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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  my suzuki xl-7 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By jsweets - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my xl-7!!It is fun and my kids love having the third seat. we now have room for my kids friends and my kids love the rear air-conditioning, before they would be hot in the back while the grown-ups would be cool in the front. I feel like a million bucks when driving my sporty yet practical suv!!

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  I Love my Car - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By melissa - September 21 - 1:40 am

  Since the day the dealer showed me my 2006 Suzuki Forenza I have loved it. It gives me the feel of a much much more expensive car for less! Everything from the handling to the stero I love. The only complaint that I do have is not getting the crusie control and sunroof :( .

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  My 08 Reno - 2008 Suzuki Reno
  By Keair - September 13 - 2:53 am

  I just bought my 08 Reno a few days ago, and so far Im very impressed with its performance and ride quality. MPG arent too bad, but they could be a little better. For about 20-25 dollars you could expect to ride for a pretty good bit on a full tank. Thats pretty good compared to a much bigger vehicle. My roommate has a minivan, and that take anywhere from thirty to forty dollars to fill up, and gas doesnt last half as long as it does in mine. Im 24, and this is my very first vehicle, and so far Im very happy, and well satisfied with my purchase.

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  My Verona - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By dvelata - September 7 - 8:36 pm

  I love this car. I bought the Verona after owning a Nissan Altima (which I loved) for 6 years. The number of features you can get for the low price is astounding. Mines fully loaded, and an absolute dream to drive. Theres lots of leg room and the auto drivers seat is great. It also gets pretty decent gas mileage for a V-6 - I get 30 even driving around in the mountains. Bottom line: If you want a great car with lots of features but without totally emptying your wallet, the Verona is great. The 100,000 mile warranty is awesome too, even though I hardly ever use it!

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  The Best Car - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By tgann - September 4 - 6:43 pm

  I have yet to find a problem with this car . I am used to driving Toyotas and Hondas the the only differnece with the cars are the price and name I would recommend the Suzuki Forenza to anyone.

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  Love It! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By driver - August 31 - 12:40 pm

  So far, this car has been great. We average 30 mpg. We are older, and very tall people and find the comfort and convenience all that we can ask for in this inexpensive car.

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  Incredible Value - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By autopilot - August 25 - 3:20 pm

  If you want to know what it is like to ride around in a 40K car then try this 24k car. It is very solid, interior is simple with a tasteful design. I can either just sit in or stand outside this car and stare at it. It is so pleasing to drive and it easy to speed due to the quiet and solid ride. Ive had it almost one month and have 1400 miles on it. My friends love it as much as I do. The design reminds me of a Jetta or an Audi. I wanted to buy an American car but noting appealed to me. I like the new Buick but that is not in my budget. I feel as if I got all of the luxury features or more expensive cars for so much less. Just drive one youll see what Im saying!

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  A Spectacular Build Quality and Comfort - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By john bertini - August 21 - 8:50 pm

  Purchased the v6 2wd version limited all loaded except the 4wd, i must say it is a great build!, quiet and smooth ride on the highway, in town around 21 mpg highway about 26, the transmission is smooth shifting at any pedal response! loaded with features the price for this vehicle far surpasses the others in the SUV market bar far! Keep up the good quality build Suzuki it will catch on!.

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  Love It - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By KLFord - August 21 - 7:00 am

  I love my Grand Vitara. It came standard with all the features I need. It is stylish, comfortable and fun to drive. The 5 speed has tons of "get up and go" when needed.

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  The Little SUV that Could - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By CryingFreeman - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive purchased a used 2001 Grand Vitara JLX with ABS and alloy wheels. Ive love the styling and handling of the vehicle. It has a 155 V6 engine thats very quiet. Since Im not 6 tall, theres no complaints coming from me concerning head and leg room. Its very comfortable for the driver as well as passengers. Theres only one problem...Ive noticed that during the cold days, the airbag light will stay on when you start the engine. It eventually goes away with the car is warmed up but after you restart it. As Im writing this, the SUV is in the dealership because its still under warranty to fix this problem.