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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  What a mistake! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By mesx - February 8 - 8:26 pm

  I bought my Aerio brand new, a year ago and have done nothing but repair this piece of junk since. Its front sway bar bushings came out of the mounting brackets four times, I have replaced six tires because they kept being destroyed by a mechenical defect, Ive had had three alignments done (the dealer took it to a body shop last time, maybe they had to straighten the frame), the power door locks failed, I had the front lower control arm bolts almost fall out, had styrofoam fall off the rear bumper (under painted plastic cover), and the heat shield for the exhaust manifold and the hood were lose and rattling the day I drove it off the lot. This was my first new car and it has given me more problems than my last five used Hondas combined.

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  Great first car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By NIUman - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. It is fun and easy to drive. I do not like the gas milage, but I guess that expected when I drive 80 miles a day. $20.00 a tank every four or five days is pricy, but the overall price of the car is unbeatable. It is not much more than to buy a quality used car. Great car, I would definatly buy another.

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  The Wonderful World of the Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By maryr - February 4 - 1:13 pm

  I bought a 2006 Grand Vitara this summer and it is the best vehicle I have ever owned. The engine has a very quick response with zero hesitation. The vehicle is very easy to maneuver and parking is a breeze. The Grand Vitara is so much fun to drive, I am a middle aged woman who feels every bit a teenager when I drive this vehicle!

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  My take on this cute ute... - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rob in Canada - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I find the G.V. lots of fun to drive, but consumes a bit too much gas! Having changed form a Toyota Camry V6LE to this vehicle, I find it rattles & squeaks and can be annoying at times. Overall, I rate the quality between 7 & 8 on a scale of 10. By the way, the hood latch is responsible for an intermittent squeak, may have to be adjusted more than once... Tends to spin in rain & snow in 2wd but handles well in 4wd.

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  Love Our Grand Vitara - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By pspallone - January 25 - 4:10 pm

  We were to buy a new vehicle due to a serious accident we had two weeks ago. We looked at Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tuscon, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4. The Grand Vitara stood out like a shining star with its features, styling and performance. Best kept secret among small SUVs. Drives and looks great.

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  decent for the money - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By dfr - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car was a decent buy for the money but has an annoying squeeking that the dealer cant fix! Its not heavy enough and bounces on the road. The car has good amounts of power with 5 speed. Very good lights. Smooth interstate driving. Inexpensive suv if not cheap small suv, you get what you pay for.

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  Great SUV at a great price - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By snjlovin2run - January 24 - 10:00 am

  In the XL7, I got the small SUV I wanted and we still have 7 seats for emergencies, although you do have to adjust the 2nd and 3rd row just right to make everyone comfy.The XL7 is on a sturdy truck frame and has a real and simple manual 4wd system.The engine is not a power dynamo but adequate and very smooth with the liquid filled engine mounts and 32 valve config.The engine using a timing chain instead of a belt also appealed to me. Gas mileage is better than expected, getting 22-23 on the open road and 18-19 in city driving.It is simple and practicle in engineering and design but comes with a host of standard features.

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  My Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By sailer - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Verona....period.Smooth, responsive,quiet ride. Everything I was looking for in a car, plus,a very solid price,I am very pleased. The dealership In Grand Rapids, was very good to me,very professional staff.

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  My Suzi has proven herself. - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By woody2009 - January 16 - 8:32 pm

  I just bought my suziki recently, used. I loved the looks of it and the 4x4 was what I really needed because I live in a flood area. It proved itself this past week when I came across a flooded road going home one night going home from work. It didnt look that deep but by the time I was half way thru the water was coming over the hood. It never lost power or traction. I passed a car stuck half way thru and the looks on their faces was priceless as they watched me drive (or possibly floating) by. I was scared but the adrenalin rush when I made it to the end was priceless. Had a little water in the passenger floor board. Other than that ALL DRY!!

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  Loved my Forenza (yes LOVED) - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By DF - January 14 - 1:30 am

  I bought my Forenza new and have had little problems with it. Replaced the headlights within two years and just recently one taillight. The reason I say loved, is that I totalled it this past weekend. I was involved in an accident and the whole front end of the car whas demolished. Yes this is good news, the whole passenger compartment was fine. The officer said he was amazed that the four of us walked away. Ive heard good things about Suzukis safety and now I can say that they are true.