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 cant decide - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By XLerator - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Drivers cockpit cramped. My leg rubs when driving and if I push the seat back there is no passenger leg room. Definitely needs better gas mileage. Barely getting 15 Mpg. Needs a low fuel light and smaller rear headrests. Good looker. Nice leather interior. The heated seats sure do work. Could use a better tire size. Third seat only holds very samll children.

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  Cheap Luxury - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Slippers - May 16 - 7:40 am

  I bought this car used for my daughter and we both love it. It does not have the best acceleration but it will get you there in comfort. If you love bells and whistles and dont want to spend a lot of money, this car is it. I do find the trunk space a little small. This may not be the car for the constant traveler but for local and short trips, I could find nothing in this price range with all the options I wanted. I drove the car a week before I surprised her with it and I hated to turn it over. I am now in the market for a 2006. This car feels like a high dollar luxury vehicle minus the power. The size is perfect, not too big and not too small. Its brakes feel spongy, but stops on a dime.

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  Great Value - Luxury, Perf., Utility - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By BobP - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for an SUV as a second vehicle to compliment a luxury sports sedan that I have. I seem to have found it. The style is contemporary. Interior is beautiful and plush. There is plenty of cargo room. The ride and quietness is almost better than my 35K sedan. I drove several SUVs in the low 20s and this one by far could compete with those 10K more. I think it will be a great experience

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  Mini-Cooper on Steroids! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Gene W. - May 11 - 3:06 pm

  The SX4 Crossover should be advertised as a "Mini-Cooper on Steroids!" This little beauty is fun-omenal to drive! These cars are so agile and responsive, youd think you were on a Go-Cart Track! The handling is absolutely marvelous! Trading my 07 Hyundai Accent Hatchback for the SX4 Crossover, was a smart thing to do! The SX4 has superb power and a comfortable ride. I preferred the convenience package for my needs, while my wife took the touring package. We are both extremely happy with our choices, and still cant get over how Suzuki was able to cram so much value in such a small package! Thanks Suzuki! After owning 5 Hyundais, Im sold on Suzuki!

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  Own New Suzuki SX4 Sedan - 2012 Suzuki SX4
  By ron_suzukisx4 - May 11 - 11:51 am

  I never write reviews but this time i am trying to apprise others about this good car. I have been driving cars from around 14 yrs, driven cars of varied types in multiple cities and multuple countries. I wanted to buy a new car and took test drive of multiple vehicles including Hyundai, Hondas, Nissans and finally ended up buying Suzuki Sx4 Sedan. I have this car only for 4 days and i really liked it, its manual drive, It has all the features you need ina car, including 8 airbags. Most importantly, car runs very fast and smooth. Zip and energy in car this car is impressive, sound system is good. I like the car in and all. currently mileage 30 should certainly improve aftr Iservice

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  CLASS ACTION PLEASE - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By npowers - May 11 - 10:05 am

  I bot my 2007 Suzuki Forenza in 2009 it had 30,000 miles. I have had constant and continual problems, paint chipping, transmission, oxygen sensor, computer, oil gasket, oil leaking all fluids, mostly continual check engine light for various reasons one after another not even dealership can fix. I have pretty much each and every problem mentioned on other reviews. I have spend numberous amounts of money, time, missed work and tears... Why has there been no recalls or class actions suits. car in shop now after $1,700 in the last 3 months. Wont pass inspection and noone can fix. I am still paying of my loan.. so sad.

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  Suzuki fan - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By kacz - May 10 - 6:56 pm

  I have enjoyed the last year with my new Grand Vitara. It looks appealing to the eye and has an atractive interior. The heating and cooling system are very good. The interior is very functional. Also, the lights are great. The safety features are outstanding! Overall, in my first year of ownership, I have become a fan of the Suzuki brand.

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  2004 Suzuki Verona EX - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By hrb - May 10 - 2:20 am

  I have had numerous mechanical problems my 2004 Suzuki Verona, including steering wheel radio controls that took five trips to the dealership get fixed. The car is good overall, but parts are very hard to get, and the customer service at Suzuki Corp. is less than helpful. Be cautious if you are thinking of buying this car, as aftermarket service is difficult to come by.

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  Unhappy customer - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By cj fish - May 9 - 7:06 am

  Hub caps are plastic, alarm doesnt include trunk. Not happy with the car. I would dump in a heartbeat if I could get someone to buy it from me. Rear seats do not fold down.

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  Wow! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SAL - May 6 - 11:20 am

  As a realtor I drive a lot of miles, so I decided to buy this nice SX4 sedan sport with navigation as a second car. Believe it or not I purchased this car because it had a gps navi, but fell in love with it. You get a lot of car for much less money than other brands. 17" wheels, fog lamps, smart pass entry & keyless start, rear spoiler, ground effect spoilers all around. I feel like in the purchase of a navi you get a free car. This car is worth much more than what is priced for.