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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  I got duped!! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By nafeeshap - August 21 - 2:17 pm

  This car is the WORST car I have EVER owned. I drive a 2006 Suzuki Forenza. My car does NOT start like it is supposed to. I have spent so much money trying to determine what the problem is. I have to unplug the battery in order for the car to start when im ready to drive it & that does not always work. The car is in the shop right now. I took the car in Saturday 4/21/2012. I got a complete tune-up. I picked the car up Saturday 4/28/2012. I drove home. I parked the car. I went to move the car on Monday 4/30/2012. The car would not start. I took it back to the mechanic. I brought the car with 4 miles on it. It was brand new. I now have 21,000+ mi on it. It makes no sense. I HATE this car!

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  Not for towing - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Johnny - August 18 - 6:43 am

  Decent back and forth to work vehicle, in many types of weather, buts thats it! Looks good, but Im very dissappointed in fuel mileage and the shift points in the transmission. The dealer says there is nothing wrong with it. Well you travel 460 kms (round trip approx 920 ) and spend 500 dollars in gas (497) this is ridiculous! Hauling a single axle aluminum snowmobile trailer with 2 atvs which weigh 525 lbs and 402lbs, trailer might weigh in around 400 lbs. This thing is being sold. My old Ford pick-up would get better gas mileage . Very dissappointed, however make sure when you ask about towing small trailers before you buy.

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  Drove alot in one year - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By one_aerio - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The car so far has been great. It is comfortable for long commute and easy to maneuver. An added bonus is plenty of space. Presently at 34000 miles there has been a steady increase of build noise. Panel fasteners have begun to make themselves known. Furthermore, if the rear windows are open while the front windows are up the buffeting of the wind will shake the rear doors. Good car for the price.

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  Excellence and Practicality - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Don LAmb - August 14 - 9:53 pm

  What a deal. To get a beautiful car that is comfortable, fully equipped, and convenient, not to mention the fantastic gas mileage that it gets. I will never buy another American made auto. I got a100,000 mile warranty, which is unheard of in the American car market and the equivalant American car was $10,000 more expensive.

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  Worst Car Experience - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By adam - August 14 - 9:33 am

  This car has many electrical, and powertrain problems that may not be detected until after the standard and powertrain warranty. There are so many complaints floating around that raises questions about Suzuki Autos quality control. Not every vehicle is free of problems, but this is ridiculous. My advice, avoid the Forenza at all costs. The 2005 Forenza Wagon and other problematic models should be put out of their misery. Save your money, do your research, and invest in a more reliable auto. Dont even get me started on trying to get repairs done on this. This by far is the worst car experience Ive ever had. :(

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  Piece of Junk - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By ang - August 13 - 11:00 am

  I bought this car new. Since then I had to have my passenger door painted. My windshield wipers are rusted my rear view mirror always has a vibration. Also like many others I had a door handle break. Now every time I drive my car looses the gas my car looses speed. Now it has a leak under the engine as well. This is very unsafe and of course they tell my nothing is wrong with my car. Not reliabe and not safe. Worst car ever I will never buy another Suzuki. Dont waste your money no wonder they dont make these cars anymore.

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  Automobile Industries Best Kept Secret - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Argavaynne - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car, doesnt get more clearer then that. More features and better warranty then most other manufacturers at a lower price.

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  Great car for the price - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By kentan - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car to buy for a first time buyer.It has a lot of great features like power windows,locks,it has a CD changer and cassette,controls for the radio on the stearing wear.I also like the brake pad on all 4 wheels instead of drums on the back.I handles great.I would buy another one in the future.

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  Suzuki SX4 ZXi - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By G V Chanukya - August 10 - 11:46 pm

  Suzuki SX4 ZXi car though boasts of high end features its crap when it comes to quality. I have brought new SX4 on 4-4-2008. The reverse shifting gear was hard to function from outset. When I asked about it, Suzuki people told its designed like that only. When it ran 4900 km,just before second free service, the shifting gear (reverse) got jammed. To add further woes, water started pouring into front cabin from the bottom..

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  Price, warranty, and economy - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By Ron Pink - August 8 - 1:23 pm

  I love my Aerio, especially its great fuel economy. At 65 miles per hour I am getting 35 to 40 mpg which has been a great suprise since it was rated at 25 and 32 respectively.