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:

• 

  This car has been great! - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Emily - July 6 - 2:00 pm

  I own the base model manual 5 speed when I bought it I compared most cars in its class. I found the brakes and airbags seemed to be extra on all the other cars. I needed a good reliable car to take me around the Western US. I am not technical or know much about cars but I think I did great for the cost, quality and warranty.

• 

  This is a great little car. - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By sr500mark - July 5 - 9:04 am

  I bought this for its mileage and 4 wheel drive ability. Fell in love with all of it. After 2 years of ownership I gave it to my son. He puts a lot of miles on it and has to deal with heavy snow. He loves it. Get one before they are all gone. Id get the manual tranny.

• 

  Packs a Punch - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Packs a punch - July 4 - 10:40 am

  We recently traded our larger SUV for the new SX4, I was a little hesitant at first because of the smaller size but the car has turned out to be an excellent buy. I love the fact that this car has AWD and is so well priced. It is not too small compared to other cars in its class and drives very smoothly. The seats are quite comfortable and rear is not as tight as I thought it would be. I really love the added features such as the good estimated gas mileage and the outside temp gauges the car has. The pickup was also a pleasant surprise. This car is definitely a much better buy than others in its class, the Yaris is cute but way small. Also, I love the European look it has. I am very pleased with this purchase.

• 

  Better than expected - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Andrew Y - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Cheapest 7 seater SUV you can buy. It is actually a lot better than in most reviews. 3rd row seat is a bit tight but you can move the 2nd row seat forward while 2nd row being not too crammed. OK ride comfort but a little bumpy. Braking even with ABS could be improved (when compared with a sedan). I highly recommend the 2002 Touring model which comes with almost everything but alarm. Get the rear cargo net option. If you dont like SUVs but need an inexpensive 4WD wagon that seats 7, get this.

• 

  The little car that could. - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SX4 Soprt - June 28 - 8:50 pm

  I purchased the SX4 in December of 07. Being my first new car it has been the best compared to my 91 Lincoln Mark 7 and my 95 Mazda 626. It feels like youre doing laps around a go-cart track. Its always eager to downshift wich makes it hit that right note at all times. My mom even wanted to borrow it and she has a 07 BMW 3 series. She loved it until she crashed it. Wasnt anything major but the front bumper, radiator, grill and headlight needed replcing and she still rides the same if not better then the day I got her. Its funny how the first accident my moms ever gotten in. It had to be my brand new SX4 but you wouldnt even notice the dealership did an excelent job, another great thing about SX4

• 

  so far so good - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By guyver53402 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  feels solid, had no problems in snowy,slippery conditions with 4wd engaged. gas mileage i have been averaging is 21 mpg. i love the high beam s, they really light things up

• 

  Fun car, surprising size - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Opus P - June 27 - 3:53 am

  I have had my Aerio SX with AWD for almost four years. This car has been a blast and has been great for my family of four. Interior has more room than you would suspect. I dont like the all black interior as every little thing shows up. The AWD had been great in snow and on ice. With all the winter driving weve done, only once did we bury it and that was human error. We have had a recurring exhaust rattle that needs to be fixed every few months but the local shop tightens that up every time they change the oil. As my kids approach their teenage years, I will have to make a change, but this car has been great while they were young.

• 

  Love this car - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By Junglegirl31 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This car makes my hour-long commute strangely enjoyable. Great for both city and highway driving. It is a smooth ride with great pickup with 145 horse power. Both looks and performance make this a very fun and practical car. Well worth the money.

• 

  nice car. - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By hid aerio - June 24 - 10:00 am

  i think its a very attractive car since lots of stranger actually asked me about the car. its a good car.. a real bargain too.

• 

  Does The Job Nicely - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By llapper - June 23 - 11:33 am

  Approaching two years of onwnership with my Grand V Lux Pak and have been pleasantly surprised so far. Outside of three oil changes, Ive had no maintenance issues at all. The vehicle rides nicely on highway, but road bumps are a wee bit jarring. Engine output is just okay for daily commuting but passing is a challenge on CA highways. This car does what it is supposed too and as advertised. Alas, at the two year point I think I hear hear a Buick Enclave calling my name.