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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  Great Commuter - 2005 Suzuki Reno
  By golf4frek - April 1 - 4:26 pm

  Great little car that is inexpensive and fun to drive! If youre looking for an inexpensive / economical yet stylish little car I highly recommend it Mileage has been about 30 in combined highway / city driving and as high as 33 in straight highway. Thats not to shabby. Power is average but adequate and I concur with the professional reviewers that recommend the 5 speed over the automatic, it couples the power to the wheels much better than the auto. Styling does turn some heads and Ive been asked about it from a few people. Interior is good and functional. List of standard features is great but has no cruise control standard which is strange. Im pleased, this is a great commuter car.

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  Decent Car for the value - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By Ken - March 31 - 4:10 pm

  I found my Verona to handle fairly decent on the highways. It sits well and it feels a lot heavier than any economy car out there. When driving at high speeds the Verona is as good a ride as you will get with some of the better known sedans. Additional interior features like stereo controls in the steering provide an added bonus to owning this car which lacks popularity and resale value. However, I have to admit that the transmission shifts awkwardly when decelerating sometimes and its really not that great on gas. Overall this car is a decent buy if you can get a great deal on it. Otherwise, if you have a few hundred dollars extra to spend, Id suggest you get a more renowned car.

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  Buyer Beware!!!!! Cheap paid, cheap made - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Alisha - March 30 - 5:20 pm

  I purchased my Suzuki in 2007. I have enjoyed the vehicle until just recently. I have started to have transmission problems and I have not even hit 50,000 miles yet!!! The only place that will touch it because of the "great" warrenty is 60 miles away. The Suzuki dealership told me to just drive it in and if it breaks down then I will have to pay for the cost of towing as the warrenty does not cover towing costs that far away. The dealership that sold it to me flat out lied to my face and said they work on Suzuki, but when asked today they said they meant giving oil changes and such. This will be my last Suzuki, next time Im going American and will save myself the stress and headache!

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  I Love My Suzuki - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Stacie - March 28 - 3:56 am

  I love my Suzuki Forenza! The only issue I have is that I cant find the fun accessories for it...if anyone knows where I can get Euro tail lights (majority silver with little red- opposite of maufacture) Please let me know! Anyway...the Forenza is a perfect size that easily fits 5 people. I am glad I went with it and not a high name brand because the funny thing is...Ive only seen two other Forenzas around where I live and I live in a major tourist destination!

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  new car - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By njacks - March 28 - 2:00 am

  It is a fun car to drive, has alot of power for the cars in its class. I have yet to see alot of aftermarket parts, but im sure there soon to come. There is alot of room, Im 64" and i fit in this car pretty good. The resale value is not that good, but its not a civic.

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  Could have been better - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Bandguy - March 26 - 10:43 am

  While it is fun to drive, the sound system needs upgrade in speaker placement and sound quality. The cup holders in the front only hold a 12 oz can securely. Anything else will spill all over when accelerating or braking. The seats are comfortable even over long distances. Im very disappointed with the gas mileage. Im getting only 22 mpg. A little car like this should get more like 30 mpg. Perhaps a larger fuel tank so it will go farther. The new Camaro gets better mileage. Cargo area is excellent and the area under the floor is very convenient.

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  I Love Driving This Car - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By One Satisfied Custom - March 25 - 10:23 am

  The Forenza Wagon is a great driving experience. It handles well on highways and in street driving, has a great turning capability, and gets OK gas mileage (there are more fuel effiecient wagons out there). The exterior styling is great, it looks like an Italian import. For price and overall value, I could not be happier.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By James - March 20 - 9:10 pm

  I decided to write a review as I kept seeing lower reviews for this model. I have no idea why. I have owed over 15 cars (all new over the years), and this is a nice SUV. In over 60,000 miles, I have not had to take the car in for any type of warranty work at all. Just the normal oil & lubes and maintenance. My front brakes finally had to be replaced at around 42,000. My only complaint is that the MPG is too low for this size SUV with a 6 cylinder. I get a combined of around 18. I feel it should get at least 20. Other than that, the pricing was great and I have absolutely no complaints.

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  Great Economical Car - 2006 Suzuki Verona
  By V De - March 20 - 11:50 am

  You get a lot for your money with this car. No, it doesnt have the greatest pick up but, the ride is smooth and quiet. It handles well on the curves also. The interior is plush and comfortable. Great car for the price.

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  Great Value for a "CUV" - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By gkato - March 15 - 6:26 am

  We have owned many SUVs and we compared the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and the new Toyota RAV. I was at a dealership that represented many manufaturers, and test drove the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The value and qulity for this little Cross-Over vehicle beat the competition hands down. This vehicle is for my wife, and her main concern is Safety. The Grand Vitara comes standard with 6 airbags which usually come only in pricier cars. The exterior and interior design are very contemporary and give the feeling of a more expensive vehicle.