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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  2005 Suzuki Forenza S - 2005 Suzuki Forenza
  By sam culp - December 26 - 6:06 am

  The 2005 Suzuki Forenza S is a solid car, it has good handling, nice interior features, which are unexpected at this price. It beat Hondas price by $6,000. It is fun to drive, but most importantly, it does not rattle or creak. The engine is set back from the front of the engine compartment, so there is less damage to the engine in the event of an accident. This car is a good value!

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  poor value - 2007 Suzuki Forenza
  By chatpaltam - December 22 - 6:14 am

  bought brand new 2007 in march of 2008. the air condition sucks. the dealer even recharged it Its garage kept. I dont drive in snow and ice Ive yet to pay this car off , and there is surface rust on the roof and door. the paint job is very poor. the very first time i took it to a auto car wash, swirl marks got all over it. now I always hand wash . the gate is heavy hard to open and close. this car has no cruise control. i assumed was on all cars now. that would have been a deal breaker. its tiring to drive when on trips longer than 45 min. stiff petal. road noise is loud, the radio has to be turned up the tailgate latch twice screwed up. uncomfortable seats

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  The "Zuki" rocks for the price - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By zukirocks - December 17 - 1:16 pm

  Needed a tow-car for the new RV. Not a huge listing of vehicles that can be towed all 4-wheels on the ground. Looked at the Honda CR-V, Saturn VUE and the Grand Vitara. Loved the idea that we could get a 4WD tow vehicle. Inspected all and by far the Suzuki gave us the most goodies for the dollars. I love the smartkey, the streamlined lay-out of the dash, different lighting in console, auto climate control (south Texas gets hot!) Fun to drive, very responsive. Not sure on the reliability yet. Havent had it long enough to gauge mileage. Know its not as good as the CR-V, but it has so many more features, we can certainly live with it. Looks to be a great little vehicle!

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  suzuli xl 7 201 lease - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By alan burda - December 17 - 2:00 am

  good reliable trusk leased it in oct 2000 its a 2001 model not one problem has 16,000 miles now got me out of snow conditions with no problem

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  My First New Car - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By RJL - December 16 - 4:33 pm

  I just bought a 2006 Suzuki Aerio Premium and I love it! Its so easy to handle. Its a perfect little car to keep me on the go.

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  Good Quality for the money - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By allyoop1982 - December 16 - 12:43 am

  I love this car. It drives great especially in the snow. Mileage is pretty accurate to the sticker. Very comfortable for a small car.

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  not impressed - 2004 Suzuki Forenza
  By sad owner - December 11 - 7:13 pm

  I had a 100,000 mile or 7 year warranty. Right after 100,00 miles everything broke! I have to get new struts on all 4 wheels, new wheel bearings, the electrical is bad and the cigarette lighter is broken, Its going to cost thousands to repair, and of course not under warranty anymore.

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  93k and still going - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Tom - December 7 - 7:26 pm

  Clock turned 93k and still going. 5 speed manual tranny and still same clutch. Love the truck, takes a beating and still ticking. Live in NYC, bad roads etc. Still solid. Blew a wheel bearing at 90k (bad roads) quick repair cheap (not at the dealer). Too bad they had to ruin it with the 08 models. They had a good SUV at a good price. Hope mine lasts another 5 years.

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  sturdy,fun suv - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By paula k - December 6 - 10:00 am

  this is a sturdy, well equipped VERY comfortable SUV. Drives like a car, but very Safe feeling on highway. Good gas mileage for a heavy truck. Most comfortable seats (I have a bad back)I have found anywhere. Cant find a better deal for the money anywhere.

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  Love my Red Zuki - 2006 Suzuki Aerio
  By kmw - December 4 - 1:33 pm

  The Aerio is a great car to drive. I have had it for almost a year with no problems. It is a cute commuter car with a suprising amount of room. I have loaded everything into it including my new range in the box. I traded my big SUV for this car and love it.