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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  Love My Grand Vitara!!! - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Nina245 - June 14 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is absolutely perferct for me. The ride is nice, Suzuki does a great job of telling you that this vehicle as they put it "Ruggedly Sporty" which is exactly what it is. Love the handle, lots of great features for the price.

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  Probably could have done better - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Carol - June 14 - 3:53 am

  I like the relatively quick action when I punch it, but Ive had it in the shop several times since the purchase. Usually theyre just small things. Currently, its the oxygen sensor. Ive had it in three times for that and its still not fixed. The interior is very classy and I feel "rich" but the other issues are annoying.

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  WELL EQUIPED FOR THE MONEY - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By ROBERTC - June 11 - 2:00 am

  EXTREMELY WELL EQUIPED FOR THE DOLLARS VERY NICE RIDE AND HANDLING. WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ALL MY FRIEND AND NEIGHBORS.LUXURY VEHICLE WITH A SMALL PRICE TO PAY,I LOVE MY SUZUKI

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  Lots of Up Keep - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By aggirl - June 9 - 11:40 am

  My car eats my tires. 6 new tires in 2 years! I have to rotate them about every 2,000 miles or they will shred in no time. I have had to replace the brakes twice, both after only 8-10,000 miles, last time I paid up and replaced them outside of the dealership for big money and that seems to be helping. It feels unreliable, I wont drive it long distances as I dont trust my tires on road trips. Needed a new belt at 15, 000 miles and the paint chips off super easy. I would love to love this car because it is so super comfy, tons of room and easy to drive, but it has drained my wallet, it takes more to keep it running than its worth. Perhaps I got lemon.

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  Regrettable purchase - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By tlong - June 3 - 11:00 am

  This is the very first brand new vehilce purchase I have ever made. I am quite disappointed. The exterior paint is "cheap & sensitive" (scratches down to the metal extremely easily, I have had to pay for protectant because of bird droppings marking it). The interior "plastic" (dash, doors)scratch extremely easily, and the upholstery snags like mad as well. The little windows on the front sides create blind spots. The window sticker when I bought it said avg mpg 30 highway and I have not ever gotten above 25-26mpg. Small gas tank. Cruise control is not standard neither are arm rests. Not terribly comfortable. Hard to handle in strong winds. Back seat not much leg room. Not "family" car

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  unhappy with car - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By unhappy customer - June 3 - 6:40 am

  Ok, so continuing from back in Sept, my car went back in again to the dealer for a 3rd time replacing the transmission sensor for a second time on 10/12/09 and also had a drivers seat ordered as the lumbar is broken. Well to date, no call yet that the seat is in and we are now in December and the car still rides like it has a hesitation. Suzuki rep has decided not to return calls as well. Its no wonder they stopped making this car. They are nothing but junk!! Transmission should have been changed according to other mechanics, but Suzuki doesnt want to honor the warranties!! Rip offs!!

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  Two Thumbs Up! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Teresa W. - May 31 - 10:06 am

  Ive just gone an entire week with my new Suzuki SX4 and I cant be happier with the car! I love the styling, interior features and I keep finding little things here and there that are just so cool. I feel great about buying this car and everyone Ive showed it to (and let sit in it and explore) makes the "Hmmm... maybe I need one of these" face. I can see about four more being on the road by the new year. The cost is fantastic for the amount of car you get. Im especially happy with the AWD on this car. Ive not had to use it yet, but I feel confident itll add to the many safety features.

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  First SUV - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By xl7 - May 30 - 1:30 pm

  I recently purchased my Suzuki XL-7 to pull my boat and move large items. I never owned an SUV before and was reluctant at first. However, after doing my research, I found the XL-7 to be the best buy on the market. It feels big yet is very responsive and easy to park in the city. It pulled my boat with plenty of power to spare. I love the fit and finish and it compared well to my Honda when it comes to quality and workmanship. I love the XL-7, it surpassed my expectations hands down.

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  nice job - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By arn - May 25 - 2:00 am

  a litt le under power but thats about it fun too drive

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  Vrrmm Vrrmm - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By sleepydrea - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I love every inch of this car, well except for the comfort of the back seats. The seatbelts are positioned in a way that scrapes the neck of anyone who is sitting there. I rarely have back seat passengers, so I dont care.