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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  Tough car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By Frank - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I liked the room and AWD. Car does great in all conditions. Milage OK avg. 27plus MPG commute. When there is no traffic 30 MPG at 65 to 70 MPH. Stero system terrible in the PA mountains. Only complaint is that it goes through factory front pads every 12k. Goes 30k with after market pads. I have over 175000 miles on the car and it shows no signs of giving up.

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  Cute compact SUV not so cute gas mileage - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By lucgrad00 - September 1 - 12:56 pm

  I love everything about my Grand Vitara except for the lousy gas mileage. I only get 14-15 MPG in town. Other compact SUVs are far superior in this area. If gas mileage is a primary concern a Rav4, Vue or CR-V would be a better choice.

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  2004 Suzuki Verona EX - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By MBPT - August 31 - 1:13 am

  Initial mileage readings up to 11,000 miles were only 18-19 mpg. However, after 11,500 miles, mileage improved to present 23.8 mpg city driving

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  Great car for the price - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By RCLyons - August 30 - 2:00 am

  For the price this is a great little SUV. Just dont expect a volvo ride and solidness. Ive had it four years. Had 2 recalls done - no problems except occasionally the air bag light comes on dimly during drives. Dealer couldnt find problem. Overall you get a lot more car for your money.

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  In High Esteem - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By high esteem - August 30 - 2:00 am

  My car has the 1.8L engine and 14" wheels. Built in Japan. Clutch/shifter is ultra smooth and easy, smooth ride, comfortable, and relatively quiet (compared to even Mazda Protege and Honda Civic). Excellent sight lines, supportive seat (Im tall). Leg room about the same as other small cars. Fun to drive. Precise steering, mild body lean. Nice stereo sound. No mechanical problems.

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  Great Buy!!! - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By OUR4NZA - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I was at a car show and was not really looking to buy. After seeing many cars and not being to impressed, I saw the Forenza. I ended up buying the car that night. The overall design of the car was very appealing to the eye. All the standard features was a big plus. All the other cars were very basic and kinda plain inside. The price was right and also good gas mileage. Having great fun driving. My first new car in 20 years.

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  spectacular!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By nunno - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE ONE MONTH NOW ANDE I AM ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH IT. WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BEST THE SUZUKI CORPORATION HAS EVER DONE. THIS IS MY 4TH SUZUKI AND I AM TOTALLY HAPPY. I OWNED A1996 SIDEKICK, A 1999 GRAND VITARA, A 2002 XL-7 AND NOW A 2004 EX111 AND THIS IS THE BEST ONE YET. THANK YOU SUZUKI!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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  Wish I could buy another!! - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By leigh2 - August 29 - 8:02 am

  I bought this in January 08 with 35k miles on it. After having a Caravan & Suburban..... I could not be happier!! It is finally getting ready for semi-retirement with 206k miles on it. I drive 500-700 miles/week. Outside of regular routine maintenance {Oil changes, tires, brakes, transmission flushes} I have no other issues with this car until recently and that would be due to "old age." The seats are not that comfortable for my frame but I have enjoyed every minute of this car. The cargo space is unbelievable for the size! I can fit 2 people, 2 - 90 lb. dogs and gear for an overnight hiking trip without issue. Id go for the SX4 in a heartbeat if they hadnt made it smaller.

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  Big Improvement - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By bdriver - August 27 - 1:06 pm

  A friend of mine had a 2002 Grand Vitara and had no problems with it, but the style left something to desire. When my friend purchased the new Grand Vitara I ran out to see what it looked like and really liked what I saw. So I went and purchased one for myself. It has been a pleasure to drive and so far I have no complaints about anything. I have taken some long trips with it and I always feel comfortable in it.

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  Better than experts say it is - 2008 Suzuki Reno
  By Don - August 27 - 2:20 am

  I just purchased this vehicle but thought it odd there were no reviews from users on this vehicle (expert reviews are unkind). It truly is a bargain and drove every bit as well as a Ford Focus. Yes it is basic but for $240 a month for 60 months and 0 down how can you go wrong especially with the warranty this manufacturer offers. We all are facing some realities with gas prices escalating and while the given mileage specs arent overly impressive most people are getting better than posted mileage. The interior is very nice a pleasent surprise This is the first time I have considered a compact car and I will be ok with this. I didnt feel silly in it and the Suzuki moniker adds intrigue