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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  Not a piece of junk! - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By 07GVXS - December 9 - 2:03 pm

  For the money you spend for a Suzuki GV it is not a bad vehicle. However because of its tendency to depreciate I would not buy one brand new. I bought my 2007 GV Xsport 2wd. barely used with 13000 mi. last year. The problem with the rear tires wearing was resolved with a rear end alignment. Seems the factory misaligned many of these models. The new tires seem to last longer once this is corrected. In my opinion most of the MPG ratings for this vehicle are pessimistic. I get around 20 MPG in city and 23 on Hwy. However this diminishes greatly if you exceed 70MPH on Hwy. The interior plastics are cheap and scratch easy but the engine and trans. seem to be very reliable and thats what counts.

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  Very good until - 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Lizzie - December 8 - 9:23 pm

  Love this little SUV that we bought used. Do not have to climb up and in, nor have to lower oneself in - a boost for those of us w/ creaky knees. Zippy, 4WD when it suited us (birding) quick and easy. But the AC has died and the estimate is just under $1000.00! In So AZ cant live w/out AC so we will have to trade it in on... what?

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  Cant Beat the Price! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Soto - November 29 - 6:06 am

  The Grand Vitara is a great SUV for the price. I got mine very cheap and love the drive. It has decent gas mileage. Its mileage it a lot better than my other SUV! I have no complains.

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  Another stop to fill up - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By 1TheMacs - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I like this small SUV for the price. I had to look a long time to find one without the 3rd seat. The 3rd seat doesnt fold flat.

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  Competent, but uninspiring - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By aposak - October 30 - 10:34 pm

  For basic transportation and cargo hauling, this car is great! It has been rock-solid reliable at 135k miles. Anything over basic transportation, though, and you should look elsewhere. Although a lot of nice features and afterthoughts are included, Suzuki overlooked many of the basics. The lower dash and doors are soft plastic, which scratch and mar easily. The seats arent particularly comfortable, though they feature several adjustments. Handling, acceleration, and braking are competent, but feel disconnected. Ive averaged 24-26mpg combined throughout the life of the car.

• 

  um - 2004 Suzuki Vitara
  By kerry - October 21 - 8:36 pm

  it is very fun to drive and it can go off roading a lot better then most people would think. i dont like the looks too much. but after i started driving it i fell in love

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  Not as Advertised - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Bob - October 14 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased the Grand Vitara Limited V6, the salesman advised me that the premium audio system was XM ready and had an interactive IPOD device to show songs, etc. on the screen. When I got it home, I discovered that neither was included, and that the "premium" stereo system sounded like an old transistor radio even at low volume. I am disappointed in this feature of the otherwise nice vehicle. I wish I would have known this ahead of time because this is an extremely important function to me, especially since that is why I purchased the Limited Edition in the first place.

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  My Little Tomato - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By little red tomato - October 9 - 6:56 pm

  I like my little red tomato. Its great on gas, I went from Patchogue to Riverhead everyday and it costs me $20 - $25 filling at 1/4 tank, depending on the gas prices for the week. For the price its a good car, I havent had any problems.

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  Practical Fun - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By Ellesmere - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchaced the Aerio one week ago. Very sporty car with lots of internal storage and space. Handling is a little wobbly, probably due to the height and light steering. Transmission shifts very well and the cockpit is remarkably quiet. Have found some vibrations when going over bumps, that I will need to get fixed.

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  First New Car and a Joy to Drive - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By Richard E Gugula II - October 4 - 4:53 am

  My Suzuki Forenza purchase so far has been a joy. I got a good deal on it and am impressed at both how nice the car was on the inside and how cool it looked on the outside. I havent had a single problem with the car, save for the constant stops at the pump. With recent hurricanes making gas lines long here in south Florida, having a 300 mile limit on a tank stinks. Another selling factor had to do with the insurance rate that I recieved from AIG. Full coverage on a financed vehicle for a 21 year old male was actually cheaper than minimum coverage on my previous 2002 Mazda, which is very cool.