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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  AERIO SX - 2002 Suzuki Aerio
  By 456 - January 30 - 1:06 am

  GREAT VEHICLE, LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, HANDLES WELL, LOTS OF ROOM FOR HAULING, PLUS IT TURNS A LOT OF HEADS GOING DOWN THE STREET. THIS IS MY SECOND SUZUKI THE OTHER ONE ONLY NEEDED OIL CHANGES AND TIRE ROTATIONS.

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  My first foreign car! - 2008 Suzuki Forenza
  By s.d. - January 29 - 10:00 pm

  Hey, this is my first foreign car. I was drawn in to the show room for the price advertised. I traded in a 2004 pontiac sunfire. I can tell you, after driving a mitsibishi at work, american cars stink. This car is alot like the mit,and I really like it. The gas milage is fine, pleny of room in car and trunk, rides smooth, I have no problem at all with the acceleration. Not used to the zig zag on the stick, but Im ok with it now.Great lights inside, no way to lock yourself out,latch for gas cap,soft interior,MP3 is great,stereo sounds awesome,did not like the 100.00 for mats,tight over bumps, would have liked nicer rims, power windows are super fast, has the lock for window control,heated mirrors

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  Nice Car - 2005 Suzuki Verona
  By STY - January 27 - 1:03 am

  Great Car for the $$

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  Nice little car - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By eddiethefish - January 23 - 1:26 am

  Getting 26 mpg in town, 32 mpg on freeway. Has plenty of power once you get momentum up, but is kind of gutless starting from stoplight up a hill. Nice tight feel to steering wheel. Has short turning radius. Plenty of room for a large size driver. Fun to drive in town. Nice commuter car, but would not like to drive it cross country.

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  so far so good - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By tango123ny - January 22 - 2:00 am

  excellent power and fuel consumption for awd. 155 horses feels good under the hood and the ride is comfortably stiff. The styling is a standout, unique and sporty. Great warranty and easy maintenance schedule.

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  very good car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By jancope - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive. lots of extras you have to pay for in the Matrix , 6 cd changer, out side temp monotor.Lots and lots of room to carry things.

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  tough suv - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By GDJ - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We shopped a long time before deciding on the XL-7 I had gone on the Edmonds site... earlier models seemed to be very reliable and I have had no problems. This is a handsome SUV that will impress when your in a snowy environment.

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  Stone-axe dependable - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By Tom Merrill - January 18 - 3:13 pm

  I grew up riding and racing Suzuki motorcycles and other than basic maintenance found them very reliable, fast and fun. When my wife and I could no longer stand being a one car family, and the monthly payment on our Honda mini-van was becoming unbearable, we went shopping. Id been keeping my eye on the Suzuki automobile offerings for the previous year or two and was quite smitten with the unique styling, AWD, fully loaded Suzuki Aerio SX wagon. We shopped around and bought two AWD Aerios which drive great (especially in the snow) can carry alot and, just as I found with their motorcycles, very reliable. Gas prices? I drive just as much as I please, loving my Suzuki, in any weather. We dig our Suzukis!

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  2006 XL7 My first SUV - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Allisha - January 17 - 8:53 pm

  I just bought my XL7 less than a year ago, and the single CD player doesnt work, I have had my rotors "shaved" 2x, and my brake pads are completely wore down, and I am a very light braker! Im confused with the OD button on the side of my shifter. This was the last car on the lot that I saw but once I jumped in, I knew I wanted it. Not a big fan of the wood trim in the car, but it does have style and thats what grabbed my attention. The gas is gone quite fast, but overall I would definitely buy another one although Im having so many issues with this one. Its very reliable, and I trust the strength having my kids inside. I have filled this truck up with lots of people and lots of boxes.

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  Not impressed - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By lugster - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car purchase.6 months later,started having problems w/ transmission.1st-Replaced parts,2nd- entire trans.assembly,& on way the way home from service dept.had problems w/ 5th gear(all under warranty).Dont know if problems are Suzuki related or service dept. related,b/c service dept.is not reliable and provides the worst customer service I have ever experienced--have not contacted us in 3 months with issues we have brought 2 their attention(the service manager drove the car w/5th gear prob.!)Think the interior plastic is very poor quality & scratches easily.Feel like if keep the car long-term, it will fall apart very early.