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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  love the truck - 2012 Suzuki Equator
  By davis2417 - March 14 - 1:33 pm

  i just bought the zuk a month ago have 1000 miles on it i agree gas milage is not that great but i am used to driving a civic. i am getting 17.5 mpg an i have the 4.0l v6 it has plenty of power you could ever ask for. got more features for less money over the nissan frontier and it looks better. i get alot of comments on how well it looks. feels like you are driving a full size truck with better fuel milage than the big v8 in those and with the big tires you have plenty of ground clearnce. interior is laid out very well everything is conviently laid out an well planed with plenty of storage. it is a nissan that looks better has better warranty and price.got to take a look if buying a new trk

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  The Best Small SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By RUBEN HERNANDEZ - March 14 - 12:20 pm

  I test drove five other similar vehicles, and was very impress with the Suzuki Grand Vitara. I have been a Suzuki owner for five years and believe this is the best vehicle Suzuki has put together. Congrats Suzuki.

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  Buy 2 His and Hers - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Suncoast Great - March 13 - 2:43 am

  It has never given us any problems. I did have to replace both low beams over the past 3 years, other than that nothing. Had to replace tires, but thats normal for any vehicle. Compared to the GM very affordable. We Love it...Id buy another one in a heart beat!

• 

  Must Have - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By car fan - March 9 - 5:46 am

  This car is great with all the standard features you get. The only thing I wish I had gotten is cruise control, but its OK without it. This car gets great gas mileage, 30 mpg on the highway. The car is great inside and out. I didnt really want this car. but now that I have it I love drivng it. I took it out of town and it is a great car to travel in. It is so comfordable and everything. The steering is tight.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Phil Dee - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for a smaller SUV that would move more than 5 people occasionally. This has worked just as we had expected. Its not built to be the big 7 passenger SUV - it works for a mix of adults & kids. The ride is great and the features more than adequate, all for a reasonable price! It might not be suitable for larger people, but its exactly what we were looking for.

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  good car watch resale value - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By belden - March 5 - 8:00 pm

  Have enjoyed this car. Moves well although not so fast at picking up speed and up major hills works hard. Winshield defrost is not so good. The left and right sides of windshiel do not defrost well. Usually have to scrape when frosted. Side mirrors not too stable, jiggle in the wind. Overall, decent car if you can get at a decent price.

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  a great car! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By happy with it - March 4 - 11:03 am

  I bought my SX4 new almost 2 years ago. I love this car! Compared to other vehicles I have owned, the gas mileage is good. I like the AWD. It comes in handy. Knock on wood, I have not had any problems with it. It now has over 25,000 miles and it is still running great! You really feel like you are driving an SUV. There is alot of head room. I would recommend this car to anyone! Its a great buy!

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  Suzuki Could Have Done Better - 2004 Suzuki Verona
  By dreird - March 3 - 6:06 am

  I have made many, many trips to the dealer for numerous mechanical problems with my Verona. I tried different dealers, but they all were just parts changers. They changed the front end bushings, bearings twice, computer, and O2 sensors three times. I have had too many problems to write about here.

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  Why oh Why Verona - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By Jessi - March 2 - 12:20 pm

  Ive had my 2005 Verona for a few years. Like a few other owners my air bag light came on shortly after i brought her home. Its still on today. I had no problems with this car until the 100k mile mark. At the present time my car is parked, and I cant drive as there is something terribly wrong with it. I lose oil and anti-freeze but nothing is ever found on the ground. So i guess until I figure out the issue Ill continue to wonder why oh why I bought my Verona.

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  Best Buy for the Money - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Skidney - February 26 - 4:36 pm

  I bought this vehicle new in 2001 and I have had no problems with it. It is the absolute best buy in the class. It has real 4x4, 3,000 lbs. towing, dual A/C, and third row seating for the same price of a CR-V or a RAV4. I have towed a 2,800 lb. camper with success (mountains were a little stressful).