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:

• 

  A Very Fun-tional Vehicle - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By boscoblair - December 17 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is an excellent, exciting alternative to a minivan for morning carpool, especially with elementary schoolers. Second-graders are able to work the 7-passenger seating mechanisms fine, and fight over doing so! Seating is exceptionally comfortable for 4 adults, and it works fine for 5-child transport... all behind the front row. So far Ive enjoyed this vehicle as much as or more than as any that Ive owned, including several Toyotas, a BMW, a Nissan, an Isuzu, Chevys, a couple of Fords and our current Honda Odessey.

• 

  Love It So far - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By TR528 - December 16 - 12:43 pm

  I am surprised at how well the Aerio rides. The 2.3L engine provides plenty of power. The car seems very tight, it has a good solid sound when you close the door. It has plenty of room.

• 

  Good car, expected maintenance - 2001 Suzuki Vitara
  By shelbyk - December 13 - 11:44 am

  Purchased this car used in 2009 with 118K miles on it. Had a problem with a very squealy belt, replaced, still squealed. Honestly dont remember what resolved this issue. Radiator cracked at 140K for the first time. Cracked twice after (warrantied), turns out the water pump was building too much pressure, replaced water pump. O2 sensors replaced at 160K. Maybe have spent $1000 over 5 years on maintenance (excluding oil changes, brakes, filters, tires, etc., also all labor done by my loving father). Overall this car has been very reliable and required little maintenance for an older car with exponential miles. 22-26 mpg, no difference between highway/city but winter/summer.

• 

  Good All Around Truck - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Paul - December 12 - 4:16 pm

  The Grand Vitara is absolutely fantastic. Its a fun vehicle with a real thirst for those everyday jobs too. It is almost the best vehicle that I have ever owned (the best was an Audi TT roadster). Buy one and bag yourself loads of fun and practical driving, too. It uses a lot of fuel though... :0)

• 

  Whats not to like? - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By killerbeez - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I went shopping for a Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute and came home with the Suzuki. After having 3 dealers tell me that I really should drive the XL-7, I reluctantly tried one...I loved it. It was quieter, handled better and was more roomy than many of the bigger SUVs that I tried. The AT shifts very smoothly, and it has just the right amount of bells and whistles. Very solid vehicle. This vehicle is deceptively quick and motors well at highway speeds and beyond.

• 

  Good Car - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Al - November 30 - 3:56 pm

  Love the Grand Vitara. I had a 99 Dodge Intrepid with the 2.7 engine and my Grand Vitara has so much more pick up It cruies on the interstate at 75-85 mph quite well. The only complaint, I have is on the luxury model with CD/Aux radio, I still havent found the input jack. I guess that is optional.

• 

  Just right - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By bigheadwolff - November 30 - 2:00 am

  ill tell you what, buy this car. you cant beat the performance you get out of this car for the money. it is quick and fun to drive. its got plenty of interior room not to mention a huge trunk. i was in the market for a wagon, but decided to get the aerio sedan for its great value and performance. im very satisfied with this car.

• 

  2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX+ Wagon - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By Ryan Grennan - November 28 - 9:56 pm

  Im glad I did my research before finally deciding on my Suzuki Wagon. This wagon is really a hidden gem in the minefield of Ford wagons and the Subaru . None of them can compare to the relibablity of the Esteem. It has the room I needed without sacrificing fuel economy. Best of all, its subtle sportiness gets compliments from classmates at college while still being respectable at the workplace. This car has never given me any problems and from what I have heard, I dont expect any down the line either.

• 

  SX4 Sport / auto - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By belowme - November 28 - 5:53 am

  Great little car. Fun to drive, handles great just missing a turbo version. Comfortable and roomy. Gas mileage isnt bad for an AWD car but gas tank could be a bit bigger. With the amount of standard fatures of the Sport version with auto you cant beat it. Nicley designed cabin, not flimsy and cheap looking.

• 

  Good bang for the buck! - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Ken - November 24 - 6:26 am

  It has the style and standard features of cars costing 3 or 4 thousand dollars more. Very comfortable ride for this size of car. This is my first foreign built car and am well pleased.