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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  From Forenza to SX4 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Mark - January 12 - 8:16 pm

  I just traded in an 06 Forenza for the SX4. All I can say is wow what a diffrence. I love this vehicle. the way it handles and drives is no comparison to the Forenza. I have the top of the line Touring Edition its well worth the extra money for the options you get. The keyless entry and start are really good. I would reccomend this car to anyone looking for a great car for good value.

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  Suzuki Viatri - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By Amy Kearns - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Economically Sound for the single person.

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  Most for my money - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Chad Underly - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have not had to take my Suzuiki back to the dealer since the day I drove it off the lot. I love the v-6 engine and the ample cargo space. My only regret is not paying a little more for the optional 3rd row seat and rear a/c...the trucks standard a/c can barely keep up on hot summer days.

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  Suzuki - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By teresad0906 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is a great deal for the price. We purchased ours in August 2003 and have enjoyed every minute of it! It is dependable and such an attractive vehicle.

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  2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By fishwar - January 8 - 12:16 am

  The 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a great vehicle and a great value.

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  What a surprise! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Nat - January 6 - 7:23 am

  I am so impressed with this car and the price makes it even more funner to drive. I actually do not covet my fellow drivers cars.

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  Amazing little thing! - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By Spokane - January 5 - 6:10 pm

  I bought this car in 2001 with 8,000 miles on it. I Still have the car and now have 130,000 on her. Besides normal oil changes, tires and brake work, the only thing that I have needed to change was the valve cover gaskets! It was a snap! When needed, you have plenty of power. Okay, so its not a Monte, but what do you expect? Its a little 4 banger! Never once has it not started, and has never stalled on me. All in all, for the money, you get a really good running very realiable car.

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  Great Looking / Driving AWD Vehicle - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By somebody - January 2 - 10:56 pm

  This vehicle has the power, looks, and performance under one roof for less then $18,000 (fully loaded). it feels great to drive it. It has a very good design. It is the least expensive AWD vehicle on the market. This car will be extremely popular in 2007.

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  Great after 30 thousand miles! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rey - January 1 - 8:40 am

  This is my second review. The first was submitted at 1500 miles. I am happy to report that the GV has held up very well, and has been very reliable after 30,000 miles. With the exception of oil changes, and front brakes I have had no problems. Even the tires have held up well. The engine sounds quiter, and feels peppier now. About a year after we purchased it we got heavy down pours, and heavily flooded roads, the GV performed admirably. It performs great snow as well. Based on my experience, I highly recommend it.

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  fun small car - 2008 Suzuki Reno
  By rc - December 31 - 2:33 pm

  We bought this car with a sonata in mind but the price point was to much to pass up. Its peppy and quick for such a small engine. Plan to put on wheels, Cruise, tint and keyless with an alarm. Love it get lots of second looks in the parking lots. Put on a coat of turtle wax ice and it looks great. Only problem was pass seat airbag light but was resolved in one visit. 12k out the door cash and we are really happy with it! Lots of room for a small car and with some things like new wheels and tires maybe springs it will handle even better. Also try a k&n airfilter it will bump up the hp and gas mileage! Had a Suzuki motorcycle and this lives up to the name!