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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  Rating new 2006 Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Rick Humphers - June 11 - 1:30 pm

  I am toatally happy with my purchase of the new 2006 Grand Vitara built by Suzuki. It is very comfortable and has excellent looks. The SUV can get up and move with its V6 engine when it needs to, yet the mileage seems to be a little better than acceptable. The only problem I have had is that the radio (built by Clarion) needed to be replaced and back center seat belt does not retract properly and had to be replaced. But the warranty is taking care of both those items.

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  227,000 miles and still kicking - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By cmerrell - June 10 - 7:56 am

  Car is excellent, it just keeps going even after 227,000+ miles.The ride is smooth and quiet. I keep running into owners with the same year and model and theyre all boasting high mileage with little problems. 100,000 miles ago I had a problem with one side of the catalytic converter. The cost, $900, never got the other side done. Other repairs:power windows, a heating element, freon for the AC. I never had a tuneup, transmission flush, or any maintenance, just regular oil changes. The only thing I dont like is the 17/20/mpg cost because I drive an average of 20,000 miles a year, there is no icon that reminds you gas is low (ran out several times), and now a slow oil leak -2qts a month.

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  Love my car - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By Tragar - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I have been searching for an affordable vehicle for the past two months. Most of the time if a car was affordable you would be driving a box. The Hyundai Elantra made me feel claustrophobic. When I took the Forenza for a test drive I knew that it was the right vehicle for me. It is roomy and classy at the same time with a great price tag. My last vehicle was a Toyota Camry so you know that I already had high expectations.

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  Good Bang for Your Buck - 2005 Suzuki Aerio
  By AL - June 7 - 5:36 pm

  Overall, this car is excellent for its price. It sure has power and can haul some butt on the road. At first, you may not expect it to be too great for being a new car on the market, but try it and youll end up liking it.

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  Some Quirks - 2006 Suzuki Reno
  By Good & Bad - June 6 - 6:43 pm

  To start, let me say I really do love this car. But, it has had many problems that make it annoying at times. I had the problem with it not starting for the 1st 6mo I had it-the dealership could never fix it but it stopped happening. Then I had an airflow problem (scary)- The tires wore out (low profile)at 24000. And, Ive had non-stop issues with the airbag sensor, that they just cant seem to fix. I was just told that it would probably need a new Serp. belt soon. But, the car is fun to drive, sporty, decent on mpg. MPG could be better for a car this size, but Its better than an SUV! If you know how to drive the automatic as a manual (as you can in this car) really gets up and goes.

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  Womans view point - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By C Porter - June 4 - 7:26 am

  I enjoy how it handles and the interior storage for five person seating. I was very pleased with the space and comfort on long trips. The seats are firm, providing good support for the legs, seat and back on short as well as distance trips. I was pleased with braking in emergency conditions.

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  I LOVE my little black rocket! - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Rob Merz - June 1 - 9:46 pm

  I was quite torn as to what to buy. I looked at the KIA Soul, the MItsubishi Eclipse, the Subaru legacy, and the Suzuki sx4. First, lets prface this with, I know the eclipse is a whole different type of car. The Soul was very nice, drove nice, and had lots of options, but was just a bit too funky for my taste. the Subarus are nice too, but for far less money i was able to get the AWD suzuki. I fell in love with it at first sight! Mine has custom leather interior, carbon graphite accents, body moldings and custom wheels, so it looks different from the run of the mill Suzuki, but even the plain version is a kick to drive! Ive had it for over a week, and still look forward to driving it!

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  used 04 aerio - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By gamb99 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  just bought used aerio sx and drove it 3,000 miles. loved it !! handled the mountains with ease, comfortable and smooth.

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  Pearl White XL7 Limited - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Captain Wade - May 17 - 10:00 am

  With 5800 miles under my belt I have to say the XL7 is a great car. I have the Limited package that makes the car look like a $40K SUV. Everyone laughs when I tell them its a Suzuki, they dont believe itme Full leather, sun roof power everything. And the extra room the XL has is great. I just brought home two 60 inch beches for my boat. One in the cargo area and on on the roof with the optional racks attached. Let me see a RAV4 or even the new KIA pull that one off. And 7 seats to beet! The longer wheel base really helps the ride a well. Definately worth a second look. Captain Wade

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  Very Good Car So Far - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By suzukisok - May 17 - 2:10 am

  The poor Forenza takes so much abuse. I dont doubt that these problems do indeed exist for its owners but I have had only two problems with mine. The CD player usually takes 10-15 insertions before it will play. This is the second one and it is as bad or worse than the first. It was replaced under warranty. The second problem is an erratic idle. Sometimes it will idle at 2,000+ RPMs at start-up or even after driving on the freeway and exiting, but I found a fix for this 98% of the time. At 15+ MPH come to a HARD stop (no skid) and wait 3-4 seconds. Why does this work? I have no clue. Otherwise I have has no problems. Also, performance tires make a HUGE improvement in the handling. I love mine.