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 love my Suzuki - 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Chef - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with about 30,000 miles and I love it The only items that have really given me trouble was a tie rod end and 1 hub and that was at 100,000 miles other then that I have done nothing except a tune up and brakes on this vehicle.

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  I love my Suzuki - 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
  By chef - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with about 30,000 miles and I love it The only items that have really given me trouble was a tie rod end and 1 hub and that was at 100,000 miles other then that I have done nothing except a tune up and brakes on this vehicle.

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  Suzuki Aerio Review: best safety&comfort - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Plusdememe - July 24 - 2:00 am

  See for yourself as I did: Suzuki Aerio has best automotive safety crash test[visit website from new carlink]in its class & against almost all other makes/models(compare overall number of g ratings to lexus, bmw...)and anyone who cares about driving safety will also appreciate comfort & handling. Aerio SX standard features are loaded: ABS,dual airbags,tilt steering,large easy view windows+rear wiper,6CD,power accessories for almost everything,child rear seat restraint,& extra travel cups!

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  so fun to drive - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By supersam1977 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  i just recently purchased a 2003 suzuki aerio sx five speed fwd. i have to say that this is by far one of the most fun cars to drive on the market today. my wife likes the room and i like the power.

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  Awesome Suzuki! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Nowell - July 17 - 8:43 pm

  The Grand Vitara is the best SUV on the market! It is better than my previous 2002 Nissan Xterra. Bluetooth is awesome especially for the price of only $23,500.00! GO BUY ONE, NOW!

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  2005 Verona S - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By gtsfirefighter - July 16 - 3:53 pm

  We bought our 05 as a demo with 6,500 miles on it. Its the smoothest running car Ive ever had. Other than a few minor issues I have no complaints. The city gas mileage could be better, but we do pretty well on the highway, at 30-32 mpg. The city mileage is 23 or so mpg. We have one complaint and that is the sound system. Suzuki could have done a lot better with the radio and speakers.

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  RAV4 and CR-V Watch Out - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By TMinChi - July 16 - 3:43 pm

  I have owned a RAV4 and CR-V in the past and was not expecting much when I checked out the 06 Grand Vitara. The Suzuki beats Toyota and Honda at their own game with this vehicle. Its great standard features and really nice build quality won me over. The fit and finish is first rate and is significantly less expensive than the competition. My advice would be to give it a fair chance if you are even considering getting a Honda or Toyota.

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  Buyer Beware - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Calais, ME - July 14 - 1:36 pm

  Purchased as a "Program Car" with 15,000 miles. The vehicle now has a total of 34,150 miles. Under 20,000 miles the heater and blower went. With 30,000 miles the front end suspension and struts needed to be replaced. With 33,000 miles two engine rotors, belts and brakes needed to be repolaced. The front bumper is easliy dislodged with any hint of snow. The 10 year warranty is a scam. Costs of parts and repairs are outrageous

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  Makes Sense - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Jim - July 13 - 3:53 pm

  There are better choices out there, unless you want AWD with traction and stability control and great gas mileage. What other AWD vehicle gets better than 24/30 mpg? 145 hp does not make this a sports car, but you can safely merge into traffic and keep up. In bad weather, you can pass almost everyone on the road. The list of features on the Sport model is impressive. At less than $17,000, I will not nitpick. I also own a 2006 Aerio SX Premium.

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  Poor tires, brakes, and shocks - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By BrianS - July 9 - 1:30 pm

  The car is amiable. But I had to change all 4 tires at 18000ks and the front disc brakes at 30,000k and I was told the rear shocks are on their way out. To say nothing about the sticking shifter. At 70 years of age, I am hardly a cowboy behind the wheel.