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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  Rides Like the Wind - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Marie - August 13 - 12:30 am

  This car is super. Its fun and practical. It goes from point A to B without using much gas. The best part is, its 4 wheel drive, which is great for snow, etc. It looks good, drives great and I have absolutely no regrets in purchasing this car. Who would think such a small vehicle would drive so smoothly? I love it! It has a small gas tank, so you have to gas up a little more often but its worth it since it uses less than $15.00 per week for me. My son wants me to give him the car when he turns 16 next week. Not a chance, Im keeping it.

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  Suzukis are GREAT!! - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Nancy - July 28 - 8:03 am

  This is my 3rd Suzuki. I bought a 1999 Grand Vitara which I couldnt bear to give up when I bought my Forenza, It has 125,000 miles on it and Ive onlyreplaced the tires and brakes. The people that cant get great MPG on a Suzuki must check their driving patterns. I get 35 mpg on the Forenza, 25 mpg on the Grand Vitara and got 30mpg on the Tracker. I fail to understand why Edmunds and ConsumerReports dont rate them higher. I had a Nissan Pathfinder before my Grand Vitara and couldnt wait to get rid of it after 3 years!! When they told me how much it was I said SOLD!!! and I had been looking for months! I bought it on the spot.

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  The BEST value in a mid-size car - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Brainfertilizer - July 22 - 8:06 pm

  4000 miles so far, no problems. Smooth, responsive, comfortable, and the clear equal to Accord and Camry for the price of a Civic (if not cheaper). Heres the thing. Most reviewers assume that you want a 4-cyl for fuel economy and a 6-cyl for power, so they knock the Verona for not being either one. But Suzuki chose a 6-cyl that was as small as the average 4-cyl on purpose: smoothness and even power. It cruises over Rocky Mountain passes at 75 mph without straining at all. Ill probably spend only $1000 more in gas over the 5 years Ill own it, but I saved $4-5k on the sticker price similarly-equipped Accord or Camry. It looks better, too. Test drive one before deciding.

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  How good it is - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Ekollerc - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have lots of fun with my forenza S. I already put 16" chrome wheels on it and added a 12" subwoofer.

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  Sold on Suzuki - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By gale - July 16 - 7:50 pm

  This is my third Suzuki vehicle since 1985 and have been more than satisfied with each and every one. The first was a world car bought over seas, the second was a 1994 Swift which has close to 200,000 miles on it and my son still drives it, and now I have the Verona. The Verona is very comfortable in front and back. It has plenty of leg room for everyone, This car is so comfortable that my elderly mother would rather ride with me than any of my other siblings.

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  I Love It - 2007 Suzuki Reno
  By James - July 14 - 5:33 pm

  I love it. The Reno is everything that I need and nothing that I dont. It is spacious for such a small vehicle. The base level is what I went with and with such an affordable price tag who could pass it up?

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  Great Vehicle for the Family! - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Eric82 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle and am very satisfied with its performance. It is fairly spacious and provides easy access to spare tire, vehicle jack, and also has an electrical outlet in the inside rear of the cabin. Good purchase decision on my part!

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  I love this Car!!! - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Zetta - July 12 - 10:00 am

  this car has the smoothest ride and it is beautiful inside and out

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  Owning a XL 7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Lippy - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had so many compliments on this Vehicle, hour nice looking it is how sharp it looks, the sound system, the price etc. I thought driving a SUV would be like driving a bus, however it is easy to handle and has a smooth ride. I am very happy with the vehicle.

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  Hot Little Car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By laura5medic - July 7 - 4:00 am

  I have to say I have owned several nice cars in my day and I love to try out new and different models, especially if they have great curb appeal. This one caught my eye as soon as I saw it on the road and I had to find out what it was and where to test drive one at. I was driving a Mustang GT at the time which is an awesome car in itself. This one didnt quite have the GT pep but this old lady needed to chill a bit and this car was perfect. I also owned a Lexus IS 250 and this reminded me of it almost to a tee. Very well made, excellent interior quality and accessories and the exterior is just awesome (I own a Black metallic one). I have had this car 2 yrs now and love it.