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 value - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By cuttter - February 18 - 9:30 am

  Fun to drive, nice looking, good interior space, moon roof, nice sound system. Very good value for the money. I looked at several SUVs in the same price range and this one beat them all by far.

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  Durable but Needs to have a Better Ride - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Trish - February 15 - 10:10 pm

  I enjoy driving my XL-7 around town but do not like taking it on long trips due to the rough ride. The ride is very bumpy and uncomfortable. I read that the 07 model will have a smoother ride. If thats the case I wouldnt hesitate to consider purchasing one. The price and warranty are good. Its reliability is good. I have not had any problems.

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  Beware! - It May Not Start - 2006 Suzuki Forenza
  By ShenValleyGirl - February 13 - 7:40 am

  If you’re considering buying a Suzuki Forenza, test drive it more than once. “Beware” of the Intermittent "no start" problems occurring on many 2006 models. The A/C output is not good nor is the acceleration. If you’re 5’8" or taller, you may find it’s a bit difficult to get in and out of, especially when wearing high heels. I bought mine in late May, had it all of 7 days and190 miles before the “no start” problem occurred. In fact, it happened two days in a row. I took it back to the dealership (35 miles from my home) for diagnosis and repair after the second incident. I thought the first one was just a fluke. It was there 7 days. I have it back now and the engine revs high and idles rough every morning.

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  Kooky looks, but proves itself. - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By maxandcassiesdad - February 12 - 10:03 am

  I picked this car up with 87,000 on it. It was cheap, and I needed a second car, that was small, economical, and a hatchback. We take our Shepherd and Boxer with us, ALOT!. I didnt give too much thought to it when I found it, except that it was in good shape, was a hatchback, and had a/c (we live in Florida). To my surprise, Ive found this little car to be a real trooper. Strange looking, yes, and it does garner strange looks from passer-bys, but, the fold down rear seats, high roof line and enormous front doors have been much appreciated. We are not small people, Im 6, partner is 64", and getting in and out is a breeze. Headroom is fantastic. Its been very reliable too. Good bargain.

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  OK vehicle - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Kurt - February 11 - 11:06 am

  SX4 is a decent vehicle. Build quality is good,ride is OK. Power isnt very good so we have a lot of 1st gear hills around us. Its not a high end vehicle but for the price its servicable.

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  LOVE IT!! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By tyjames13 - February 10 - 9:36 am

  iv had my grand vitara for about a year now and im very happy i bought it. When i first bought it the headlights were dual but i bought new sylvania head lights and they work great. love the AWD love turning corners way to fast! engine looks and sound great. im always getting complements on how it looks as well. i take it off roading pretty frequently and she loves it. my grand vitara now has 65,000 miles on it and still runs like brand new! i also love the leather, heated seats and moon roof, makes driving my car more fun..i have had a couple cars before, a 2002 chevy trailblazer LTZ, a 2006 toyota highlander, a 2008 hyundia elantra and now my suzuki. im 19 years old and im in love with it

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  2006 Grand Vitara - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By KZ - February 7 - 5:13 am

  The Grand Vitara has great handling, pickup speed, is roomy, it is really fun to drive with all the comforts of a luxury vehicle. The downside is that its a gas hog.

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  Best Kept Secret - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By bannondorf - February 6 - 2:31 am

  I have owned this vehicle for three months now and can say it is probably the best kept secret in the car industry. Safer than a Volvo, as or more responsive and sporty than a BMW or Audi and much less expensive than any of those. For being the best selling car in Japan I am surprised no one in America has ever heard of it, likely do to a non-existent ad campaign. Great Warranty, Fun to drive, turns heads everywhere I go. The quality of the build, fit, finish and all the little details and gadgets Suzuki included are impressive. This car is defiantly worth a test drive even if your looking at its more expensive European cousins exclusively.

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  Great Little Car - 2004 Suzuki Aerio
  By luvmysuzuki - February 4 - 9:16 pm

  After an accident rendered my wifes Escort undriveable we decided to replace it with something just as economical but we wanted something with a little more pizzaz.We didnt have a lot of money to spend so the Corollas and Civics were priced out of our range.We briefly considered a Hyundai or Kia but just didnt get the warm fuzzy feeling with them.As soon as we sat in the Aerio we were hooked.The headroom is massive (enough to accomodate a six foot tall person with inches to spare).There are more standard features on this car than you can shake a stick at (AC,6 disc CD,PW,PDL and heated mirrors are standard!).We average almost 30 MPG and as far as power....Buckle up and hang on!!!

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  A Life Saver - 2003 Suzuki Aerio
  By becky03 - February 2 - 12:45 am

  I have been hit by 13 deer while driving this car. It has had its front bumper. hood and either fender replaced atleast 8-9 times. A racoon took out the front bumper once...The body could be of better material. The rest inside and out is original. After all this I have not been hurt and it is still running. 200,000 miles and all I have done is changed the oil regularly, the occasional alignment, new tires and just had the radiator flushed. Drove it 1800 miles to see family and am driving it back those 1800 miles. I expect to get another 100,000 miles.