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:

• 

  Terrible paint and warranty - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By homer1041 - November 17 - 1:46 pm

  I bought a 2011 around this time last year. From a mechanical and fun to drive standpoint, its great, but the painted metal surfaces are rusting and Suzuki is denying it as a defect, claiming instead that its an environmental. I havent owned many cars that rusted, let alone with only 6000 miles on them. Needless to say, my good will towards the company is lost and now it will become a legal matter. Its ashame really, as I did whole lot of research before picking this car.....so I really wanted it. Now Im not so sure.....and who really knows the extent of the rust....it could be encompass the entirely of the unibody. Beware as this isnt an isolated issue, just the responses vary.

• 

  Suzuki - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By pferraro - November 16 - 5:03 am

  Decent vehicle with good reliablty. Retained value over time is very poor however. Plan on keeping this vehicle, even if you acquired it for well under list price, as its trade in value is very low.

• 

  Joe Js Review Ft Lauderdale - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Joe Johnson - November 15 - 6:16 am

  I bought the middle, tech package with 2WD and 5-speed. The car is great fun to drive and a rare small crossover model that is actually comfortable with great seats and dash layout. I test drove the automatic, but it was boring. The 5 speed is more like a beamer in that it drives very tight, corners and hugs the road nicely and is fun. The layout of the folding seats is well designed and theres plenty of room in the back for stowing items. With auto show coupon and rebate, car is available way below dealer cost. best value in mini crossovers, under 16K for the tech package. Car even comes with loaner privileges and 3 year roadside assistance. Wish I had gotten AWD but dont need it in FL.

• 

  Surprised by Suzuki - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Richard G II - November 14 - 9:13 am

  Being in a labor Union (local 1175 baby!) comes with it an unspoken rule to buy american. I went to dodge, ford, and chevy looking for a compact car to fit my needs (being 21, my dream vette is still a bit out of my league). After thorough review, I ended up in a suzuki dealership. The warranty alone justified me buying brand new (upgraded to 7/100k bumper2bumper) but the car itself was full of options! I couldnt make myself go back to the other dealerships and pay more for less!

• 

  My Suzuki SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By SS from CT - November 12 - 1:20 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for two months and have driven in all kinds of traffic conditions. This vehicle comes well equipped for a base model. It has good looks, ample power, and performance, all at a great price. The 5-speed manual transmission has much better acceleration than the automatic and this vehicle has little trouble merging into highway traffic. It has great handling on country roads. For a small car it has decent room and a very nice quiet ride. This is a well built solid car.

• 

  Grand ohhhh Feeling - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Grand E - November 10 - 1:03 pm

  So far this little truck has been doing a great job for my wife and I. We have taken a few road trips in it now and she performs great. The last trip it was a total of 6 passengers as well as luggage and all fit comfortable within the little truck. Great pick up on the engine smooth shifts just a pleasant drive all around.

• 

  a SUV view in a compact car - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Gerrix - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Its been a week that I test drive this Sedan and so far its a joy. The riding is smooth and quiet at legal speeds. The engine is a bit noisier when pushed but fortunately it doesnt need to be often. The high seating position is probably the most specific feature of this car. Only the Matrix/Vibe can compare in this segment. With this feature, you have a great view of the road and its very easy to get in and out of the car. The digital dash is a surprise, but I learned to love it for its accuracy and its visibility.

• 

  113K and still fun to drive - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By alrod - November 8 - 4:53 am

  I bought my Suzuki new in 2006 and have had no issues other than one tire change and a couple of brake jobs. I am sad that Suzuki no longer makes this vehicle because it has served me well and has been nothing short of reliable.

• 

  Fun little SUV - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By turre_plug - November 7 - 2:26 am

  I originally bought my Sidekick to save some gas... But I have been driving it so much that I have not saved a dime yet.....! It is a fun, little nimble beast. It has a choppy ride on the road but, the 1.6 is peppy with the 5spd. Not a lot of critter comforts but the utility side is amazing. I fish a lot and the 4x4 , good ground clearance and its small size allow me and my little boat to go places no one else can go. Stay away from the interstate with this guy, its like riding a motorcycle out there. A great little car, manly enough to be seen in and is well made and tough... No repairs yet but I dont think it will be a problem thus far..... Dont be scared of the sidekick!

• 

  satisified - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By mamabare - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Good gas milage, just the right size for my family of 4. Handles well.