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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  Great Grand Vitara - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Steelers Fan - August 12 - 5:53 am

  I bought my GV after having a SX4 for a year. (Loved that little car) But I was too accustomed to a Grand Cherokee for many years! So after convincing hubby I wasnt totally crazy for trading cars, even he has to admit the GV is wonderful. I mainly do city driving, so yes, the gas mileage isnt the greatest, but not the worst either. I have taken it on a few runs to nearby states, and actually got top gas mileage. And I can fit us comfortably in it and we can look good in the new SUV! I too, would like lit features on the steering wheel, and a rear window that opens would have been a big plus! All in all, Im very happy with the purchase.(we got a great deal by buying year end!).

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  Great little suv - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Robert - August 3 - 8:40 am

  I have about 30,000 miles on my 06 GV luxury and have been very happy with it. This is the only compact suv with real 4WD. I drive on the beach all season with this and love the way it handles on and off road. Had one issue with a faulty throttle body bit once replaced acceleration was excellent. Love the appearance, size, interior, stereo. Hope future models improve gas mileage. Great for a small family.

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  Small, but a real machine - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By chiqui - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Suzuky Grand Vitara probably is the smaller SUV around the world but its performance in and out the road make this auto a great, real and powerfull machine.

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  Mixed emotions about the 2006 Suzuki Forenza - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By mbrown282 - July 11 - 3:50 am

  As I read other reviews, I noticed a trend. There have been a lot of issues with the Forenza. I dont disagree with any of them. I got mine with 55,000. 34 months and 55,000 miles later Im now looking for a new engine. Like a previous reviewer experienced, I too had a problem with the shift switch. Next to go was my transmission. Those were replaced under warranty. Other than that I was getting new rear pads almost twice a year. Thats until water all of sudden showed up in my oil. Despite the issues, I like the way the car rides. Call me crazy, but Im putting another engine in and driving it until the wheels fall off.

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  Great truck for the $$$! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By imadad1st - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Suzuki truck, and am expecting a similarly positive experience with this one. The features vs. cost of this truck far exceeded anything else I was considering. My truck had only 2 defects so far, requiring a wheel alignment, and replacement of the transfer lever.

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  Why the bad Rap? - 1999 Suzuki Vitara
  By Jen - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe all the negative reviews! Ive had mine 3 years and other than the occasional maintance and odd adjustments Ive really enjoyed driving this little beauty! Same problem with the locked Park they did a recall. I also had a problem with the convertable roof but with any convertable you can expect problems. I think overall the reliabiliy of the vehicle comes down to with a reliable dealership, quality of the vehicle and how well someone looks after their vehicle. You really have to think about what you are buying and why. If its a fun convertible that is great on gas - this is the vehicle for you!!

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  Neat Car - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Steve - June 12 - 11:33 am

  I love the VW Jetta-like interior dashboard look of my new Suzuki Forenza. The inside is very nice for such a low priced vehicle. The outside reminds me of the typical Hyundai look and it did not surprise me to learn that these are built in S. Korea at the GM Daewoo plant. i live in SoCal where everyone drives in the 80s and this car has no problem keeping up but the gas mileage suffers at 24 mpg. I backed it down to the 70s and now im getting 28 mpg and Im okay with that. I have the 5 speed. I test drove the gutless and wonderless automatic transmission and passed. The car is a little slow building rpms in 2nd gear, but with all of the features this is one neat little car. The locking system is strange, I seem to always have an unlocked car?

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  Good but could be better - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By plazmaman - June 8 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is really fun to drive and looks great too. All around solid vehicle makes it a super value. The creature comforts in the Limited are nicely done and the third row seats are great to pack in a few more rugrats.

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  My First Brand New Vehicle - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Nathan Schrock - June 7 - 6:20 pm

  I have owned the car for about a month now. Ive got almost 2,000 miles on it. My first complaint is that the acceleration really is poor, but the vehicle handles corners very well which helps equal out the poor acceleration. The vehicles IAWD and 4X4 lock works well and the vehicle is virtually impossible to get stuck in snow or mud.

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  First Review of SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By mike - May 25 - 8:00 pm

  Ive owned this car for a little over a week. It drives very well. The gas mileage is not as good as, say, the Toyota Yaris, but its still better than a minivan. It doesnt accelerate as well as I would hope, for having one of the biggest engines of the cars I looked at, but that could improve as the engine breaks in. I feel a lot better knowing that I am driving a safer car, and the SX4 is completely Japanese-made. Overall, Im happy with the 2007 Suzuki SX4, and if I find any big problems Ill tell you.