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  Saved My Wifes Life - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By MOdriver - December 28 - 10:00 am

  We owned this little car for a year and a half. I took our 2WD through fields, used it to haul hundreds of pounds of landscaping material. Pulled a trailer with it off a tow loop, no trailer hitch. Through all this abuse this car always started up, ran straight, and pushed through everything. Its a tough little truck, tho underpowered for highway speeds. It has strength, but youll be downshifting up hills and its not too soft about it. 2 weeks ago my wife swerved to miss a raccoon, flew off the road, flipped and rolled 6 times. The air bag deployed and this little car landed upright, my wife is alive along with two dogs. We just bought a new Suzuki to replace this one. Great Car!

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  Worth a test drive! easy to own - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SX4dude1 - December 26 - 7:40 am

  This is my second Suzuki and I am rather impressed I purchased a Forenza and I will say the SX4 is a huge improvement in so many ways. The car is actually fun to drive with unique style and its easy to own I have had this car for about a year now and I have had no issues with the car so far. This has been one of my favorite cars to own so far. The 4 speed auto is a bit sluggish to respond and the lack of an auto stick type trans was a bit disapointing but it still gets the job done. There is just enough horse power to get you onto the highway and above legal posted limits quickly so this car is no slug. From a red light the car may not seem to be to impressive just wait and see

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  2007 Suzuki Forenza - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Stephanie - December 24 - 5:46 am

  I have owned my 07 Suzuki Forenza for two and a half years and my transmission is having major problems and most likely needs to be replaced. I did have a decent warranty at my time of purchase, but unfortunately my dealer went out of business. I am still trying to figure out where to take my car to get warranty work done at no cost to me. I am very frustrated with Suzuki in general.

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  solid Jap sub-compact - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By rr - December 24 - 2:00 am

  i like this most popular sub-compact (in Japan 2002-03) Japanese car though it isnt a real sporty car. The design and the material quality stand well after a year and a half. I drove it to Vegas twice. The car is also my daily working transportation. So far except routing oil changes, i have no other expenses yet. However, the rim and tires can be enlarged one standard higher. The aired suspension can be improved if the sporty feature isnt upgraded in the future...Suzuki should changes its marketing strategy, and more aggressively competes with other top brand names.

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  I love this car! - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Bill D. - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I saw the Aerio for the first time at the NY Auto Show and was impressed. I bought one and love it. It has good power, handling, general performance. The winshield, and side glass provide a lot of visibility, but that means a lot of eye strain from light as well as the heat from the sun. Also, the LCD display on the radio is hard to see in direct sun. Ive gotten many positive comments about the car and my teenage son likes it too. Id recommend the car to anyone looking for a sporty, affordable, small wagon.

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  Great Value SUV with nice details - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Diane - December 21 - 6:53 pm

  My husband was in a four car crash in 2002 in our 2001 Gr Vitara Limited, there were two fatalities in this accident. We feel that the safety features of the Gr Vitara was definitely put to the test in this accident, even though the airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was totaled, but due to the lack of injuries sustained, we felt the safety features were a definite reason to replace it with another like vehicle. The 2002 Gr Vitara Limited had heated seats and side mirror defrosters, both options are great!