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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  WOW - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By Jason Doyle - March 12 - 9:30 am

  I really dislike this car. It has power underneath the hood, I cant deny, and I am aware of the cars age. However, I have had this car for half of a year and have spent over $1,000 replacing and fixing parts that my dealer should have himself. The sunroof and heated leather are quite nice, but this car is noisy and is in no way a smooth ride. I was generous with the review I left, and I am in a hurry to get myself out of this vehicle and situation. It may just be the very unreliable and deceitful dealer I purchased this from (Autoworld of Conway, SC).

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  Excellent SUV for any situation Simple b - 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
  By Carlos Ramos - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Increadible SUV The best SUV like this nothing Great For jumps sand montanins on the beach and carrier jet ski

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  Disappointed - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Sandra Andrade - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Loved my Grand Vitara when I bought it new. Now have 65K+ miles on it, have replaced a headlight bulb, dome bulb has burned out, replaced tires at 40K miles, 3 recalls, and recently power steering rack had to be replaced. Had to replace strut mount bearings as well. It also smells musty every time it rains, but cannot find where any water is coming in. Would not buy another Suzuki. Owned a 1995 Suzuki Sidekick for 4 years, and absolutely loved it, no problems at all. Disappointed in my Grand Vitara. Road noise is also very loud..seems to get worse as miles are added to vehicle.

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  Good snow car but rattles - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By mountainlife - March 6 - 4:50 am

  This is the second Suzuki I have owned. The first one (Sidekick) was tough as nails and very reliable. We put over 100k tough miles on it with virtual no repairs. I hope the same for this one. The engine takes a while to break in and I have noticed an increase in mileage and performance after ~20k miles. It is not quick but will pull the 10 mile grade up to my house with the cruise on and set to 70 mph. I live in the mountains and it really snows up here. The factory tires were terrible and wore out quickly. I replaced them with Michelins which are great. The car rides and handles great but it has several rattles after one year. For the money it is a good buy but I just hate rattles.

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  Great Car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By rcopa1 - March 5 - 12:54 pm

  This is a great little car. I waited to write a review until i had the car for a while, about 5 months now. Each day i bond with it a little more. It handles & rides great. It really feels like a european auto. I can see where a V6 would take it to a whole other level but am amazed at the effortless power when passing on the highway. When i think im doing 60 Im usually doing 80. They really covered their bases with every comfort detail no matter how small. To sum it up i would say i feel "smart" in buying this car. So much car for so little money. I have to chuckle when i think people are buying in droves Camarys, Accords, Jettas in droves - BORING.

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  Suzuki - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By fredman - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall pretty good. Ride is very harsh in cold weather, more tolerable in warm. After 14,500 miles, dash rattles a little. Paint job still looks new. Rest of vehicle is solid. Never been off road. Very little highway miles.

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  What a terrific surprise! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By tigerbangs54 - March 1 - 8:08 am

  Picked up a new Kizashi SE AWD recently, and was very impressed with all the features, but what really got me was the solidity of the chassis and the road-holding. This car feels as if it was carved out of a block of marble: the ride is Euro-firm, but never uncomfortable, and soaks up big bumps amazingly well. It seems to have endless cornering grip: virtually no trace of understeer. The interior is a cut above cars in this price range, with lots of nice soft-touch materials, tight fits, and excellent room for a big-and tall driver and passenger. Its quiet except during hard acceleration, but what engine noise there is sounds pretty sporty to me. Lots of content for the money, too!

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  Best test-drive yet - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Bazman - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I am still looking around, but from the three cars that I have test driven, Matrix, Elantra, and Forenza, the Forenza made it out ahead. I cant speak much for the fuel economy or reliability on this model personally, but I can say this: Forenza is roomy, handles well, great interiors, very nice exteriors, and a great price. Listen, the toyotas are nice, but their sales volume is not giving them much to work hard or be nice with me. The elantra may be a little cheaper but the Forenza handles well. I would definitely recommend buying this while it is costing less.

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  Not too Shabby - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By tiffany - February 25 - 11:30 pm

  I bought this car new after months of looking online at CPO / used cars. I actually got it for well below invoice price, which was one major reason that I purchased it. I am pleasantly surprised by the quality and performance of it. The interior is simple yet stylish, and has plenty of room. The exterior is a sleek, European hatchback look. There are great features included for the price. I am actually pretty happy with my purchase. The only thing I am disappointed in is the fuel economy. A car this small should be able to get more than 22 mpg (city). My 03 Honda Civic gets 29 mpg.

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  My Suzuki is the worst purchase ever - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By dawn martin - February 19 - 5:56 am

  My Suzuki Aerio is not even two years old. and we have had it in the shop 8 times now. We are talking major stuff here. The transmission has been changed,along with the head and new pistons. The front axle fell out while my husband was on the interstate. We had the car one month and it went in the shop for the first time. My advice, dont buy this car. We are being told there is nothing we can do about the car. This was by the district manager.