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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  EXCELLENT VALUE - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By ANDEC - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after I looked at civics, elantras and sentras and believe me for the money, the warranty and the features you just can not beat my forenza, I Love It....

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  Love this Sport SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Angie - March 25 - 7:00 pm

  When I get into my new Suzuki Grand Vitara, it feels like Im in my own world. The handling of this SUV is tight, quiet, and smooth. The sound system is awesome and I got a sunroof added.

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  This Car has been Good to Me - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By Kerry - March 22 - 7:36 pm

  Yes, this is a cheap car, but I paid a cheap price. I got what I paid for. Never a break down, always reliable, NO problems at all and I have driven this car hard since Nov 2006 when I bought brand new. I didnt know there was a recall on seat belts, was not notified. Guess I should check on that. I have never had one single problem. Not sure why everyone else is.

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  LOVE IT - 2003 Suzuki Vitara
  By KIMQDA - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Vitara after a couple of bad winters here, was set on a 4WD, but had a very limited budget, this was the only SUV i could find in my price range that i liked, with a dealer willing to work with me. I can now go where I want when I want no matter the weather. It is alot of fun to drive in the snow. I know when it is time for another vehicle I will buy another one if I can.

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  ZOOOOKI - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Clams - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Strong solid car with an expensive ride and feel. Good on wet pavement. Better power at higher speeds than t lower speeds. Could use some low speed power up grades.

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  My MIni Landcruiser - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By malimida - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I already own a Large SUV, but needed a more compact alternative for work. I love this car, the price was right, it has the room for work materials (Im in Sales)and my golf clubs, it gets better mileage, its sporty, has great interior features and looks like a Mini Toyota Landcruiser. This is a cool SUV.

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  goes everywhere - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By terry in pittsburgh - March 20 - 4:36 am

  In 4000 miles, I needed new brakes. The dealer covered it in. 11,000 miles I needed new tires so I bought the best tires I could get.

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  Great Start Suzuki! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By naima - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The small footprint makes it easier to park and to get around. Even though its small on the outside, theres ample leg and head room and plenty of space for hauling people and stuff inside. The engine is quite peppy. I have no problems merging on the highway or passing others. Some might find the digital dash a little distracting but its easy to get used to. All in all, I find my SX to be a GREAT car for the price. If youre in the market for a great vehicle with lot of standard options, awesome safety ratings and is inexpensive to boot, the Aerio SX is a fantastic buy. Its a nice for a new family too. Hopefully Ill be driving my Suzuki for years to come.

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  The Best Car I Have Ever Bought! - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By SeaKayakerBill - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The car has more interior room than you think. Everyone who has seen it is very impressed. I look for reasons to drive it because it is so much fun. At first I was concerened about the ground clearance but after a few rough roads out here in Colorado it did just fine

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  Best in Class - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By hankr - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Aerio beats the competition in comfort, roominess, power (esp low-end torque), offset crash tests, standard features, generous transferrable warranty and a low price. I cross-shopped many others and bought the Aerio; spent less, got more, with no regrets after 4 months. Dont be swayed by reviewers who simply dislike the styling &/or digital dash. This car is very competitive. It is what it is; an economy car. But see your way beyond Ford, Toyota and Honda when shopping in this class, and Suzuki has a very pleasant surprise for you; more car for much less money.