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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  I Love My Aerio! - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By zeabry - July 3 - 7:46 am

  I love my Aerio. It is first car I have owned and I would not trade it for the world. We love Suzukis and have the Aerio and XL-7. I would recommend this car to anyone. I has great power, great amount of head and leg room, and is just an all around great car. t is a joy to drive.

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  Zero problems at 51k miles - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Will_C - June 28 - 4:20 pm

  Has been an excellent Mini-ute. I have 51,000 miles on it and I have done nothing but oil changes and a new set of tires. I get 24 mpg on a trip and 18 mpg in town. Only problem is that they are made with very thin sheet metal. They dent VERY EASY but I have no rust on it at all.

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  Very happy - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Mark J. - June 27 - 11:43 pm

  Bought an AWD/AT version and love it so far. Very fun to drive despite the relatively sluggish performance. The outward visibility takes some getting used to but in general it is as good as it gets in a car of this configuration. Ive discovered one odd thing about this car that prospective buyers should know: the owners manual says that the AWD/AT version cannot be towed with either the front or rear wheels on the pavement due to potential damage of the drivetrain. I havent asked my dealer about this yet but I cant believe that any car maker would design a car that requires a flatbed tow truck. The standard transmission and FWD versions do not carry this warning.

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  I Just Love It - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By mutter - June 26 - 11:06 pm

  We just had another baby and needed a second vehicle with more room. After driving and purchasing the Grand Vitara it has become our first vehicle. We love the looks, performance, and the interior. We averaged around 21 mpg in every day driving. We just went on a 1,300 mile trip and averaged 24.5 mpg. Drive a 2006 Grand Vitara before you purchase anything else. We drove the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, and Jeep Liberty. The Suzuki was better tan all of them.

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  Love the Grand Vitara - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By James Erb - June 23 - 9:53 pm

  I purchased my Grand Vitara and immediately took it on a road trip from Colorado to Wisconsin. I found the vehicle pleasant and comfortable. I usually have to stop every couple of hours to stretch but in the Grand Vitara I was comfortable and relaxed for 5 hours at a stretch. I had no issues in the change of elevation or when the weather turned snowy while I was in Wisconsin. My return home was a battle of the driving through rain and sleet/snow and the Grand Vitara never missed a beat.

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By mysticcrab - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought our 03 SX AWD in 8/02, now have over 30,000 on it and no problems. Made a trip from NY to NC and TEN., performed beautifully on road, hills were no problem for the peppy engine, also great gas mileage. Lots of leg room, and with back seats folded there is ample cargo space for larger items. We love our 03 and are will be going back to Suzuki when it is time to buy another one. We are very happy with this car and recommend it highly.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Sandra London - June 16 - 2:00 am

  What a great car.......the exterior of the vechicle is great. Beautiful car. The inside of the vechicle is designed like a lincoln or cadillac with the features that are used (plus), anyone looking for a car should test drive this one first....havent driven a car with such great features....not an extra either, comes standard. The engine has such a purrr...to it. Anyone looking for a car should try this one before they anything else....It will speak for itself!!!!

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  Unknown Discovery! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Cj and Marv - June 15 - 1:30 pm

  I went from a VW Turbo that I had for six years to a Suzuki Aerio. After one month I didnt enjoy it and traded it in for a Grand Vitara sport. This is the best thing I ever did. It holds the road, is easy to get in and out of, and the inside has a lot of head, leg, and body comfort. I am in real estate and get a lot of people commenting on this car. People stated they never thought of looking at a Suzuki, but now will take this in their consideration when they go to purchase a new veicle. I will be purchasing another Grand Vitara in a few months. One last thing, my husband who always buys a Pontiac Grand Prixs stated he will also be changing because he enjoys driving my truck so much.

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  My Second Grand Vitra - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By john grace - June 14 - 11:56 am

  This is my second Suzuki Grand Vitra. The first was a 2000 Limited model, which I had for almost six years. During that time I had no problems. It was a great SUV and this one is even better. Its a great SUV at a great price.

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  Smart People Drive Verona - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By sailor6322 - June 13 - 1:23 pm

  This is one great car. More features than most others at a much lower price with great warranty. The only real difference between this auto and others is name recognition. Test drive one before you buy any other car in this class and you wont be disappointed.