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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  Reliable!!! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By I Like It! - October 24 - 3:23 pm

  I went from owning a Grand Prix to purchasing this vehicle. The gas mileage is good but could be better! Compared to a honda civic, This vehicle is more comfortable and roomy. I have not had any starting problems with the vehicle other than the time that it didnt have gas. its starts every time in the -30 degree weather we get in chicago! Up til now Im recently having an issue with the transmission, hope its nothing serious!

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  Good Cheap Car - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By craigch8 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Esteem sedan with 30K miles for $5500. What a buy! This is a solid little car that is fun to drive and costs very little to operate (30+ mpg). It has a very roomy interior, and a good sized trunk. The engines performance is good, however it strains occasionally when climbing steep hills. It cruises at high speeds rather easily and has good short range acceleration. Overall, this model is a great car for the money.

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  "Suzuki" HA "SuDookie" - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Mr. Pissed - October 19 - 5:56 pm

  I cant believe there is anyone out there that is happy with their Verona. It must be that some are great and then most are junk. My Verona has been in the shop six times and it is still junk. I have read that the engine was not designed to run on fuel that has an ethanol content. My Verona has been in the shop six times and the engine is still not right. Suzuki does not stand by this great Warranty they claim to have. I have also read that a lot of Verona owners have had Suzuki buy back their Verona, why would Suzuki do that unless they know the car is junk. I am trying to make the same thing happen. Its a battle. Good-luck.

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  The Most Power and Style for the Money - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By JC - October 18 - 4:30 pm

  The Reno is a great car with Italian design. It has more power than the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Scion xA or XB, and the Chevrolet Aveo. It has more standard features and a longer warranty as well. I bought this car for well below invoice. I love this car. You can not find a better value. Compare it piece by piece to the others and you will see.

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  Yeah baby! - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By bigmalik - October 17 - 10:00 am

  We purchased a fully-loaded XL-7 / Touring 4WD (show car, which had 7,000 miles on it). Got it at a really reasonable price. Nice on the road. Not really a gas drinker. Very fun to drive! Interested if Suzuki will ever make a soft-top version?! LOL!

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  2006 Forenza - $15,000 paperweight! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By suzuki sucks! - October 17 - 6:50 am

  Look, if you are about to buy an 06 Forenza, STOP! Dont do it. About 1/4 of the 2006 Forenza line has a cold start problem. Meaning after that you let it sit a while it will not start or runs really rough. I am not the only one expercing this problem. I took to the dealer (Ive only had it for four days) and they said that there is something wrong with the fuel pressure and that Suzuki is aware of it and that when they know how to fix it they will give us a call! DONT BUY IT! They gave me a rental, but I still have to pay for something that dosent run right and that is brand new. Ive got a lawyer now its time to sue.

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  Good little SUV Bad Company relations - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Leo Cumi - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Rear main seal went out at 36856 mls but I drive it hard.(Took on the alpine loop in Colo.) as for squeaks and rattle its the hood hinge that rattles and the front fascia, made of plastic, is connected with plastic rivets: that’s where the squeak is. Mine vibrated every so often and I had the tires balanced and I brought it to the dealer who said its the tires the tire store said its the rims Suzuki would not replace the rims nor admit that they where out of round until my warranty ran out .

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  Enjoyable and Reliable - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Walter Farrer - October 15 - 5:23 am

  So far the Suzuki Grand Vitara has been a very enjoyable and reliable vehicle. I truly like the vehicle line, style and comfort. Features I would have liked to have are bluetooth, a power lock/unlock button on the passenger side, and an iPod jack.

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  Tire/AC woes but overall Im very happy - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By pcs1955 - October 12 - 12:03 pm

  Used to have a 2000 Kia Sportage that I adored. I am coming to love my Suzuki almost as much; however, I am not in love with my service technicians! Had to spend $300 on new tires and an alignment. AC keeps gushing water onto my passenger side floor. Been to dealer at least 6-7 times since February with these two problems. Overall, though, Id buy another Suzuki.

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  overlooked winner - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By hummelhh - October 10 - 1:39 pm

  When taking my Suzuki SX4 for a minor repair recently, I noticed a 2010 Kizashi parked hidden on a side of the building. To satisfy my curiosity I took it for a brief ride and fell in love with it istantly. Having owned it now for 2 months I am highly impressed by its predictable, secure handling. This car can stand up to the Audi4, BMW3 among many other upscale brands. Considering the many quality & safety features this car is a steal. Unfortunately, dealers representing this franchise as a second or third line treat it like a stepchild. Salesmen take the easy route selling Toyotas, Hondas etc. With some more effort, this car could be a great success. Wake up Suzuki factory/distributor !!!