4 Star Reviews for Suzuki

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.29/5 Average
2,291 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 161 through 170 of 2,291.00
  • My 06 Manual GV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
    By -

    Very nice looking car, had some issues with the tires, shock absorber and skid plates as well as the fuel comsumption. Other than that, I feel very happy with my car, specially the "looking good" factor. The 4x4 capabilities are in no doubt, very well capable in deep mud, dust, hills and other obstacles.

  • Good car-but be ware quirks! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
    By -

    This has been a wonderful car for me...but not without its problems. Ive already had to return to the dealership several times for emissions issues, alignment problems, and most recently fuel difficultues. Despite the fact that I drive primarily highway miles, the car stubbornly refuses to get anything better than 18-19 mpg-- horrendous for a vehicle of this type (with an engine that only puts out 126hp)!!! I am seeking help from Suzuki in solving the problem because the dealership is stumped. The necessity of filling up the car after only 200 miles of driving is a major annoyance.

  • Underrated Commuter Superstar! - 2006 Suzuki Reno
    By -

    I work as a salesperson in the car business and I drive a variety of cars and trucks on a daily basis. Some are nicer, faster, bigger, and tow better than others. For me, this vehicle works. I work downtown and I needed a small, reliable commuter that was reasonable on gas but still fun to drive. This car delivers. I bought it with just over 40k miles on it and so far have had no problems. The flat torque curve of this engine allows it to pull even in 5 gear which is unusual for a car this size. I went with an 8 for reliability due to my short ownership. The car handles like a go-cart and winds up nicely. I paid 6k used (its a 2006)- (a deal a customer could have gotten) Value-wise-- 10!

  • Love it - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
    By -

    I love this car! 155hp is more then enough. Lots of options, all wheel drive, 30 mpg, tons of room! Nice job Suzuki!

  • Decent car, great value - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
    By -

    I purchased my Suzuki Aerio new for just over $15k. I drove it until the fall of 2008 when I went to a Nissan Frontier. I put almost 50k catastrophe-free miles on it, and believe I got more than my moneys worth. Though not as refined or well-designed as its competition, the Aerio is a terrific value and, at least in my case, a reliable, versatile vehicle. If you can deal with its quirks, and dont mind a rough ride, its definitely worth a look. I dont regret going to a pickup, but I do miss the fuel economy of the Aerio. My mother has the car now, and has been using for over a year with no issues; the AWD is a great safety feature, and a real plus here in snowy N

  • 3Bs: BEST BANG for BUCK - 2004 Suzuki Verona
    By -

    I bought my 2004 Suzuki Verona EX fully-loaded from Passport Motors and Im still happy one month later. The acceleration wasnt great for the first week, but it adapted to my driving habits and now I can accelerate fine. I love the interior design and it looks very classy! Ive only gotten one recall on this car, but then gain what car hasnt this year???

  • A terrific SUV at a bargain price - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
    By -

    A good looking, reliable, inexpensive, fun-to-drive SUV (with the 5 speed).

  • My thoughts after 20 months of ownership - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
    By -

    My husband purchased this XL7 For me new on 5-01 Price was my original strong motivation to buy. For twenty thousand it is a good deal.Only small details have been noticed. Such as the lack of useable arm rests,seeing and using the radio are not always easy. My husband is an aircraft enginieer. He on the other hand found other small problems that i never noticed. He advised me that the tires are shot after only 16000 miles. This is after two tire rotations. Also the defroster funtion is inadaqute when the vehicle is filled with passengers.Overall, Fully loaded four wheel drive still cant beat it for the price!

  • Love this car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
    By -

    This car is the best car on the market and no one realized it, I own the 2003 aerio sx and I cant tell you how reliable this car is.

  • Pleasantly surprised - 2008 Suzuki SX4
    By -

    I usually buy used vehicles 3-4 years old. I traded a Ford Taurus. Its like switching from driving a tank to a go-cart. Im still grinning! For the 3 months Ive had it, Im averaging around 28 mpg with a good mix of highway and city commuting. Its hard to find something that Im not pleasantly surprised with. The acceleration, performace, smooth ride, handling, braking, etc. took away my apprehensions of driving a small economy car. And, its simply fun to drive. It has a unique, sporty look that sets it apart from others in its class. In my view, it has the best quality ratio of all its competitors. I didnt feel like I paid $2-$3K extra just for the manufacturers name.

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