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:

• 

  DRIVING IN THE COLORADO ROCKIES - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By DAVID STONER - July 18 - 2:00 am

  When not commuting to work, I spend a lot of time heading for the slopes in Colorado. The car handles great in the snow and has enough zip to get up some of the steeper passes I encounter. There is plenty of room inside for four skiers plus our stuff. The sound system is great and because of its unusal design, it is easy to spot in parking lots. My only complaint are the Yokahama tires. I have already replaced two. Outside of that, and for the price, this wagon is terrific.

• 

  Janets Forenza - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By Jimmy Hembree - July 17 - 9:40 am

  My Forenza is eye catching, the ride is good, the handling is good, the interior is good, but the engine performance is lacking. Plus it onlu has average fuel ecomomy. Its feels more comfortable crusing at high speeds. The car has been in the shop twice, other than for regular service; once for the drivers side air bag light, and the second time for the drivers side air bag light and for an entire A/C system failure.

• 

  Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 "worth a look!" - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By qwag - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Suburban to the Suzuki, so there was an obvious "change". But the mileage, steady secure ride & handling, accleration (w/V6) vision, extra 3rd row of rear seats, are all VERY good. This IS NOT a "luxury" SUV, but a great mid-sized SUV, thats modestly appointed. Especially, when you consider that I went from a $40K vehicle to one costing $20K. I am very pleased with this vehicle..and 1/2 the payment & gas reqirement!

• 

  Under the Shadow - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By JP007 - July 16 - 1:43 am

  While overshadowed by bigger names such as the Toyota Scion series, Mazda, Honda, and others, the Suzuki Reno stands as the under dog. With "European Styling", a comfortable and spacious interior,a fun driving experience, and an affordable price tag, the Suzuki Reno is perfect for the average college student or young person. The Reno is an all-around fun car, and you wont be embarrassed to show it off to your friends. I would suggest the Suzuki Reno to anyone in the market for a very nice and practical new car.

• 

  who knew ? - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By R_ALPH - July 14 - 10:00 am

  WHO KNEW SUZUKI AERIO IS SUCH A NICE CAR. I LOOKED AT AND DROVE LANCER, CIVIC AND COROLLA, BUT LOOKING FOR SOMETHING AFFORDABLE RELIABLE AND FUN ISNT EASY. THE OTHER BRANDS OFFER CHEEP MODELS AS WELL, BUT ITS HARD TO CALL THEM "WELL EQUIPPED" OR SPORTY.

• 

  Brand new - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By BLS - July 14 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I just purchased this vehicle and we think that it will be a great car. We bought it first for its fuel economy. But it has a great design and lots of fun colors. He likes it because the manual is very peppy. It also has a dash board that does not reflect sunlight which i think is one of the coolest features along with the cd player and the drl and the seatbelt in the back that does both cross and lap belts. It also has one of the highest safety records. I would recommend this car to anyone who is thinking about

• 

  Excellent - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By kpappas - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I just feel really great when I am driving my XL7

• 

  Amazing Value - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Jay - July 11 - 11:26 pm

  This is my first Suzuki vehicle. I owned a 02 Passat before, and wanted a more reliable & newer vehicle. However I didnt want to give up too many features. After test driving the SX4, I instantly became a fan. I love the small size of the car. Very easy to park and fun to drive. The AWD is outstanding in the snow. Love that it can be turned off to save fuel. Exterior design is unique & looks very European. The cloth seats are much more comfortable than the leather in my Passat. Road & engine noise are somewhat intrusive. Interior is comprised of hard plastics, however they have a high quality texture. The SX4s engine is sufficient for a 4-cyl. Im obtaining around 25 mpg overall

• 

  Good Value for the Price - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By mswillard - July 11 - 6:33 pm

  Overall this car is a good value for the money. We bought this car on functionality and overall price. We have been fairly pleased. The car performs more or less as promised. Handling is good and power is ok. The mpg has been less than average in the city and better than average on the highway. The car get 15-16 in the city for us, but over 30 on the highway. We have had to take the car in 3 times in less than two years. The orginal tires where horrible, felt like they were out of balance and this grew worse with time. Two times they checked the balance issue, stating it was a tire issue. This has been fixed with different tires. Also we have had a cold idle issue too. 16,000 mi.

• 

  happy/unhappy - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By terry goins - July 11 - 10:03 am

  miles good/gas good ride is great.body work could have been better,bumpers front and back had to replace both too low to ground.radio,cd player out sometimes the radio will come on but not stay on station.has to replace four other parts,i change my all my oils and fluides on reg basis.wheel bearings out on front wheel hard to find parts.