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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  Good commuter for young drivers. - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By alessing - April 19 - 10:06 am

  I had this car for a few years and never really had problems with it. Like others the airbag light came on but that was its ONLY problem. I wont complain about power because if I wanted power I couldve bought something else. It was perfect for what I needed, something inexpensive, mildly efficient, reliable, and simple. This was perfect.

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  Airbags did not work on impact - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By D Ybarra - April 11 - 11:03 am

  I got hit by a person driving a Chev Tahoe on my passenger side and got pushed into the highway concrete barrier. I got some stiches, cuts and bruises. Had to be cut out of car with the jaws of life. Interesting thing and concern was that none of the front airbags or seat side airbags deployed.

• 

  Good buy - 2000 Suzuki Esteem
  By pmohan - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought it second hand from the dealer- one year old with 20K for $6000.00. Have been pleasantly surprised- very nifty, tight in cornering and excellent fuel use (>30 mpg/gallon). Love the room at the back with seats folded. No mechanical problems yet !

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  Topless in Tri-Cities Washington - 1999 Suzuki Vitara
  By Topless in Tri-City - April 7 - 2:16 am

  This is a rather tinny little car but its sharp looking particularly once you get rid of the boring wheels it comes with. This is our "summer" car, and its got that season written all over it. Absolutely fun to ride in! Ours has the small motor - not powerfull - but adequote with the stick tranny. I like working on my own vehicles; everything is accessible and in plain view! Be carefull on the highway - I suspect this thing could roll if turned very sharply. Good brakes, smooth runner. We doubt well ever get rid of it! Weve had it for three years. If you buy a newer one still under warranty, be warned, Suzuki does not honor expired warranties, even if they are just one mile over!

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  What are you doing - 2001 Suzuki Esteem
  By richdaddy123 - April 3 - 4:43 pm

  I dont know what the other reviewers are doing to their cars, maybe abusing them, but I have had nothing go wrong with this car whatsoever. My parents had this same car (wagon version) and they had no troubles either. This is not a hot rod car. Its a car to get around town, and it does that very well. By the way, my parents were so impressed with the Esteem, when they traded it in they bought another Suzuki, and have had no trouble with it either.

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  Suzuki XL-7 4X4 still running - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By pcabral - April 1 - 10:20 am

  Aside from the breaks, exhaust, tires, tie rods,balljoints and wear and tear items this rig has pulled a 3000 lbs. boat w/trailer and transported our family around for 239000 with original transmission and rear end. The engine was replaced due to a mishap with the "fast oil change place"not tightening down the oil plug, so My replacement engine has 50,000 less than the body and purrs like a cat.Self-adjusting timimg chain and all. Love this beast, and 22 mpg with 4x4 capable is an awsome value for reliable and capable travel. Keep an eye on the rust especially the frame and treat it early. This rig is a one owner (13 years) and I dont look forward to getting rid of it.

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  SX4 Sport - Long Term - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By talisman - April 1 - 7:20 am

  My Ocean Blue SX4 Sport now has 16000 miles. Its been very comfortable, fairly reliable, and still gets looks and compliments on its styling. Rear seat needs to fold down. At first, I thought that the trunk was huge, but the lack of a fold-down rear seat is a huge pain. Rear seat legroom is tight, and you will need BOTH hands on the wheel on windy days. The car is very sensitive to crosswinds, especially at high speeds. Fuel mileage has averaged 26.7 mpg in mostly interstate driving, which is good, not great.

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  Great little vehicle - 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By F. LaRock - March 29 - 8:36 pm

  I purchased my 2004 Grand Vitara LX in Feb 09 and is the first actual 4 wheel drive Ive ever owned. I have driven over 15,000 since Feb 09 with absolutely no problems. Car was in excellent condition and I was the 2nd owner and received the remainder of the 7 yr/100K warranty. Vehicle performs excellent here in the winter (U.P.of Michigan) and wouldnt trade it for the world. (Gotta put in a plug for Northway Auto in Rhinelander, WI. Great no-pressure sales and very honest. Had my vehicle in top condition at purchase; even replaced radio with brand new one, replaced all brakes and discs and serpentine belt and produced all docs of proof. Will definitely buy there again and will recommend.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Tina G - March 19 - 3:30 pm

  Ive had my Suzuki XL7 for 7 years and have put 223,000 miles on it. In that time, Ive only had one minor repair! The body has held up as well as the engine. This car is comfortable, looks great and is the most reliable car Ive ever owned. Hoping to get another 100,000 reliable miles out of it :)

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  Good SUV for its size and price - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By William Epperly - March 10 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle 2 weeks ago, and we are mostly satisfied. The biggest issue we had was that the cargo area cover does NOT snap out easily as stated in the owners manual, we actually had to break ours to get it out. Also, the rattle from the back door that someone else mentioned is annoying at times. Otherwise, the Grand Vitara is a great vehicle!