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:

• 

  Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Ronald Wilkinson - October 29 - 3:20 am

  My Suzuki Grand Vitara is wonderful to drive. It has very well mannered handling for an SUV, firm but forgiving. The level of creature comforts far exceeds its price. The automatic climate control works great. The fit and finish are A1. Everything works the way it should. The stereo system is very nice. There is good reception on the radio for weak signals and it has an excellent sound.

• 

  suzuki verona - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Ray Hingson - October 28 - 7:26 pm

  we purchased a new verona in dec we love it we had a suzuki swift before and still have it 80000 miles and its still going strong the verona is so much more a great car for the price and very very nice..just love the car its a great car you go suzuki you making better and better cars the verona proves it

• 

  Hunk of Junk - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Pat Hillyer - October 27 - 6:30 pm

  It has ten thousand miles. It started not starting correctly at 4 thousand. At ten thousand just quit entirely. They put in nes software. That lasted one day. Then it would not start again.It has been the shop a week and while I am paying $300 a month---I can ride the bus. Would I buy another? No. Would I take another as a gift--doubt it. The only good thing is the guarantee Te rest is a hunk of junk

• 

  good commute vehicle - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Cork - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Driving from Asheville, NC to Greeneville, TN daily to and from office, Im in it at least 3 hours a day havent missed a day, it carries me over the mountain daily, both in clear weather, and in ice and snow its important for me to have a reliable and safe vehicle, and thats what this model offers It is tough on the back on long trips (6 hours plus), and it rides like a truck, but it feels safe when i drive it

• 

  Suzuki XL-7 is great for women too! - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Suze - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my XL-7! I had a mini-van previously but realized that I wasnt the mini-van type. I have two children who love the sunroof and elegant interior as much as I do. The only problem is getting the keys in the morning before my husband does.

• 

  Mid size car with class - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Chip D. - October 24 - 10:00 am

  We have put 1,000 miles on this car city and highway. This car has a high quality feel to it the seating is comfortable and the ride is solid, soft but not too floaty. The interior is roomy and and offers a classy look. My mother came over to visit us and drove the car for the first time last week. Her and dad bought a Town Car last year and found that the Verona had less suspension noise when driving over road bumps. The fit and finish on the interior is first rate and full of attention to detail.

• 

  Great Value, Features, Fun and Comfort - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Tom - October 21 - 8:46 am

  This fun to drive vehicle has a solid, sturdy feel that is equally good to drive in the city or at high speeds on the open road. It has great forward vision, seat comfort, trustworthy brakes, quick handling, little body lean, a good ride, its versatile, has a neat AWD set up, and we feel safe in it with all of the air bags.

• 

  AERIO IS WONDERFUL - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By magnum1 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Its the best car I have ever owned. I love my 2002 Suzuki AERIO GS. I purchased it in July of 2002 and now have 35,000 miles on it and havent spent a dime on it except for oil changes and general maintenance, which is very little. This includes changing transmission fluid (standard) and flushing the radiator.

• 

  A Very Reliable Vehicle - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Carmelo G - October 12 - 2:00 am

  We have 40,000 miles on this car and not one problem has occured. This is the most reliable car that I have ever owned. We completed an 8,500 mile trip and found it to be a comfortable ride. The Denver Suzuki/Isuzu Dealer was easy to deal with and we got a good deal.

• 

  If I could turn back time.. - 2002 Suzuki Esteem
  By mike05 - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Cheap body materials, thin paint, cheap interior. Average exterior styling. Poor interior styling. Handles well, but performs average to below average. My automatic hesitates on acceleration, and jumps between gears as I accelerate or decelerate while driving. Headlights are dim, and poorly aimed.