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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  DOOR Handles - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Door Handles - April 18 - 4:53 pm

  Ive had my 2007 Forenza for a year now, it runs good and gets good gas milage but 2 of my door handles have allready broken off and i treat my car very good, both broke on the inside of the car, i think that this is a defect in the materials. whats the chance of breaking off two of them?

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  Great Car, Bad Yokohama Tires - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By KenP - April 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to drive but the tires by Yokohama are terrible! Factory default on tires with only 600 miles and Yokohama would not stand behind them, even though their factory authorized dealer stated the tire was defective with tread separation! I had to purchase and pay for new tire with no payment from Yokohama and no help from Suzuki!

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  Good Little Car - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By Glenn - April 18 - 1:33 am

  So far my Reno has been a good solid car. I have the manual transmission. Its power is OK for a car in this class. The interior is a little uncomfortable, but with an 8-way adjusting driver seat and plenty of front leg room, its OK. It sounds good, I havent noticed excessive wind noise yet. Backing up is a little troublesome. Coming from a Ford Ranger with a very open rear view, it feels a bit claustrophobic looking out the rear window. Overall, at the price I bought it, Im very satisfied.

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  Super Reliable - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By towncourier - April 17 - 4:20 am

  I just traded in my Esteem. Broken-hearted. A fantastic vehicle. I used it for courier deliveries. Back seats fold flat and the cargo space held everything! Handled very heavy (500 lbs) loads without too much complaining. Lots of jackrabbit starts (deadlines you know) and sudden stops. But the reliability was great. Never even changed a headlight until 260,000 km. Several things (rad, control arm, CV boots etc) went this week. But now that its got 365,000 km (228 k miles) I cant really complain.

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  Three years strong... - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By princesskiara - April 14 - 5:10 pm

  Bought it used, and Ive had my SX4 for just shy of 3 years, and have had no mechanical issues. It will reach 80k miles this month, and the only things Ive done are replaced the tires and front brake pads, plus the regular 30k services and oil changes. Love the keyless ignition and entry, love the fuel range module (I get an average of 27mpg, up to 40 on road trips), love how I sit in it and that the windshield doesnt feel like its too close to my forehead. :) The only issue I have is the suspension--feels like it needs stabilization when I hit bumps on corners. It rides nice, however, and feels very safe in all other conditions. Never had any problems on snow or ice. :)

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  Great car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SX4 kicks butt !!! - April 9 - 12:50 pm

  Honestly, I had never owned a Suzuki and was kind of reluctant to purchase one simply because I was not familiar with these vehicles Oh boy, Have I been pleasantly surpised! This car keeps getting great reviews from friends, not to mention the great perks it came with, and the much needed, built-in bluetooth system. On a normal work week, I used to fork out about 60 bucks for gasoline (California), Now after the first week of owning and driving the car guess what? So far, I have only put 35 bucks of gas and still has little less than half a tank left. Cannot beat this deal!

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  Good car for the money - 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Marcia - April 8 - 12:33 pm

  We bought the vehicle used with 26K miles. So far the only major problem has been the failure of the A/C evaporator core (about ($900 to repair). The cargo space is small. My honda civic could carry more stuff. Leg room could be better but okay if you are average height. Otherwise powerful engine, excellent in hwy driving and passing, and hilly terrain.Great features for the price and quality interior components.

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  an all wheel drive "car" finally - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By vrswashingtondc - April 7 - 4:56 am

  Its no wonder that this vehicle is the number one selling suv in Europe. If you think gas is expensive here... wow. Tight handling, sits like its a foot higher of the ground. Good acceleration,

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  Solid, reliable, high performing vehicle - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mike - April 6 - 1:36 pm

  Im the type of person that looks for high quality at a good price and I keep my "things" as long as they work and take care of them.Ive driven this car for almost 200,000 miles and am the second owner since 7,000 miles in 2002. It has been the most reliable vehicle that Ive ever known. As my friends go through car #2 and car #3, Im still driving this sweet SUV around since 2nd year of college and it rides as though it has 50-70k. Engine starting to make a little noise, AC doesnt work anymore but hey, it has 200k miles. I can definitely see it lasting at least another 60k before any major issues so long as I continue to change the oil every 3k and stay on top of it. Very good investment.

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  Good bang for the buck - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ted1161 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Overall I am happy with the Suzuki. Ride is on the hard side even for a SUV. MPG average is 20... acceptable but could use more power... good for around town but NOT good on the highway as it needs constant steering input. Make sure you get the front end alignment checked mine was out over 20 degrees...