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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  great buy - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By terryand tony - November 5 - 2:00 am

  one of the best vehicle i have owned.

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  So Far So Good - 2010 Suzuki Equator
  By So far so good - November 4 - 7:33 pm

  Great little truck. No problems and paid much less that I thought. I guess I need to do this again in a year or two.

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  esteems, not a very good reliable-good - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By carter - November 4 - 10:00 am

  not a good car not good if you have to try to outdo someone who is trying to hit you on the road. you feel your car is going to overturn. tires skid in the rain no matter what mph you try to start at. motor problems

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  Best Deal Ever - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By Pittsburgh Kid - November 3 - 2:53 am

  We bought this for my wife, after looking at numerous cars and sitting behind the wheel, she like this the best. She was happy with the styling, performance and handling. No other manufactor could come near the price and the warranty is great. I have owned Suzukis before and Im very happy with their reliabilty. She wanted the sunfoof model but they were sold out.

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  You have to buy one - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Paula P - October 31 - 10:00 am

  No matter where I go, people look at my car. They make comments like, wow nice car. Friends love to ride in it. I baught my car exactly one week before my father died. He took it on a test ride, he wanted to go out and but my mother one. He loved it. For him, that was saying a lot. My sisters and many friends one want one to.

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  Suzuki 2000 Esteem Wagon - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By Rich - October 27 - 5:33 am

  Only general maintenance since purchased 4 yrs ago. Will look to purchase another Suzuki in the future. Only drawback is the limited room in the front driver side. Seats are a bit low for someone under 6 feet, but some added car seat covers helped to correct this flaw while protecting the front seats. No problems with exterior to this point, no rust visible anywhere.

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  What will I do in 10 yrs?!!! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By robmerz - October 27 - 1:31 am

  I just bought a slightly used Kizashi SLS, with 21,000 miles. I traded in a 2009 Suzuki SX-4, which I had outgrown. I test drove the 2013, and cant really tell a difference from the older models. The car is amazing, and has every bell and whistle you could possibly want. I needed AWD vehicle, and cant afford a Audi, and didnt want a crossover. I did look at Subaru, and looked at a few crossovers, but this was by far the best car for the $. I actually look forward to my drive home! Open the sunroof, crank up the Rockford Fosgate sound system, and watch the time melt away!!! My biggest dilemma is now, how am I going to get a new Suzuki in 10 years when this finally outlives it usefulness.

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  Best Bang for Buck - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By AerioSX in Edmonton - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car, I scoped out the Matrix/Vibe before settling on the SX. What sold me was all the standard features available on the SX model, which cost extra for the other 2. I opted for the AWD, which will be handy in winter time here in Edmonton, AB. Drives smooth. Handling is not as bad as some reviews might lead you to believe. A fine alt to the Matrix or Vibe, a lot less for more.

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  Great! - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By kalayah - October 26 - 7:03 am

  I purchased this car on Halloween and I love it. It rides really well, its fast and fun to drive. I love the gas mileage I get, especially since gas seems to be going up again. It has ample leg room and a roomy trunk. Its great!

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  Yuck - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By Joe - October 25 - 1:00 pm

  The acceleration on this is terrible. The seats feel like youre sitting on a rock. The gas mileage is OK and thats being nice. I guess I just expected more out of this car considering Im paying $455 a month for it and theres no cruise control. Even my 1993 Chevy S10 had cruise control.